5 Ways to Protect an Unoccupied Home

Sometimes, buying a new home and selling the old one do not happen at the same time. In this case, you might have to leave your home unoccupied until it sells, which leaves it vulnerable to vandalism, fires, and other hazards. If your home remains unoccupied for several weeks, months, or even years, follow these five tips to protect it.

1. Have all systems evaluated.

Your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems should be inspected before you leave the home. If any components are old or unreliable, have them replaced so they do not cause damage to the property (such as floods or fires) while it is unattended. It is also a good idea to have your home inspected for pests, such as termites, to prevent growing infestations.

2. Install an alarm system.

A home alarm system will protect your vacant property from vandalism, theft, and other crimes to which it might otherwise fall victim. Installing an alarm that is monitored by the alarm company can also reduce rates for vacant building insurance. Security cameras and lights equipped with motion sensors also benefit a vacant property, as do lights equipped with timers indoors to simulate the presence of a human being.



3. Maintain an appropriate temperature.

It is not a good idea to have electrical or natural gas service disconnected at a vacant home. Extreme temperatures can freeze pipes, encourage mold, and result in a number of other hazards that might destroy or devalue your property. Set the thermostat to an appropriate temperature to prevent problems, then revisit the home as the seasons change to adjust the temperature appropriately.

4. Make friends with neighbors.

The neighbors around your unoccupied home might be able to alert you to any problems they see. Provide them with contact information as well as for the company through which you have purchased vacant building insurance. If you know them well, provide them with a key so they can access the property in an emergency.

5. Purchase Vacant Building Insurance

Installing high-quality locks on all doors and windows can greatly enhance the security on a vacant property. However, they won't prevent all potential hazards, so consider a vacant building insurance quote policy to protect your finances in the event of a problem.

Vacant building insurance is designed to help you recover from damage to the property, whether it is caused by vandals, the weather, or other circumstances. Remember that a vacant building is much different from an occupied one, and requires special attention from your insurance agent.