10 things to do before opening your secondary home this summer

As the weather warms up, you may be anxious to start relaxing at your holiday home by the beach or in the country. To make the most of your time there this summer, be sure to take a few steps now to open up your property efficiently, ensure that it’s in good shape, and that you and your family will be protected during your stay.

If disconnected, call the local utility and internet companies and have your services turned back on. Set up lawn, pool, and garbage service, if needed.

Make sure your boating registration is up to date and, if you need help putting your boat in the marina, schedule help as soon as possible. Most people will want to get their boats back in the water around the same time, so help may be hard to come by.

Meals, gatherings, and private time are nearly always better on the deck when the weather is nice. So, make sure yours will hold up throughout the summer. Closely inspect it for rotten boards or other types of winter damage and replace any boards or parts that aren’t in good shape.

Change the batteries in your smoke detectors and test them out to make sure they’re working correctly.

Animals are often attracted to electrical cords and wires and can cause a lot of damage by chewing them. Replace any electrical cables that are frayed or damaged in any way.

Having insurance on your watercraft helps protect it and you (and your family and guests) in case something happens. You may also want to make sure you have enough liability insurance, in case someone else gets injured on your property or using your equipment or toys.

Even if you turned off your water over the winter, now is a good time to check your water-using appliances, pipes, and taps for cracks, damage, or leaks, and repair anything that isn’t in good condition.

Nothing spoils summer fun like a leaking roof or mice in the house. Inspect the roof and outside of the house for any damage it sustained from weather, falling tree limbs, or animals over the months you were away, and make any repairs needed.

If you hire a property manager to look out for your holiday home while you’re not there, have him or her bring you up to speed on any happenings since you last visited the property.