Do we need someone to watch home?

[kansasrph]

We just closed on our home 10/18/16 and are going back to Kansas to sell other home. We will be gone Nov and Dec. There is no furniture in new home and have handled all maintenance as far as pest control and lawn care. Do we need to hire someone to watch our home for 2 months? How about inside the home like flush toilets occasionally? If so, any recommendations as to who can provide this service? Thank you.

[l2ridehd]

I think you do. There are to many things that can happen to a vacant home for two months. A water line breaks, the AC or heat fails, a toilet runs, someone breaks in and steals the appliances, bugs, bird flies into window and breaks it, etc. All of those things do sometimes happen. Not likely, but for a hundred $$ you can have someone check it every week for a couple months.

Contact Redwitch on this forum, she does home watch and is very reliable.

[retiredguy123]

I would recommend turning off the water in the house. A water leak can destroy a house. Having someone flush the toilets is an especially bad idea because toilets are where most leaks occur. The irrigation water is a separate system that can be left on.

[Kahuna32162]

by the way Dee's (redwitch) number is 352 630-3190. we used her after closing until we moved in, about 4 months, and she was very good. Also very knowledgeable about the best people to use for contractors and services.

[jblum315]

Redwitch phone 352-630-3190

[Phanatic Luvr]

I would recommend turning off the water in the house. A water leak can destroy a house. Having someone flush the toilets is an especially bad idea because toilets are where most leaks occur. The irrigation water is a separate system that can be left on.

I truly feel this is a bad recommendation...to not have someone flush the toilets. Yes, you do need to turn your main water off and if you are going to do that, you also need to turn your hot water heater and your ice maker off. A good home watch person will turn your main water on and off each time they come by, You should hire a home watch service, as I have seen, especially in new homes, things that can happen. You should also have your irrigation checked, to be sure it is running at the correct times now that the weather is not so intense.

[billethkid]

If you have the time, investing in a security system (many do it yourself types available).

Or even minimally get the signs/window stickers stating security system on the premises. Many security system providers state the signage as one of the most effective elements of their system.

[retiredguy123]

Most of the new houses in The Villages sit for months and often for more than a year without the toilets being flushed after construction. The main water valve is designed for occasional use and I don't think it is a good idea to have someone turn it on and off every week. Also, every time you turn it on, you will get increased pressure caused by air in the water system that can shock the system and possible cause a leak somewhere.

[asianthree]

Most of the new houses in The Villages sit for months and often for more than a year without the toilets being flushed after construction. The main water valve is designed for occasional use and I don't think it is a good idea to have someone turn it on and off every week. Also, every time you turn it on, you will get increased pressure caused by air in the water system that can shock the system and possible cause a leak somewhere.

We have always had a home watch person since we bought our first house in 2010. The only way that you know that there is an issue with water as to turn it on and check the faucets and toilets. We have never had an issue with the water being turned on and off every week. It's been six years with our first house and due to having a home watch person things were caught quickly. Had a problem with our AC that froze up. Our home was new at the time. Yes warranty Department would have taken care of it however it was caught quickly instead of waiting months until we got back. We would've ended up having mold and extreme issues because of the AC freezing up. Your homewatch is your best friend for $50 or less a month you can sleep better at night.you've invested a lot of dollars into your new retirement home why try to save a few dollars for a few months and take a chance.

[Toymeister]

This may not be the cheapest option but it offers other benefits. Install home a automation system. I have a touch code lock once it is activated by home watch 2 things happen: I get a text (or email) and the water is turned on. I have water leak detectors as well. The water valve is designed for 10,000 on off cycles. The system is on battery back up.

I can change the temperature of the home, shut off the water heater, alarm it, shut off ceiling fans or lights. I can see 24/7 the status of the home. I know the humidity right now, if the garage door is open. No subscription required. Many brands are available, it is called z-wave, a type of home automation. No I don't install or sell it. Amazon has books on it.