subject: Maintaining Your Perfect New York Vacation Home [print this page] Maintaining Your Perfect New York Vacation Home
Cleaning Your New York Vacation Home
Tips on Maintaining Your New York Second Home from Opening to Closing. Most New Yorkers are too consumed with their day-to-day lives and only give their attention to their vacation homes just before it's time to go there. By forcing yourself to be a little organized, you can enjoy clean and perfect vacations in comfort. It will take a little effort up front but the results are surely worth it.
Maintaining the Perfect New York Vacation Home
Cleaning Your Second Home doesn't have to be a chore...
If you're one of the few people lucky enough to own a vacation home, then you probably dream of a time when you can escape the daily routine of your career and head to this special sanctuary. Vacation or second homes provide a means of mentally escaping the day to day grind. They are located usually in a tranquil place away from responsibilities, errands and all the headache associated with running a NY household every day. Whether your vacation home is a lake home or a place in the woods built or the mountains, being only a temporary resident can pose special problems and maintenance issues for any homeowner. Here are some vital things to remember when trying to maintain a second home while you are still away.
Security
It can be quite difficult keeping a home safe and secure when you're just not there very often. Daily activity, motion, lights and the presence of those who dwell there are an automatic safety means from theft and vandals. The minute you leave, your precious home and belongings are at risk.
Here are a few easy and inexpensive ways to keep your NY vacation home from looking too vulnerable: Keep some of your lights on a timer, and have them switch on once the sun goes down. Also, having lights surrounding your exterior will make those who are interested in a breaking in less comfortable about proceeding. Also, specific interior lamps or lights set on timers that will turn on on a schedule will keep up the appearance of regular activity. For example, have a kitchen light turn on early in the evening and maybe a bedroom lamp remain on late into the night. If you have a neighbor you know that is in close proximity to your vacation home, have them occasionally drive by and survey the grounds. You can always return this favor and If they know your patterns and routines, they'll be sure to notice if anything looks out of place immediately. Installing a home security system is another way to ensure your special get-away is safe and sound. Although there will be some costs involved when installing, typically the monthly or quarterly payments for this service are relatively inexpensive. Be sure that when researching security companies that if a break-in occurs, the police will be dispatched to the scene right away.
Cleaning
If your New York vacation home is not used on a regular basis, it's still important to keep it maintained and cleaned so it's ready to be enjoyed as soon as you arrive. Consider hiring a professional ny cleaning company to maintain your home in-between your visits and protect the interior from dust and mold. Plus, having regular visits from such individuals such as this will let potential intruders know that this home is well kept and cared for by the owners. Having a cleaning service can be as expensive or inexpensive as you desire depending on how much cleaning you want accomplished and how often for of a home such as this.
Heating and Temperature
Besides security both inside and out, a second home must be maintained throughout the seasons in many ways. Proper heating, cooling and other maintenance measures should be considered especially when not in use. Not having the interior set on at proper temperature could cause major damage to pipes, flooring, and other areas. Here are several maintenance ideas to keep your vacation home welcoming when you arrive for a week of fun and relaxation.
HVAC - In the winter, the ideal temperature for keeping a second home safe from frozen pipes and other disasters is between 50 and 55 degrees F. During the summer and depending on the average outdoor temperature, be sure that the interior does not get too overheated. If your home gets too hot or too moist, then mold and/or rust can build up.
Appliances - If you will not be visiting your vacation or lake house for a while, then consider unplugging appliances. Many fires have been attributed to everyday appliances with faulty wiring. Why not reduce your chances of this? Also to consider is cost; In Long Island for example, electricity is at a premium so you would be wise to avoid any unnecessary expense.
Pests
Lakes, woods and other natural settings are pretty common choices when building a vacation home, but unfortunately there are lots of animal pests in there. We regretfully must just share our exterior property with them. Of course, these creatures can be anywhere, so be sure to secure any windows, patch up holes in the siding and even install wire mesh over attic vents and soffits to keep mice, squirrels, bats and birds out of your home. Who wants to show up for a relaxing vacation or weekend and discover you'll be sharing your time with such critters? It's much easier to keep them out, then to find a way of removing them once they're there. Of course, if you can't seem to rid your home of rats or mice, then pre-installing traps in strategic entry points will at least keep them from multiplying too much!
Protect Outdoor Furniture
Cover an outdoor or deck furniture carefully to ensure damage if storms roll through the area. A tarp and bungee cords should suffice but more secure vinyl covers are available as well. Shut down your gas grill to avoid leaks and consider chaining them it to a railing to keep them from blowing away in an intense wind. Anything such as umbrellas that can be better secured or stored will keep from damaging an outdoor area, your home's siding or windows in the event of a major storm. And you will reduce the risk of losing these items as well.
These maintenance tips and ideas should make your visits to your special New York vacation getaway retreat more enjoyable and stress-free. Take these simple precautions next time before you leave so you can keep unexpected disasters from occurring when you return the next time.
When all else fails, consider the services of an experienced NY cleaning service who have an expert staff dedicated to keeping NY Vacation homes organized and spotless.
