Tips For Protecting Your Condo While You're Away

Now that Labor Day Weekend has come and gone it is time to start thinking about closing up your summer condo. Just like you would secure your main home, you should also keep your vacation condo safe. Not only is the cold weather hard on your condo, but if something should happen, you'll want someone available to take immediate action. If you have a condo at the Lake of the Ozarks, check out these tips to keep in mind to help secure your it before you leave.

1. Turn The Water Off

Cold, harsh winters can sometimes cause the water in the pipes to freeze. Ice expands, which can cause the pipes to stretch and eventually burst. Before leaving your Lake of the Ozarks condo, make sure your water is turned off to prevent this from happening. After turning off your water, make sure there is no remaining water inside the pipes by running the faucets in the kitchen and bathrooms. If possible, think about having your pipes insulated, which could help the water from freezing inside if you do forget to turn off the water. 

2. Get To Know Your Neighbors

Although you do not live in your condo full time, it is still a good idea to get to know you neighbors, especially if they live in the area year-round. Once you get to know them and trust them with your information, let them know this is your vacation home and ask them to keep an eye out for any strange activity. An alert neighbor can alert the police if they see suspicious activity while you're away. There are also several companies around the Lake of the Ozarks area that offer winter home checks. Their services will protect your home and keep it looking like it isn't empty. 

3. Change The Temperature

You may think that you can just turn off the thermostat in your absence to save money. However, doing this may leave you unhappy when you return. The best way to avoid freezing in your home and preventing property damage is to leave your thermostat on the heat setting, but set it low at around 50 degrees.

4. Clean/Disconnect Appliances

Remove all food from your refrigerator and freezer and wipe them down. After cleaning it, consider leaving the doors slight ajar to prevent mold and mildew growth. It is also a good idea to leave a box of baking soda inside. For your oven, wipe it down and unplug it or turn off the gas. Disconnect the hose to the washer and unplug the dryer. 

5. Protect Your Dock

If you have chosen to leave your boat in the slip during the winter months, you'll want to ensure your boat from the ice and take some precautions. After winterizing your boat, you'll want to "winterize" your slip. De-icer in the water can help keep ice from forming around your boat and damaging it. Also remember to have your boat covered tight to avoid any damage from the weather. 

Give yourself peace of mind before leaving your condo at the Lake of the Ozarks and take these preventative steps to help protect your second home. The last thing you would want is to find damage, flooding or anything else to your Lake of the Ozarks waterfront condo, so make sure everything is in place before locking up for the off-season. 

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