11 April 2019
Securing the house ready for your holidays

Securing the house ready for your holidays

Everybody loves a getaway in the sun. No work, pure family time, and totally stress-free. Or rather, so it should be. You don’t want to have to worry about a thing, so taking precautions before you jet off can alleviate worry and may prevent you from returning to a catastrophe.

Check windows and doors

Seems rather simple, right? This is the easiest and simplest approach that often gets overlooked by thousands of householders. They may leave a window unlocked, or worse, top openers slightly open. Not to mention leaving sheds and garages unlocked for all to wander in. It doesn’t matter even if there’s nothing of value in them, it’s best to keep them locked up! If burglars have gained entry to an outhouse, just think how easy it would be for them to come back and hatch a plan to get inside your house where all the real valuables are.

Turn off your boiler

If you know that the weather is not set to be frosty for the duration of your holiday, then turning off your heating will help you to save some pennies whilst you’re soaking up the sun. You could always set it on a timer to come on a few hours before you’re due to arrive home so you walk into a warm home!

Turn off electricals

Turning off electricals at the source by switching the socket off or simply unplugging devices and electricals will not only save you money on your utilities whilst you are away, but it will also reduce the risk of anything catching fire. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry, that would be the last thing you’d want to come home to.

Ask family, friends or a neighbour to check on the house regularly whilst you are away

If you are away for a number of weeks, your post will pile up, and the biggest giveaway of somebody being away is uncollected post. Have somebody collect your post for you, or get Royal Mail to hold onto it through their Keepsafe scheme.

Don’t post on social media

As much as you may want to post your ventures on social media to show everyone what an incredible time you’re having, just be aware of who can see what you’re posting, and the signs it may give i.e. if your house is now empty, how long are you away for, and even based on your profile, what kind of valuables you have in your home.  Don’t post new items on social media either. Got a new TV? Great. But don’t post a new picture of it on social media, then tag yourself at the airport on Facebook.

Padlock sheds and garages

Some people neglect to lock up their sheds and garages for thinking that there is nothing of value stored in there. Burglars will see that if outhouses aren’t secure, then, the house probably isn’t either. Strong padlocks and visible locks will help to deter any burglar away from the household.

Use timers

Using electric timers to have your lights come on at specific times of the day can really create the illusion as though you really are home. Nothing is more tell-tale of an empty abode than a house sat in darkness.

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2 October 2015
Prepping the House for Winter

Prepping the House for Winter

winter is comingWinter is coming and while the Starks mostly had to worry about stocking up on firewood, modern Brits have bigger concerns when it comes to weatherproofing homes. With subzero temperatures on their way it’s crucial for homeowners to start thinking about how to prepare for the chilly winter months. Looking for a place to start? Read on for our guide to prepping your home for the winter.

Give the roof a once over

Small leaks can often repel the light rainfalls seen in summer however when laden with heavy rain and snow even the tiniest of holes can quickly become a serious problem. Before the winter weather sets in take the time to give your roof a once over and ensure that there aren’t any leaks, cracks or missing tiles.

Bleed radiators in unused properties

If a property will be vacant for even a week or two during winter it’s always a good idea to bleed radiators. This will ensure that the pipes don’t freeze and crack in the cold weather, thus creating serious issues when water systems are used in the future.

Check boiler insurance

Boilers are what keep homes cosy and comfortable during the winter months. If yours breaks and you can’t afford to fix it expect to endure an alarmingly chilly few months. Avoid this by covering your home with boiler insurance that will ensure you stay toasty warm all winter long.

Clear out gutters

Winter brings plenty of rain so it’s important for homeowners to clean out gutters before the severe weather hits. Yes, it’s not the most enjoyable task but if you fail to unclog roofing pipes you could find yourself facing flooding in heavy downpours.

Cut back low hanging branches

The UK is no stranger to wild winds that toss around tree branches like matchsticks. To minimise the risk of any damage to property exteriors hire a professional to trim low hanging branches that are dangerously close to the house.

Adequately insulate

Every winter Brits fork out a huge amount of cash on heating bills. But did you know that simply by installing efficient insulation homeowners can slash the amount they spend on gas and electricity? This can be as complex as investing in double glazing or as simple as purchasing thicker curtains.

Winter can wreak havoc on buildings but by following these hardy tips you’ll be able to protect your property against the worst of the weather.