The Return Is as Important as the Departure
Most seasonal homeowners put significant effort into preparing their Naples home before they leave for the summer. Far fewer put the same thought into preparing for their return. But arriving at a home that has been properly prepared for your return — with the HVAC running at a comfortable temperature, the refrigerator stocked, the pool clean, and any maintenance issues already addressed — is a dramatically better experience than arriving to a hot, musty home with a list of problems to deal with.
John at Blue Harbor Home Watch offers pre-arrival preparation services that ensure your Naples home is ready and welcoming when you return. Here is what a thorough pre-arrival preparation should include.
Two to Three Weeks Before Arrival
The preparation process should begin two to three weeks before your planned arrival date. This gives enough time to address any maintenance issues that were identified during the summer, schedule any service appointments that need to happen before you arrive, and ensure that all systems are functioning properly.
Contact John at Blue Harbor Home Watch with your arrival date and any specific requests or concerns. John will conduct a thorough pre-arrival inspection and coordinate any needed services — HVAC service, pool service, pest control, cleaning — to ensure everything is in order before you arrive.
HVAC Restoration
Lower the thermostat to your preferred occupied temperature a day or two before arrival to allow the home to cool down and dehumidify thoroughly. If the HVAC system has been running at 78 to 80 degrees all summer, the home will be warm but not excessively humid — it should reach a comfortable temperature within a few hours of lowering the thermostat. If the system has not been properly maintained during the summer, schedule a service visit before your arrival.
Water System Flushing
If you shut off the main water supply before leaving, restore it slowly and check for any leaks at supply lines, fixtures, and appliances. Run all faucets for several minutes to flush stagnant water from the lines. Flush all toilets multiple times. Run the dishwasher and washing machine empty before using them with dishes or clothing. If you drained the water heater, follow the manufacturer's instructions for refilling and relighting.
Pool and Spa Preparation
Contact your pool service company to schedule a pre-arrival service visit. The pool should be chemically balanced, cleaned, and ready for use when you arrive. If the pool has developed any algae growth during the summer, the service visit should include a shock treatment and brushing. Verify that all pool equipment is functioning properly and that the pool area is clean and safe.
Pest Inspection
Before unpacking and settling in, conduct a thorough pest inspection of the home. Check closets, cabinets, and storage areas for signs of pest activity. Look under sinks and behind appliances for droppings or gnaw marks. If you find evidence of pest activity, contact your pest control provider before unpacking — you do not want to disturb an active infestation without professional guidance.
Kitchen and Refrigerator Preparation
If you emptied the refrigerator before leaving, clean the interior thoroughly before restocking. Check the freezer for any frost buildup that may have accumulated. Run the ice maker through several cycles and discard the first batch of ice. Check the pantry for any items that may have expired or been compromised by humidity during the summer.
Exterior Landscaping Cleanup
Florida's summer growing season means that landscaping can look significantly different in October than it did in April. Your landscaping service should have maintained the property during the summer, but a pre-arrival visit to assess the condition of the landscaping and address any overgrowth or damage is worthwhile. Check the irrigation system to ensure it is properly adjusted for the fall season.
John at Blue Harbor Home Watch coordinates all pre-arrival preparation services, ensuring your Naples home is ready and welcoming when you return. Contact Blue Harbor Home Watch to discuss pre-arrival preparation as part of your home watch service plan.
