Seasonal opening and closing, or summerizing and winterizing a vacation home, involves a number of tasks to ensure the home is ready for occupancy or safely shut down for the off-season. Here’s a list of typical tasks involved in both processes:
Summerizing (Opening Your Vacation Home for Spring/Summer)
At Outer Cape Property Care, we ensure your vacation home is ready for the vibrant Cape Cod summer. Our comprehensive summerizing services include:
- Property Inspection: We thoroughly check for any winter damage to the roof, windows, and exterior walls.
- Utility Activation: We reconnect and turn on water, gas, and electricity, ensuring all appliances and systems (heating, air conditioning, and plumbing) are functioning properly.
- Water System Check: We flush out the plumbing system to clear out stagnant water, check for leaks, and reinstall any removed fixtures.
- Interior Cleaning: Our team thoroughly cleans your home, including dusting, vacuuming, and checking for pest infestations.
- Air Out the Home: We open windows and doors to air out the space and reduce any musty odors.
- Safety Device Testing: We check and replace batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and ensure fire extinguishers are in good working order.
- Garden and Exterior Preparation: We clean up the yard, trim bushes, and prepare garden beds, and set up outdoor furniture.
- Restocking Supplies: We replenish household essentials like cleaning supplies, toiletries, and pantry items.
Winterizing (Closing Your Vacation Home for Fall/Winter)
When it’s time to close your vacation home for the off-season, Outer Cape Property Care offers meticulous winterizing services to protect your property:
- Inspection and Repair: We check for necessary repairs, especially in roofing, plumbing, and windows, to prevent winter damage.
- Utility Shutdown: If the home won’t be used, we can turn off and drain the water to prevent frozen pipes, and shut off gas and water heaters if applicable.
- Water Line Drainage: We drain water from all plumbing fixtures to avoid freezing and add antifreeze to drains and toilets if the heating will be off.
- Home Security: We ensure all windows, doors, and openings are securely locked, and can arrange security systems or check-ins by a local caretaker.
- Cleaning and Perishable Removal: We clean the refrigerator, leave it open slightly to prevent mold, and remove all perishables and garbage.
- Thermostat Setting: If heating remains on, we set the thermostat to a temperature that prevents freezing but conserves energy (typically around 55°F/12.8°C).
- Outdoor Furniture Protection: We store outdoor furniture and gardening tools indoors or cover them securely.
- Pest Prevention: We seal any openings to prevent pests and place moisture absorbers in rooms to control dampness.
Ensure Year-Round Care for Your Vacation Home
By following these checklists, Outer Cape Property Care helps ensure your vacation home remains in excellent condition throughout the year, whether it’s in use or closed for the season. Trust us with your seasonal opening and closing needs on Outer Cape Cod. Contact us today to schedule your service!