How do I prepare a house for a six month absence?

[Herman]

Discuss this with your insurance agent so you are clear on how your policy handles vacancies.

Be careful, they may charge you a ton more or drop you if the house is empty. Make sure you shut the water off especially if on well. I had a runaway pump once due to bad pressure switch, it would have been bad if we were not home.

[Irving]

Well, certain stuff, like vandalism, isn't covered if vacant for more than a certain amount of days. It may be as few as 60 days. However, your policy may have a specific definition for "vacancy."

*Pro Tip* Words that are bolded in your insurance policy are listed in the Definitions page, and are specifically defined by your policy. All other words go by the definitions found in the dictionary and are defined in the most broad way to the benefit of the insured (you).

[TheGrey]

Are you sure you don't want a house sitter, even if it's to check on things about once a week? I found this:

http://www.housecarers.com/

There are folks that cover Walsenburg. I've never used this service, so I don't know how they are. Otherwise, maybe hiring a security service to stop by occasionally might work?

[SamuraiCO]

35 acres and can't shoot? That is my big reason for wanting land of my own.

[MarkCO]

35 acres and can't shoot? That is my big reason for wanting land of my own.

Need 40 in CO.

Full winterization. Shut off the water. Drain and blow down the lines. Shop vac out your toilets tank and bowl. Rv antifreeze all the drains.

This, and I would turn off the power if you can too. I am 50/50 on even leaving the house heated. If you do a full winterization, your risk is much reduced. Water filter canisters in fridge and for tap, remove and drain. Drain the water heater all the way down as well AFTER the gas or electric is off to it. I turn off the water at my house if I am even going away overnight. The vast majority of the cases I work with water damage are from vacated homes, and a good portion of the fires.

[Firehaus]

Need 40 in

Do you have a source for more info on this? I'm looking for land currently and want to verify. Thanks!



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[newracer]

Need 40 in CO.

Do you have a source for more info on this? I'm looking for land currently and want to verify. Thanks!

I do not think there is a magical number of acres you need. I believe most counties state that you must prevent the bullets from leaving your property. The other issue, as with the property discussed in this thread, is if there are any covenants preventing shooting.

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[MarkCO]

PM sent as to not bugger up Richard's thread.

[smchop]

Full winterization. Shut off the water. Drain and blow down the lines. Shop vac out your toilets tank and bowl. Rv antifreeze all the drains. Plastic over them.

Anything less greatly increases the risk of flooding

This is the best way, I've winterized properties for mortgage companies for years. If done properly, and heat left low, chance of damage is next to nothing.

[rockhound]

Be careful, they may charge you a ton more or drop you if the house is empty. Make sure you shut the water off especially if on well. I had a runaway pump once due to bad pressure switch, it would have been bad if we were not home.

this^^^^

check with your local chamber of commerce and find a reputable handiman to check on the home. better yet call your local realtor (we are not all assholes) find out who does property management in your area. they should have a referral for someone who can watch over it, document when they visited etc.

your insurance company will not want the house vacant.....