{"id":1887,"date":"2024-11-30T08:00:35","date_gmt":"2024-11-30T08:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.schofields.ltd.uk\/?p=1887"},"modified":"2024-12-02T12:24:29","modified_gmt":"2024-12-02T12:24:29","slug":"maintenance-checklist-for-holiday-homes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.schofields.ltd.uk\/blog\/1887\/maintenance-checklist-for-holiday-homes\/","title":{"rendered":"Maintenance Checklist for a Holiday Let or Cottage"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 9<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

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Property owners often forget that holiday home insurance is not a maintenance contract, and it does not cover the cost of things breaking down or wear and tear. Insurance is there to cover damage caused by sudden and unexpected events.<\/p>\n

If you make a claim and your insurer determines that you have not adequately maintained your property, they are likely to reject your claim. For example, if a blocked gutter caused damp, or if a missing roof slate went unrepaired then you had water damage to your home.<\/p>\n

Therefore, it\u2019s essential that you fulfil your duty of care and take reasonable precautions to maintain your property, mitigate losses and ensure that your guests have a safe and disaster-free holiday. Regular checks and preventive maintenance reduce repair costs and\u00a0the potential for damage to escalate.<\/p>\n

Here, we\u2019ve put together a holiday home maintenance checklist and the steps you can take to ensure your property is in tip-top condition. It should be used in conjunction with your\u00a0risk assessment<\/a>\u00a0to ensure that nothing is missed.<\/p>\n

Holiday home spring maintenance<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

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Early spring is the ideal time to inspect your holiday home for signs of damage from winter and carry out essential maintenance, so your property is prepared for the busy letting season ahead.<\/p>\n

Here are our top areas to check:<\/p>\n

Kitchen<\/span>
\n<\/strong>-Re-seal around worktops, clean tiles and re-grout.
\n-Sanitise the refrigerator and defrost the freezer.
\n-Descale the kettle.
\n-Check the drainage pipes from sinks and appliances for leaks that could cause rotting and dampness.
\n-Deep clean the oven.<\/p>\n

Bathroom<\/span>
\n<\/strong>-Remove mouldy silicone and re-seal.
\n-Clean tiles and re-grout.
\n-Plunge drains.
\n-Are your towels looking tired and stained? Buy some new soft and fluffy\u00a0ones.
\n-Check the bathroom fixtures, such as the toilet, shower tray, bath and washbasin for leaks which if undetected, can cause serious damage to the floor and ceiling.<\/p>\n

Bedroom<\/span>
\n<\/strong>-Upgrade tired linens and pillows.
\n-Launder your mattresses and replace them if there are stubborn stains. Don\u2019t forget to flip them to prolong their shape and comfort.<\/p>\n

Carpets and soft furnishings<\/strong><\/span>
\nTo remove stains or odours, steam clean or wash curtains, carpets, rugs, upholstery and soft furnishings.<\/p>\n

Stain removal tips<\/span>
\n<\/strong>It\u2019s inevitable that with the constant inflow of guests, there\u2019ll be the odd stain to deal with. Here are some tips to help you\u00a0remove those stubborn stains<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Visit the loft<\/span>
\n–<\/strong>Check the roof felt is intact to prevent future leaks.
\n-Check the loft for signs of moisture and leaking pipes.
\n-Look for indications of a pest infestation \u2013 droppings, smells, evidence of gnawing, chewing or wasp\/bee nests.<\/p>\n

Service the boiler<\/strong><\/span>
\nNo one wants to be stuck without heating or hot water. Your boiler should be serviced annually to ensure it\u2019s safe, working efficiently and to prevent breakdowns as heating failure could cause pipes to freeze and burst during cold snaps. Doing this in spring means that if there is a problem, it can be fixed well in time before the winter weather.<\/p>\n

Gas safety<\/strong><\/span>
\nMake sure gas appliances are maintained and have a gas safety check carried out annually by a registered Gas Safe engineer.
\n
\nElectrical appliances<\/span><\/strong>
\nAll electrical appliances in your holiday home should be regularly checked for signs of a defect or wear and tear. It is your duty to ensure electrical items and your property\u2019s\u00a0electrics are safe<\/a>. If you have concerns, then replace the item or have it checked by a qualified electrician. Instructing a qualified electrician to PAT (Portable Appliance Test) your appliances each year is a good idea.<\/p>\n

Fire safety<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Holiday let owners are required to comply with fire safety laws and carry out a\u00a0fire risk assessment<\/a>\u00a0to recognise, remove and reduce fire hazards.<\/p>\n

Regularly test that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly and replace the batteries as needed. If you have a fire extinguisher, check the pressure and expiry date.<\/p>\n

Upholstered furniture (including beds, mattresses and pillows) must comply with the\u00a0Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Mould and damp<\/strong><\/span>
\nCheck walls and furnishings for spots of mould, condensation and the smell of dampness that may have appeared due to poor ventilation. Mould on walls should be treated with a diluted bleach solution to ensure any spores are killed and re-painted if necessary.<\/p>\n

Wood<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Check all wooden windows, doorframes and door edges for wood rot and cracked putty to prevent water and cold air from getting into the property. Make sure water flows away from the glass and doesn\u2019t collect on the window sill or drain behind it. Keeping woodwork in good condition can slow down rotting and help it withstand extreme weather.<\/p>\n

Paint<\/span>
\n<\/strong>A fresh coat of paint to high footfall areas can make all the difference. Also, check the exterior paint and repaint or touch up. You might not need to paint the entire house, just the most used and\/or visible areas. Examine your outdoor furniture for chipped paint and touch up or varnish as needed.<\/p>\n

Check brickwork, paths, and patios<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Check walls and the chimney to make sure the bricks, rendering and mortar are free from cracks. Look for loose steps, flags or broken brickwork that could be a trip hazard and cause an accident.<\/p>\n

Septic tank<\/strong><\/span>
\nEmpty the septic tank of solids annually.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Garden<\/strong><\/span>
\nSpring is the time to put some love into your garden. It is all about preparation \u2013 pruning shrubs, raking and repairing the lawn, mulching, weeding and planting. Check outdoor taps run properly and are leak-free.<\/p>\n

Trip hazards<\/strong><\/span>
\nThoroughly check staircases and carpets for trip hazards. Look for loose floorboards or kinks in the carpet or rugs and make sure handrails are secure.<\/p>\n

Holiday home winter maintenance<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

As the nights get darker and colder weather approaches, winter can be undeniably harsh for holiday homes that are exposed to extreme weather.<\/p>\n

There is the onslaught of rain, frost, snow, flooding, storms and burst pipes \u2013 all of which are more likely to cause damage to holiday homes than at any other time of year. Break-ins also tend to increase in winter as opportunistic thieves take advantage of darker evenings and holiday homes unoccupied for long periods.<\/p>\n

Here, we provide our top tips for protecting your property during the harsh winter season. If you are closing up your holiday cottage over the winter months, it will need to be\u00a0winterised<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How to prepare your holiday home for winter:<\/p>\n

Protect your pipes<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Cold snaps can cause devastation when pipes freeze, thaw and burst. To\u00a0prevent pipes from freezing<\/a>, consider leaving the heating on when your holiday home is unoccupied. This will also help prevent excessive moisture, condensation and damp.<\/p>\n

If your heating system uses oil, make sure there is enough fuel for the winter period.<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t plan on using your holiday home over winter, make sure you turn the water off at the stopcock when you leave. Heating your home or turning the water off is likely to be a requirement of your insurance policy.<\/p>\n

Improve insulation<\/strong><\/span>
\nLoft insulation can help reduce heating bills and retain heat, but don\u2019t forget to also insulate or lag pipes, water tanks and hot water cylinders that are exposed to the elements in loft areas to prevent them from freezing. Isolate or wrap exposed outside pipes with insulating sleeves and check to see if grants are available in your area for energy-saving improvements.<\/p>\n

If you have a condensing boiler, note that external pipes are prone to freezing in winter which causes the system to shut down. Ensure this pipe is lagged.<\/p>\n

Open the loft hatch<\/span>
\n<\/strong>During extreme freezing temperatures open the loft trap door to allow warm air from the house to circulate around the loft and pipes. Our experience is that these are the pipes that\u00a0are most likely to burst and cause the most damage.<\/p>\n

Stopcock<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Make sure you know where it is and that you can turn it on and off.<\/p>\n

Bleed radiators<\/strong><\/span>
\nIf you haven\u2019t used the heating for a while, air can enter the system and form bubbles at the top of your radiators. If your radiators are colder at the top than they are at the bottom, then bleeding them will help them work more efficiently.<\/p>\n

Ventilation<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Condensation and damp can lead to mould on walls, windows and soft furnishings. Ventilation is the best way to extract moisture from the air in your holiday home. Simple steps like keeping the doors between rooms open to allow airflow, opening windows often and using a dehumidifier are easy ways to increase ventilation.<\/p>\n

Seal gaps and openings<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Draft proofing is a cheap and easy way to keep your property warm and save money on energy bills. Use draft excluders on doors and draught excluder tape or caulk on gaps to prevent the cold from coming in.<\/p>\n

Check for leaks<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Washing machines, taps, showers, baths, dishwashers etc. should be checked from time to time for leaks because even a few drops of water could cause rotting and dampness.<\/p>\n

Beat the burglars<\/span>
\n<\/strong>With attempted break-ins peaking in the winter, remember to review your\u00a0security measures<\/a>. You should also service your security system annually.<\/p>\n

Get smart<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Use\u00a0smart home devices<\/a>\u00a0to monitor your home remotely, such as a thermostat, motion sensors, cameras and leak detectors.<\/p>\n

Electricity surges<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Install surge protectors as electrical storms and power surges can fry your electrical gadgets such as TVs, and modems.<\/p>\n

Sweep the chimney<\/span>
\n<\/strong>If you have an open fireplace or log burner, it\u2019s recommended that you have chimneys swept at least twice a year if burning wood and annually if you use smokeless fuels.<\/p>\n

Two widely recognised organisations for chimney sweeps are:<\/p>\n

NACS (National Association of Chimney Sweeps)
\nThe Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps<\/p>\n

Check the roof<\/strong><\/span>
\nCheck for loose or broken roof tiles and missing slates which could lead to water ingress. Tiles could also fall off in high winds and damage property \u2013 or worse, injure someone. Roof flashings and joints around chimneys, vents and skylights should also be inspected regularly for signs of damage or leaks.<\/p>\n

Gutters and drains<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Check for leaks and clear drains, gutters and downpipes of leaves and debris so rainwater can flow freely into the drains without causing flooding or damp. Signs of soil\/debris at ground level can be an indication that water is not being caught by the gutter.<\/p>\n

Also check that gutters, eaves, fascias and soffits are securely attached as snow and heavy rainfall can easily overwhelm them.<\/p>\n

Prune overgrown hedges and branches<\/span>
\n<\/strong>In high winds, a falling tree and branches could damage your property or a third party. Keep trees and shrubs well pruned, remove dead\/damaged branches and ensure they are clear of buildings and cables.<\/p>\n

Outbuildings<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Don\u2019t forget to check that outbuildings, sheds and garages are well-maintained, secure and weather-tight.<\/p>\n

Fencing<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Inspect gates, boundary walls and fences for damage and carry out repairs so they can withstand the winter conditions. If you\u2019ve got a back or side gate onto your property, make sure this is secure too.<\/p>\n

Satellite dishes\/TV aerials<\/span>
\n<\/strong>High winds can cause damage to these, are they fixed securely?<\/p>\n

Slippery surfaces<\/span>
\n<\/strong>If you are letting your holiday cottage throughout winter, there is a danger that a guest or someone visiting your property could slip and fall on slippery paths or decking and sue for an injury. Keep driveways, paths, steps and decking well-lit and clear of algae and slippery leaves.<\/p>\n

Prepare for snow and ice<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Snow and freezing weather can cause paths and walkways to be hazardous. Provide your guests with a supply of salt or grit and a shovel.<\/p>\n

Outside furniture<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Inspect your outside furniture to ensure that it is safe and fit for purpose. Securely store outdoor furniture and loose garden items in a garage or shed when unused during winter to prevent them from decaying, being damaged in a storm or stolen.<\/p>\n

Doors and window locks<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Check for faulty door or window locks as this can significantly increase the risk of burglary. If you use a key safe, check it functions properly and is secure. Don\u2019t forget to change the code regularly.<\/p>\n

Lock outbuildings<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Keep expensive garden equipment stored in a locked outbuilding and don\u2019t leave tools lying around that thieves can use to break into your home.<\/p>\n

Ladders<\/span>
\n<\/strong>If you have a ladder stored outside, make sure it is secured down with a padlock and chain.<\/p>\n

Security lighting<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Check that any outside lighting you have works properly or consider motion sensor lights if you don\u2019t already have them.<\/p>\n

Emergency pack<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Torches, a first aid kit, important documents and phone numbers should always be to hand in case of power cuts or emergencies.<\/p>\n

Weather alerts<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Having weather alert apps on your smartphone will allow you to know in advance of incoming storms and flooding, so you can take necessary precautions.<\/p>\n

Check out our flood guide<\/a> for advice on how to protect your home.<\/p>\n

Storm checklist<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Here are some areas to check after a storm to help mitigate further damage, but only if it\u2019s safe to do so.<\/p>\n

-Stand back and check your roof for missing tiles, damaged flashing, blocked or damaged guttering.
\n-From your loft, check whether the roof is sagging, and if there are any patches of dampness or signs of daylight.
\n-In your garden check outbuildings, boundary walls, and look for broken furniture, loose branches or exposed tree roots. Most insurance policies exclude cover for fences but still check them.<\/p>\n

Inspections<\/strong><\/span>
\nEnsure someone checks your holiday home for potential problems regularly (check with your insurer for how often) if it\u2019s left unoccupied over winter.<\/p>\n

Changeover checklist<\/span>
\n<\/strong>There are many checks that should be done during each changeover. Use\u00a0this list<\/a>\u00a0that you or your housekeeper can cross-check after each rental.<\/p>\n

To summarise<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Spring home maintenance goes hand in hand with winter maintenance and some tasks will overlap. The main point is to maintain your holiday home all year round. By doing so, there\u2019s less chance of a small issue turning into a big disaster, saving you unnecessary costs.<\/p>\n

Remember:<\/p>\n