With homeowners enjoying extended mobility and travel, ensuring that their home remains inviting and well maintained becomes important. This is where a Home Watch company can step in to protect your home’s curb appeal and ensure upkeep and overall maintenance during your absence. In this post, we’ll look at the indispensable role a Home Watch company plays in safeguarding your home’s exterior aesthetics and structural integrity while you’re away.

Practical Steps a Home Watch Company Can Take to Protect your Home’s Curb Appeal

Some of the following steps are included in regular Home Watch visits to your home; others can be offered and services can be arranged through your Home Watch company’s concierge services to include:

1. Regular exterior inspections to identify and address issues promptly. Signs of wear and tear, storm damage or deterioration of the siding, roof, windows, doors and other exterior elements are checked for.
2. Landscape maintenance, with lawn mowing, pruning, and weeding scheduling. Regularly maintenance, watering and fertilizing keeps lawns and plants healthy and vibrant.
3. Pest control, with regular inspections for signs of insect infestations, termites or rodents, and addressing issues if indications are found.
4. Cleanliness to keep the home’s exterior free of dirt, mildew, grime and debris.
5. Exterior repairs to fix cracked or chipped paint, damaged siding, or broken fixture, fences, gates and outdoor lighting.
6. Seasonal maintenance, like prompt snow and ice removal, or securing outdoor items prior to hurricanes or storms.
7. Proper drainage inspections of gutters, downspouts and drainage systems to ensure proper function and avoid water damage and erosion.
8. Security measures with checks of motion-activated lighting and surveillance cameras.
9. Emergency response in the event of an unexpected issue like a plumbing leak, electrical problem, break-in or storm damage.
10. Insurance compliance to ensure your policy coverage remains valid.

Following each Home Watch visit, homeowners receive a full report, with any issues and potential remediation strategies listed. Recommendations may be provided for improvements to enhance curb appeal.

What Can Happen if you Don’t Attend to Curb Appeal While Away?

When you are away for an extended time, with nobody taking care of your home, both your curb appeal and security can be significantly compromised. Risks can include:

• Curb appeal decline without regular maintenance and care. Lawns can become overgrown, landscaping can become unruly, and the overall appearance of your home can suffer. You may also incur fines or penalties from your Home Owners Association if you belong to one.
• Break-in potential, with your home as an attractive target for burglars and vandals. They may see signs of vacancy, such as uncollected mail, darkened interiors or neglected surroundings as an opportunity to strike.
• Weather and neglect damage due to issues like leaking roofs, clogged gutters or frozen pipes. These can lead to costly repairs and result in deterioration of external elements.
• Pest infestations for rodents, insects or larger animals that can damage your property’s structure, wiring and insulation, and impact its cleanliness and hygiene. (See our post “Bees in the Walls!”)
• Unattended repairs can escalate into major problems when left unattended. A minor plumbing leak, for example, can lead to water damage and mold growth, and lead to expensive repairs and disruption when you return home.
• Mail and package theft can signal that nobody is home, making your home a target for theft and security breaches.
• Utility and energy costs that can accumulate if you forget to turn off certain systems or appliances.

Cover your Curb Appeal Needs in Northern Virginia with Golden Rule Home Watch

Golden Rule Home Watch & Concierge serves as your valuable ally in preserving your home’s curb appeal and maintenance while you’re away. Their regular inspections, security measures and swift response to issues make certain your property remains in pristine condition, allowing you to travel or be away with complete confidence and peace of mind. By entrusting your home to their care, you not only protect your investment, you ensure your property continues to be a source of pride and security, regardless of your physical presence. If you live in Northern Virginia and need to be away for an extended time on business or pleasure, trust your home to Golden Rule Home Watch.

Golden Rule is a locally owned and operated Home Watch company and a member of the National Home Watch Association. Contact us at 855-928-2424 and let’s talk about what you might need to protect your home and its curb appeal while you’re gone.