Unoccupied Home in Winter: 9 Checks to Plan Before You Leave
Leaving Quebec for several weeks requires more than locking the door and checking a remote camera. In winter, a heating failure, slow leak, damaged window or unusual snow accumulation can worsen quickly without triggering an automatic alert.
1. Confirm your insurance requirements
Ask how often the home must be visited, what must be checked and how each visit should be documented. A professional visit can be adapted to those instructions, but a visit alone does not guarantee coverage for a loss.
2. Stabilize the heating
Check the apparent operation of the system, the programmed temperature and any available alerts. Also decide who can respond quickly if a problem is reported.
3. Reduce water-related risk
Depending on your insurer’s directions and your home’s features, it may be appropriate to shut off the main water supply, protect certain pipes or have vulnerable areas checked. A plumber can advise you about your installation.
4. Check doors and windows
A faulty latch, damaged seal or partially open window can contribute to cold, moisture or intrusion. An interior and exterior visual check can reveal issues that do not appear in an app.
5. Plan snow removal and access
Confirm the snow-removal mandate, access to the property and how unusual accumulations will be handled. Entrances must also remain accessible to the person conducting the visits.
6. Watch for signs of failure or leakage
A visit may include looking at the alarm panel, heating, ceilings, floors and areas where a water mark or unusual odour could be visible.
7. Avoid obvious signs of absence
Arrange for mail, parcels, lighting and other details that could signal that the property has been left unattended for a long period.
8. Provide clear response instructions
Decide who should be called, the amount that can be authorized for an intervention and which providers already know the home. A good contact list saves valuable time.
9. Document every visit
A dated photo report confirms the visit, helps track the condition of the property and makes it possible to report a visible anomaly promptly. It is not a technical inspection, but it creates a useful record.
Two ways to begin
These rates apply to a standard home in our usual service area. A proposal is provided in advance if the property, distance or mandate requires more time.
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