Home preparations for long weekends

Before homeowners pack their bags and plan to get the most out of the long weekends ahead, there are a few easy measures that can be put in place to avoid making the home a target for opportunistic criminals while the family is away.

Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa said that going away for a long weekend often acts as a great reminder to homeowners to check that their home security is up to scratch.

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“Not only will this give homeowners peace of mind that their home is safe while they are away, but adding or upgrading the security features on the home could also potentially add to the resale value of the property,” he noted.

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RE/MAX of Southern Africa listed the few things homeowners should check before going away for a long weekend:

• Check that all security measures are in working condition
Batteries can die, screws can rust, and locking mechanisms can become faulty over time. This is why it is important to check all the home’s security features regularly and not just before going away. Have your alarm serviced to ensure it is working properly. Test all locks to ensure they are in working order. Tug on all burglar bars and security gates to check that they are still properly fastened. Set off the alarm to check that it is still working as it ought to.

• Tidy up the home’s exterior
Criminals target homes that appear to be empty. If the home’s exterior looks neglected, this could make the home a target. Make sure to empty the post box, mow the front lawn, and pull out any weeds. Before you leave, cut back any plants that are near your outdoor security beams so that they don’t trigger your alarm while you’re away. It can also help to set your indoor lights to a timer to give the impression that somebody is still at home.

• Arrange for house sitters
Those with pets or lots of house plants that need regular watering could arrange for a house sitter. Not only will this take care of what was left behind, but it can also deter opportunist criminals. If you do go this route, leave a list of emergency contacts and some emergency cash in case something breaks or needs urgent repairing. The person will also need their own set of keys to access the property. If you don’t have a spare set, remember to get these made before you leave.

As a final suggestion, Goslett reminded homeowners that if they will be away for longer than just the weekend, they could list the home as a short-term lease and hire a rental agent to manage the tenants while they are away.

“This could be a great way to earn some additional income while homeowners spend some time away from home,” he concluded.