A second home near Thonon: what to check before you leave

Water

A leak in an empty home can run for weeks before anyone notices.

• Know where the main water valve is, and note it down.
• For a long absence, consider closing the main valve.
• If the meter keeps turning while everything is off, there is a leak.

Heating and frost

In winter, frozen pipes are a common cause of damage in unheated homes.

• Set the heating to frost-free mode rather than switching it off.
• Protect or drain outdoor taps, irrigation and pool circuits.
• Keep the home aired and check for damp on your next visit.

Alarm, shutters and keys

• Make sure the alarm contract has your up-to-date contact details, including abroad.
• Close secondary access points (garage, shed), not only the front door.
• Know who holds a key, and keep the list up to date.

Mail and appearance

A full letterbox and an untidy garden signal that nobody is there. Ask someone to collect the mail and keep the garden in order.

After a storm or a cold snap

Have someone look at the roof, the gutters, the trees and the shutters after bad weather, and tell you what they found.

Insurance and contacts

• Some insurance contracts set conditions for unoccupied homes: read yours.
• Keep the details of your insurer, your water and electricity suppliers and your trusted craftsmen in one place.

Regular visits

A visit every couple of weeks catches small problems early. That is the idea behind our Veille plan: regular checks on your home, with a dated photo report after each visit.