Opening Your Southwest Florida Home for the Season

Whether you're back in October or January, a little planning means you arrive to a cool, clean, working house instead of a weekend of surprises.

Two to four weeks before you arrive

Ask your home watch provider for a pre-arrival inspection, or book an opening service to turn the water back on, check the A/C and air out the house.
Book an arrival clean and, if you want one, grocery stocking.
Schedule A/C maintenance and pest treatment before you arrive, since vendors get busy in season.
Restart your mail delivery with USPS, and newspaper or cable service if you paused them.
Arrange for shutters to come down if they stayed up after the season.

Walk the outside first. Check the roof, soffits, lanai screen, pool cage, and any signs of storm damage or pests.
Turn the main water back on slowly and check under every sink, the water heater and the toilets for leaks. Run every faucet for a few minutes.
Turn the water heater back on once the tank is full.
Look for moisture or mold in closets, behind furniture and around A/C vents. A musty smell is a warning sign.
Test smoke and CO detectors, and the alarm system, garage door opener and irrigation controller.
Plug in and reset electronics, the fridge and the ice maker. Throw out the first batches of ice.
Check your car. Look at the battery, tire pressure and wiper blades, and for pests under the hood.

Have the pool water tested, and check the lawn and irrigation.
Update your HOA with your arrival, and your insurer if you changed occupancy status.
Review your hurricane plan and vendor list for next summer while it's on your mind.

General information only. It is not legal, insurance or engineering advice. Check with your insurer, HOA and licensed professionals.