Thursday 1st December 2011
This
year we have had a fairly mild start to winter but it is inevitable that the
cold spell will hit at some point and it might be worth planning ahead now to
prepare for it.
Last
winter a client had a major leak at their property following a burst pipe. The
client had already moved out and the property was sat empty - they were only alerted
to the problem after the neighbour spotted water pouring out of the upstairs
window. Luckily they had left a key with their estate agent who went to the
property to turn off the water supply but the damage was already significant –
collapsed ceilings, wet carpets and a lot of mess to sort out.
Some
pointers to think about, especially if your property is left empty for periods
of time:-
- Make
sure a spare key is left with someone, such as your estate agent or a
local friend or relative.
- Ensure
the property is regularly checked – it would be worth asking a friend or
relative to pop in every day
- Make
sure you know where your stop cock is and let others know
- Keep
contact numbers up to date so you can be contacted in an emergency.
- Make
sure your insurance policy is still in force
- Double
check any additional terms and conditions your insurer might have for
empty properties to ensure your policy remains valid in the event of a
claim.
- It
will be a condition of your insurance policy to prevent loss or damage and
keep the property in good repair. Consider keeping the heating on and
check the boiler and heating are in good working order
- Ensure
pipes and water tanks are lagged
- Consider
keeping the loft hatch ajar so warm air can circulate any pipes in the
loft
Dawn Brogan, Glanvilles, Havant
About the Author
Dawn joined Glanvilles in 1999 after completing her Law Degree. She returned to studies alongside full-time employment in 2002, completing the Legal Practice Course at Guildford College of Law in 2004 to qualify as a Solicitor in early 2005. Dawn continues to deal with all aspects of residential property transactions including investment buy-to-let property; new build developments; new lease work and work to rectify and extend old leases. Dawn organises the ‘Glanvilles Girls’ entry into the Cancer Research charity 5km Race for Life each year. Dawn enjoys setting herself new challenges and to travel as much as possible in her spare time. Dawn became an Associate of the firm in April 2010 and is a committee member of the Portsmouth Property Association.
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