Winterising your holiday home: frost, damp and empty weeks

The clocks went back to winter time last weekend. The evenings are getting long and the first night frost is not far away. For a holiday home, a different period begins. There are fewer guests, and sometimes the house stands empty for days.

An empty home in winter needs more attention than a full home in summer. Nobody notices a leak, nobody sees damp growing. If you set up a fixed routine now, you avoid costly damage in January. This article explains what to look at.

Why empty days are the real risk

An occupied house heats itself. People cook, shower and air the rooms. In a holiday home, busy days and quiet days alternate. On the quiet days the temperature drops, indoors as well.

This causes two kinds of problems. Water pipes can freeze if the house gets too cold. And damp lingers if nobody ventilates or heats. You see neither until the damage is done.

At every changeover in winter, a short check is therefore a good idea. It takes a few minutes and saves a lot of frustration.

A minimum temperature for empty days

Do not switch the heating off completely when the house is empty. Set a low base temperature so that pipes, walls and furniture do not cool down. A smart thermostat lets you do this remotely. You can then warm the house a few hours before arrival, without it running at full power for days.

Note the difference between a cold room and a damp room. A cold house that is suddenly heated produces condensation on windows and cold walls. Heat gradually, and do not leave rooms you rarely use out of the setting.

Keep an eye on your energy costs too. A middle path between off and fully on is usually the smartest.

Pipes, outdoor taps and the boiler

Frost does most damage in places you rarely see. Go through the following points before the first frosty night:

• Close outdoor taps and drain the pipe if you can.
• Insulate pipes in cold spaces such as a garage, cellar or loft.
• Know where the main water valve is and explain it to whoever looks after or cleans the house.
• Have the boiler serviced every year by a certified technician, before the heating season is in full swing.
• Check the pressure of the heating system and listen for unusual noises.

If in doubt, ask your plumber or installer for advice. They know your installation and where the weak spots are.

Damp and ventilation

Damp is the silent enemy of a holiday home in winter. Guests shower, cook and dry clothes indoors. After that the house stays closed and cold. The result is condensation, a musty smell and sometimes mould.

Make sure there is good ventilation. If you have mechanical ventilation, check that it has not been switched off and that the filters are clean. Without a ventilation system, short and thorough airing at every changeover helps a lot. Open the windows wide for a quarter of an hour, even when it is cold.

Explain in your guest information how guests can ventilate well themselves. Ask them to leave the bathroom fan running after showering and not to dry clothes on the radiator. A short, friendly text works better than a list of prohibitions.

Does it smell musty, or do you see black patches? Deal with it straight away. Have the cause investigated by a professional, because cleaning alone does not solve a damp problem.

Roof, gutters and exterior

Autumn leaves fill gutters faster than you think. A blocked gutter overflows and lets water run down the façade. In frost, that can lead to ice and damage.

Have the gutters and drains checked before autumn really sets in. Also check whether roof tiles or slates have come loose after a storm. After strong wind, look for anything that has come loose on the outside of the home, such as a fence, a shutter or garden furniture.

A terrace or path that gets slippery is a risk for your guests. Keep them clear of leaves and consider de-icing salt or a fixed arrangement for snow and ice.

Safety and smoke alarms

In winter there is more heating and more use of candles, stoves and electrical appliances. Test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries where needed. Check that a fire extinguisher or fire blanket is in a logical place.

Does your home have an open fire or stove? Have the chimney swept in good time. Give guests clear instructions on safe use, or choose deliberately not to make the fire available.

For the question of which safety rules apply to your home, contact your municipality or Toerisme Vlaanderen. They can tell you what applies in your situation.

A winter checklist at every changeover

Make it a fixed rhythm. A short list that everyone follows prevents things from being forgotten:

1. The heating is set correctly and the home is warm on arrival.
2. Windows are closed, the ventilation works and there is no smell of damp.
3. There is no visible leak under the sink, near the washing machine or in the bathroom.
4. Outdoor taps are closed and the path to the front door is safe.
5. Extra blankets and towels are ready and a lamp works at the entrance.
6. The smoke alarms work and the exit is clear.

At YourDomi, our own cleaning team works with a fixed checklist and a photo check. After every changeover you can see whether the home is in order.

Using the empty weeks wisely

Winter is also the time to do things that are not possible in summer. Plan painting, repairs and major maintenance in the quietest weeks. Block those days in your calendar in good time, so they do not clash with a booking.

Use the quiet to update your listing as well. Add photos that show the home in winter light and adjust your description.

Your winter without worries

A well-prepared home gets through the winter without surprises. At YourDomi we organise the changeovers with our own cleaning team, we work with fixed tradespeople for maintenance and you receive a monthly statement per property. The rental always stays in your name. If you would like to know what that could mean for your home, request a personal proposal.