This category is about all aspects of Holiday Home Maintenance and will be of interest to UK holiday homeowners. As Holiday Home Insurance Specialists we are proud to share maintenance tips, guidance and articles.

Whether you own a holiday cottage complex, individual holiday home, apartment or cottage these articles are for you. Subjects covered include preventing burst pipes, having your chimney swept, cleaning decking, maintain hot tubs, housekeeping and changeovers.

Check out these posts: Holiday Home winter maintenance tips, Preventing water leaks, Holiday Let Changeovers

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Selecting a building contractor for your holiday home

Top tips for selecting a building contractor for your holiday home

holiday home builderAutumn is a time when many holiday homeowners look to reinvigorate or renovate their properties for next season. Whilst some alternations will be merely superficial in nature – updating your decor or the change of an item of furniture for example, other developments may prove to be more substantial in size and require external help and advice.

If you’re due to be carrying out a project on your holiday home that will require a building contractor, here’re some helpful tips to increase your chances of choosing the right one and having a project that delivers on time and within budget.

Selecting a builder

  • Before contacting a builder make sure you have a full understanding of the alterations you would like to make to your holiday home. If appropriate, take professional advice and ensure that you have an outline of the works required written down.
  • Some holiday homeowners will not live in close proximity to their property. If you don’t have local knowledge of reputable contractors the Federation Of National Builders (fmb.org.uk) has a list of approved builders.
  • Always get more than one quote and ensure they’ve all quoted for the same thing. Large price differences can often occur when alternative approaches are suggested. If this is the case ask for the potential pros and cons of each methodology so you’re able to make an informed decision on the cost.
  • Be sure to ask for the contact details of a few previous customers so you can talk to them about their experiences and the quality of work they’ve receieved. 

The next steps 

  • It’s advised that if you’re hiring a builder for complex or major building works, you both enter into a JCT contract. These are standardised contracts, guidance notes and other forms of documentation designed specifically for the construction industry. You can find these at jctltd.co.uk
  • Ensure that you and your builder complete the entire contract and that there is a thorough understanding of the arrangements of the work, along with who will pay for any specification of drawings that may be needed.
  • Make sure that a payment structure is laid out and that this includes payment after the completion of certain phases of your build. Make sure these phases are specific and not ambiguous.  If materials need to be purchased some builders may ask for you to pay in advance.  Only consider doing this for materials that need to be specially made offsite for work to commence on your holiday home.
  • If you live away from your holiday home give thought to how the project will be managed. How will you communicate with your builders? How will you ensure that supplies are ordered when they need to be and that work is on schedule and budget?  Having these communication channels in place throughout the project will be vital to your success.

Do you need to tell your insurer?

If you’re having work carried out on your holiday home the need to inform your insurer will depend on the work being completed.

Works can be placed into two categories:

  • Minor works: These may be completed without reference to your insurers and include when workmen are allowed into your holiday home to carry out minor repairs, alterations or general maintenance, along with any internal or external decoration when the work does not require scaffolding.
  • Major works: You will need to inform your insurer when your holiday home undergoes major structural alterations or repair and when external scaffolding is to be used.

No matter the nature of the developments you are undertaking, you should always consider the impact the works will have on the potential costs of rebuilding your holiday home and ensure that you have the right level of buildings insurance cover in place.

If any of our holiday homeowners are in doubt if they should be contacting us we suggest that you do give us a call.

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support your holiday home business, please give us a call on 01237 429444.

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Reducing the risk of chimney fires

Tips on reducing the risk of chimney fires

It’s time to do your autumn sweep!

Paper houseWhilst many of us will revel in the idea of a glass of wine or local ale in front of a roaring fire they do come with safety considerations and risks; there are approximately 6,000 chimney fires in England each year. We look at ways of reducing the risk of holiday home chimney fires.

The most common cause of chimney fires are:

  • Infrequent sweeping and cleaning
  • Burning unseasoned wood
  • Smoldering wood for long periods in wood stoves.

Whilst the consequences of chimney fires can be extremely expensive, disruptive and even fatal, there are a few risk reducing things holiday homeowners can put in place which are both low cost and easy to implement.

How to minimise the risk of chimney fires in holiday homes

Sweep your chimney before first use

Any full or partial blockage to your chimney or flue is a risk of both fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. These blockages can be caused by a variety of reasons, from birds nesting to the ongoing buildup of soot.

It’s vital that in advance of being lit for the first time in autumn, your chimney is swept. The Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps (www.guildofmasterchimneysweeps.co.uk) and The National Association of Chimney Sweeps (www.nacs.org.uk) have a network of members throughout the country. As well as provide a professional chimney cleaning service they will make recommendations as to how often your holiday homes chimney and flues should be swept.

Chimney sweeping frequency

  • Smokeless fuel – at least once a year
  • Wood – quarterly when in use
  • Oil and gas – once a year

In addition wood burning stoves, biomass, gas and oil boilers should be installed and regularly serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions by a competent engineer.

Ensure your fire has a fireguard

Sparks can easily fly from your fireplace and quickly result in a fire or at the very least damage to your carpets or flooring. If you do have an open fireplace in your holiday home a fireguard should be provided for guests and be in place at all times.

Remove accelerants

If your property includes a BBQ for visitors to enjoy in the summer you may have materials in your holiday home designed to aid and quicken the lighting or burning of charcoal.

Ensure they are removed from your home in order to avoid guests trying to dangerously accelerate the burning of their fire.

Communicate with your guests

Many of your guests will not have fires at home and will therefore have limited knowledge of their safe upkeep.

This highlights the need for effective and clear communication of fire safety with your guests. Think of ways in which factors such as ensuring the fire is extinguished before going to bed at night can be conveyed to those staying in your holiday home.

When was the last time you checked your detectors?

Your holiday home should include working smoke alarms or heat detectors and a carbon monoxide alarm which should be checked on a regular basis, not only to replace batteries when necessary but also that the unit is in full working condition. They do save lives so make sure yours are working.

The insurance angle – helping you get back on your feet

Our holiday homeowners are covered for damage to their property as a result of fire.  We also understand the potentially devastating financial impact having your holiday home unavailable for let as the result of a fire can have on your business.  Our loss of income covers you for the potential loss of income you may suffer as a result of disruption or interruption caused by an insured event such as fire.

This means that should you lose trade then you’ll not have to pay the price of the loss of trade you suffer through cancellations and periods of not being able to accept bookings.

We also understand that repairs and maintenance after such an event won’t be immediate; that’s why our indemnity period extends to two years.

For more holiday let maintenance tips and other top tips for holiday home owners please do have a read through our blog and let us know if there are any areas you’d like to us to write about.

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support your holiday home business, please give us a call on 01237 429444.

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Ten steps to ensure your holiday home remains open for business

keep-calm-protect-inspect -our-holiday-homeWith the UK basked in what is fast becoming an Indian summer and one of the warmest July’s on records fresh in the memory it can be difficult to adjust the mind to look forward to more inclement times.

The devastation caused to homes and holiday property across the Westcountry and South coast of England in the early months of 2014 is still only now being repaired; dredging on the Somerset levels continues on a daily basis.

Now is however the time to take stock and to ensure you’re fully ready for the winter ahead; proactive maintenance now may well save time and money when the nights are darker and the winds much stiffer.

Here are ten steps to ensure your holiday home remains open for business

Frozen Pipes

If you’ve not already insulated pipes and storage systems in your holiday home then now should be the time to review.  Whilst the average UK temperature during September is a balmy 15C, that figure drops significantly to 5C during December to February (the lowest recorded temperature this year was -8C in Sutherland).

We see more burst pipe and escape of water insurance claims than any other; the damage caused can be significant but there are several simple steps to take to minimise your risk:

  • If your holiday home is to be unoccupied during the winter ensure you turn the water off at the stopcock.
  • If the stopcock is not turned off, and the heating system drained, ensure the temperature throughout your holiday home is kept above a level to prevent your pipes from freezing.
  • Ensure you arrange for regular checks to be made on the property during its period of occupancy.
  • Look to lag and insulate pipes, boilers and storage tanks, particularly if exposed to the elements.
  • Make sure your heating and water systems are regularly checked by a professional and consider installing a leak detection system or automatic stopcock, particularly if you live away from the property.

Storm Damage 

The estimated cost of damage caused by the storms in February has soared above the £1bn mark. For holiday homeowners this damage can be felt not only in property damage but also in lost revenues from occupancy.

It’s therefore vital to do your storm damage checks:

  • High winds can cause already loose slates to fly considerable distances, causing extensive damage.  When was the last time your holiday home slates were checked?  Make sure you visually check for broken or loose slates on a regular basis and conduct more thorough inspections prior to forecast gusts.
  • Maintain the drains and guttering on your property.  Summer months and activity such as cutting your lawns can cause drains to become quickly blocked.  Water with nowhere to go will inevitably cause your property more damage.
  • Check for any damage to your chimneys, gates, trees or fences.  Also remove trampolines or other play equipment not securely fastened to the ground.
  • If your property is occupied during the winter consider having an emergency package for guests, including things such as a torch should the electricity supply to your property be cut.
  • Ensure a qualified professional carries out all necessary repairs to your property.

Your Insurance

As specialists in holiday home insurance we understand the impact that having your property unavailable as the result of the weather has on your business.

For that reason we’re always keen to highlight ways in which property owners can be proactive in minimising these potential risks.

Please ensure that you take a look through our specialist holiday home insurance policy so you fully understand the conditions you should be taking to minimise the risks of the weather having an impact on your holiday letting business.

Our Policy is there to help protect you and for your peace of mind.

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support your holiday home business, please give us a call on 01237 429444.

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The benefits of LED lighting in your holiday home

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Exploring the eco benefits of replacing your old light bulbs with newer LED equivalents

Row of light bulbs. Idea concept on green background.Do you know how many light bulbs there are in your holiday home?

A strange question perhaps, but for many holiday property owners, one that has already been answered or will need to be in the near future.

In September 2012, after more than a century of lighting the world, the EU completed its phased ban on the sale of incandescent light bulbs.  The move came in an attempt to reduce the energy use of lighting; 17.5% of global power consumption is on keeping darkness from our homes.

Top Facts on the Incandescent Light Bulb 

  • Only 10 – 20% of the electricity used by an incandescent bulb generates light; the rest is wasted.
  • Prior to 2009, when the phased ban on the sale of the bulbs began, an estimated 200m were sold each year in the UK; that’s six every second!
  • The government believe the ban will save the UK £102m on lighting electricity bills over ten years.
  • Incandescent light bulbs still account for 80% of lighting across the UK

The strongest protests against the ban came from a cost perspective.  Despite longer-term savings, the higher upfront costs of alternatives such as LED have been criticised.

We take a look at LED lighting

What LED bulbs have to offer holiday homeowners:

Longer life

We’ll all have had that moment, balanced on a step ladder, attempting to change a light bulb that has burnt out. For holiday homeowners this can be an added task in the maintenance of your property; needing to get someone to the property to replace the bulbs.

LED lighting has a far greater life span, estimated to be in the region of 11 years of continuous use. That’s 20 years with your lights on for eight hours a day and means continually replacing bulbs in your holiday home could be a thing of the past.

Energy Efficiency

As we’ve said, a key part of the phased ban was geared toward energy efficiency. LED lighting operates at around 80 – 90% efficiency, compared to the 20% efficiency of its traditional counterpart.

As the light is digital the majority of your electric is utilised in lighting your home rather than heating it; the incandescent bulb can be heated up to 2,300C, meaning that a large amount of money is lost in heat rather than spent on light.

This means energy bill savings can be achieved for holiday homeowners looking to convert.

Eco Friendly

Those visiting holiday homes across the country are becoming more and more sensitive to the ecological and green credentials of where they’re staying.

LED lights contain no toxic materials and for that reason are usually recyclable. Given the longer lifespan, one LED light can save the materials and production of 25 traditional bulbs.  Over the average household that will be in the region of 250 – 350 bulbs!

Outdoor Use

As they are not dependent on heat, LED lights are better able to perform in both hot and cold conditions, making them ideal for externally lit areas around holiday homes.

This can include in and around gardens, patios or barbeque areas, allowing your guests to fully enjoy your holiday home, inside and out!

Whilst we’re used to the warm yellow glow of an incandescent bulb their LED equivalent also come in a variety of colours.

Summary

There are several clear benefits to replacing your old light bulbs with newer LED equivalents. You will however need to be realistic about the initial monetary savings; they do cost significantly more per bulb and there will be an expenditure on installation.

On the other hand they will provide you benefits over the medium to longer term. Adopting LED will need to be seen as an investment and not a quick fix.

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support your holiday home business, please give us a call on 01237 429444.

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BBQ Safety for Holiday Home Owners

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Information for Holiday Home Owners Supplying BBQ’s to Guests

Lobster and Salmon Veggie Skewers.June 2014 was one of the warmest and driest in the past decade, worthy of a blog on BBQ Safety for Holiday Home Owners. Whilst in recent times the words ‘barbecue summer’ have become somewhat synonymous with an unfortunate Met Office prediction of a return to the summer sunshine of yester years only to be followed by one of the wettest summers on record.

As we all begin to flock to the end of the garden, desperately trying to take up a position in which we aren’t bellowed by wind driven charcoal smoke, what about your guests?

If you provide a BBQ for those visiting your holiday home its important to ensure it’s use is included within your risk assessment and also well communicated to guests.

Here are a few things for you to consider on BBQ safety for holiday home owners and to communicate to those enjoying your holiday let property:

General BBQ Safety for Holiday Home Owners – When was the last time you checked your Holiday Home BBQ?

  • It’s vital to make sure that your holiday home BBQ is checked on a regular basis, and that these checks are carried out more frequently during periods of heightened use.
  • Many holiday home owners will have play equipment such as trampolines in their garden.  It’s important that there is adequate space between these areas and where your BBQ is situated.
  • If your BBQ is usually stored inside, clearly indicate to visitors that it should have cooled completely and cleaned before being stored. Fires can often be started from the embers of a BBQ that has not been sufficiently cooled or extinguished and if they are allowed to continue to burn in a confined space poisonous carbon monoxide can build up and potential kill you or your guests.
  • Hot charcoal should never be thrown out immediately after a BBQ as the heat can melt plastic and cause fires.

The frustrations of getting the BBQ going – getting charcoal cooking

  • BBQ’s take time and preparation. In a world in which our fan oven can quickly reach 200 Celcius within minutes, it can at times seem frustrating waiting for your charcoal to reach cooking temperatures.

This can lead to the temptation of adding more charcoal to the fire or using accelerants in order to quicken the pace of the process. Guests should only use enough charcoal to cover the base of the BBQ and should never use accelerants such as petrol in order to fuel the fire.

  • If your BBQ set included things such as lighters these should only be used on cold coals and also kept well out of the reach of children in your holiday home.

Keeping your holiday home guests safe with gas

  • If you supply a gas BBQ for use by your guests this will pose different risks and safety procedures. You should first ensure that your gas cylinders and BBQ are kept in an appropriate place. This should be an area that is not tightly confined and be clearly designated as out of bounds for young guests.
  • Whilst we all hope for a long BBQ summer you should avoid keeping more gas than is necessary at your holiday home.
  • Guests should be encouraged to change cylinders outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. They should also ensure the tap is fully turned off before making any change.
  • If a gas leak is suspected try brushing soapy water around the joint or pipe.  If there is an issue bubbles will be visible. Tighten to fix any potential joint but avoid over tightening.
  • Guests should be encouraged to report any defaults or defects to your gas BBQ. It should also be checked by someone with the competent skills and experience on a regular basis. Have your gas BBQ serviced annually and safety checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer with the appropriate LPG endorsement.

For further information or if you require a quotation from a specialist for your holiday home insurance call our team on 01237 429444.

 

 

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Natural Cleaning Products

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Natural cleaners. Vinegar, baking soda, salt and lemon.The benefits of using natural cleaning products around your holiday home

As a holiday homeowner what factors do you consider when selecting a cleaning product for your cottage?

Are they products that you’ve always used and perhaps see no need in changing?

Is it the latest and brightest packaging on the supermarket shelf that catches your eye?

Maybe the option that promises to save you time and make the most stubborn of chores easier and quicker to manage?

Whilst there may be a vast range of reasons for using the products you do, one unifying factor many of these cleaning solvents will have in common is the inclusion of strong chemicals that can be potentially harmful to your visitors and young children in particular.

With the growing list of ‘green’ and ‘natural’ alternatives to traditional bleaches we explore the potential benefits of going green when it comes to cleaning your holiday home.

Chemicals in the air and on surfaces

Once your holiday home has been cleaned with chemical based products they can remain present in the air and on the surfaces of your cottage for some time.

This can lead to new guests inhaling detrimental fumes and also enduring the smells that come with them during the busy summer period when changeover times can be extremely short.

The residue of these chemicals can also remain on surfaces and worktops and have been known to cause skin irritation, rashes and in extreme cases allergic reactions.

Natural products reduce these risks for your visitors and are often accompanied by a natural and more pleasant aroma, negating the need for even more products such as air fresheners to be deployed.

Pollution

We live in a country with unbounded natural beauty.  We insure and are lucky to be able to visit a vast number of properties situated in areas of outstanding natural beauty, with breathtaking views and unrivalled surrounds.

Cleaning products including chemicals such as Ammonia can not only effect soil pH levels but also cause the eutrophication of water when dispersed into waterways.

Using natural products can lessen the impact that our properties have on the environment and surrounding area in which we visit and live.

Antibacterial Wipes

When sourcing cleaning products and agents for the home or for a holiday cottage we can sometimes naturally gravitate toward the word ‘antibacterial’.

After all, these are the products that reduce the risk of bacteria remaining on surfaces or around your home that could be of risk to your visitors?

Recent American research by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suggested there is no significant difference between an antibacterial soap and a natural soap in eradicating bacteria and also suggested that repeated use of ‘antibacterial’ goods can actually promote bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

Cost savings

The subject of cost and any potential saving will vary from property to property.

However, research has also shown that the wearing impact natural cleaning products have on surfaces such as worktops are much less than strong chemical substances and therefore the period between replacements can be increased proportionately.

Using natural products, where appropriate, around the holiday home can also reduce the need for expensive off the shelf cleaning solutions.

Green Marketing

More and more visitors are now seeking holidays that are sustainable, green or eco-friendly.  The level to which holiday cottages answer the needs of the growing number of ‘green tourists’ is becoming an increasingly fundamental aspect in visitor decision making; the potential difference between staying in one location from another.

Using natural products rather than chemicals can add to the marketing of your property and the message that you’re doing everything you can to give them the premium holiday they desire, whilst also protecting the environment around you.

Boshers are specialist providers of insurance for holiday homes and cottages. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support your holiday letting business please give us a call on 01237 429444.

 

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Holiday home swimming pool

Holiday Home Swimming Pool – is yours ready for the summer season?

Holiday home swimming poolThe Met Office has recently provided their weather forecast for the coming months and it’s good news. Their three-month prediction shows the UK may be set for above-average temperatures for April, May and June.

Whilst many of us familiar with the inclement nature of the British weather will take this forecast with a pinch of salt, one thing you may enjoy during the summer months is a dip in the swimming pool.

Whether it’s an indoor or an outdoor pool there is a responsibility for holiday homeowners to make sure their swimming pools are safe for guests to use and that all relevant procedures are in place to minimise risks and allow for continued safe usage.

Five things to think about if your holiday home has a swimming pool

Have a risk assessment in place

Whilst there aren’t specific health and safety laws for swimming pools, holiday homeowners must comply with their general duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the associated regulations.

Owners must conduct a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks the pool provides, not only to users and guests but also to anyone working near or with the pool, for example cleaners.

It’s essential the risk assessment be carried out by someone who is able to fully understand the risks associated with the pool and how to implement procedures to maximise the chances of it being used safely and without incident.

Have clear guidelines as to how the pool should be used

Once you have conducted the risk assessment make sure the guidelines for using the pool are clearly displayed.  This information should include the depth of water, restrictions on the age of use and any prohibited activities such as running or dive-bombing.

Whilst this information should be clearly displayed around your pool also think of other opportunities you’ll have to communicate this with your guests, such as in welcome packs and access statements.

Keeping your pool safe

Many accidents associated with swimming pools happen from slips and trips on the side of the pool.  All edges of your swimming pool should be kept free from unnecessary obstructions such as balls, toys or other items to be used in the pool and also covered with a non-slip surface.

Change or filter your water regularly

During the summer months your holiday home swimming pool is likely to be busy and with this increased level of activity should come an increased level of maintenance.  Ensure your pool water is filtered or changed on at least a weekly basis and include this in your swimming pool health and safety procedures.

Keep a record of when the pool water was last changed and make sure that record is kept up to date.

Make sure additives are correctly added

If you use additives specifically designed to prevent the spread of disease ensure this is mixed in to the water of the swimming pool in quantities as recommended by the manufacturer of the additives and that all relevant tests are carried out to ensure the water is safe for swimming.

If you do have a swimming pool at your holiday home property please do make sure our specialist holiday home insurance team are aware of it. You can contact your holiday home specialist by calling 01237 429444.

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PAT Testing and holiday homes

Maintaining electrical appliances in your Holiday Home

PAT Testing

As a holiday homeowner it’s vital you keep your property as safe as possible for your visitors and that this extends to all areas including maintaining electrical appliances in your holiday home. PAT Testing and holiday homes

Over the years more and more electrical items have been added to the average home and this is no different in holiday properties.

A wide range of gadgets are now commonplace in the kitchen, hairdryers and other health and beauty items have made their way into the bedroom and bathroom, with games and television devices now taking centre place in the living room.

There is an abundance of electrical appliances spread across the average property.

So how do you ensure they are all safe for your visitors to use? Particularly if you live a good distance from your holiday home?

What is PAT testing?

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is an examination of electrical appliances that checks for potential defaults that are not obviously visible.  It’s important to highlight that whilst an appliance may appear fine to the eye and be in working order, it doesn’t mean that it is safe from defects and potential risk.

PAT testing should be carried out in coordination with visual checks; if your visitor reports a potential default with an electrical appliance it’s important it is checked as soon as possible and in the mean time not used.

Is there a legal requirement to PAT test your electrical appliances?

You have a legal obligation to ensure that any electrical appliance with the potential to cause injury is kept in a safe condition for visitors to use.

Whilst there is no stated legal requirement on the frequency of checks it is advised that you take a proactive approach to ensuring the appliances in your holiday home are in full and safe working order.

The nature of the appliance, along with the amount that it is used, should be considered when addressing how often you should be inspecting the item.

For example, it may be prudent for holiday home owners to check items before the busy summer period to ensure items are up to date and checked before they are used regularly over a prolonged period. It is also good practice at each changeover for your housekeeper or maintenance team to carry out a visual check on each appliance to check for damage such as fraying power leads or broken plugs and replace or repair as appropriate. It is also best practice to keep a record of such checks.

Do I need to label items once they’ve been tested?

On some electrical appliances you may have seen PAT test labels stating the last date on which they were inspected.  This again is not a legal requirement but is a good method of ensuring there is a clear record of when testing has been carried out, along with demonstrating that you have a maintenance plan in place for your holiday home.

Do I need a professional electrician to carry out my PAT test?

Whilst you’ll be able to carry out visual and basic inspection on your appliances, the person carrying out the full PAT test will need to be competent to do so and also have the equipment in order to undertake a full test.

It’s therefore best practise to have a professional carry out your tests.

Do you need to PAT test new appliances?

New electrical appliances should be supplied in a safe condition and therefore not require formal testing and inspection.  It is however sensible to do a visible check of the appliance to ensure it’s free from any damage that may have occurred in manufacture, transit or delivery to your property.

For more information on PAT testing for your electrical appliances please visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg236.pdf

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How being proactive can limit damage to your holiday home during extreme weather

How being proactive can limit damage to your holiday home during extreme weather

How being proactive can limit damage to your holiday home during extreme weather

Very few areas of the country have been able to avoid the battering the UK has faced from the recent winter weather. With more high winds and heavy rain predicted in the coming weeks we’re encouraging holiday home owners to stay vigilant and proactive in regularly checking their properties in order to minimise potential damage.

Here are just a few things you should be considering:

When did you last inspect your property?

Damage can emerge and develop quickly so it’s vital your property is regularly checked. If you’re unable to check yourself ask a friend or neighbour to keep an eye out or better still employ a property management company who’ll have years of experience in dealing with potential issues.

Are trees and branches safe?

Have nearby trees suffered from wind damage or become unstable as a result of flooding? Do they pose a risk of falling on property or nearby cars and roads?

Being proactive in managing the risks posed by falling trees can save costly potential expenses and disruption.

Are your slates slipping or tiles dislodged?

One of the most common issues during high winds is slipping slates or tiles. A slate falling from a roof, no matter what the weather, can do a lot of damage to surrounding property or visiting guests so it’s important to get any issues addressed by a professional as quickly as possible.

Make sure rain water has somewhere to go

Check your guttering, downpipes and drains for damage and debris, ensure they are clear. It’s important these checks are undertaken on a regular basis to prevent water ingress and subsequent property damage from overspilling guttering or blocked drains. Don’t leave it until it’s too late.

Clear up debris

If debris has been blown into your property or the surrounding area ensure it is collected and removed as quickly as possible. Depending on size and nature, it can not only cause damage to property but also increase the risk of slips, trips and falls for your guests.

Fallen power lines and cables

There have been recent occasions on which power lines and cables have fallen or been dislodged. These can be incredibly dangerous so please do stay clear and report to your energy supplier as soon as possible.

Have you reported damage to your insurer?

Remember that if you have suffered damage to your holiday home you should inform your insurer as soon as you become aware in order that they may deal with your claim.

Stay safe

Above all, make sure you stay safe. Don’t put yourself in danger in order to check your property. It can be a difficult time if your holiday home has suffered storm damage but take all measures possible to ensure your property is safe for you to enter before doing so.

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Painting a holiday cottage

10 steps to revive your holiday homes exterior

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10 steps to revive your holiday homes exterior

10 steps to revive your holiday homes exterior.

In this post we explore 10 steps to revive your holiday homes exterior. A holiday let property with real kerb appeal will lift your spirits and that of your guests. First impressions count for so much, especially in the self-catering accommodation sector where guests expectations have risen to new heights as the availability of good quality UK holiday letting properties has increased. Investing the time to take a look at your holiday homes exterior with an `objective eye’ and making small improvements will surely pay dividends by way of repeat bookings and recommendations.

10 steps to revive your holiday homes exterior

  1. Clean sweep – remove leaves and debris on a regular basis. Pay particular attention to drain covers which will have the added bonus of reducing the risk of flooding during heavy rain. If clearing drains by hand be sure to wear gloves.
  2. Take the pressure off with a pressure wash – paving, paths, brick and stonework can become covered in dirt, algae and lichen. Using a pressure washer can make easier work of rejuvenating the outside of your property and reducing the risk of slips and trips.
  3. Whip out weeds – not just in your gardens and borders, also pay attention to paths and the boundaries of your holiday home. Are the adjoining properties letting yours down? Why not offer to weed those too.
  4. Repair and paint window frames – preventative maintenance will keep out the rot and save you money in the long term.
  5. Revitalise paintwork – regularly washing your exterior paintwork will give it a real lift and remove dirt containing corrosive pollutants increasing the life of your paint.
  6. Put the sparkle back – there is nothing like clean gleaming windows to really make a home stand out and look loved.
  7. Keep it clear – prune back shrubs and greenery that are obscuring the front of your holiday home, overhanging paths or generally blocking views and light.
  8. Flower power – replenish planters and hanging baskets regularly with suitable plants for the coming season. Worried about watering? Why not leave a watering can for guests with a polite note asking if they will help.
  9. See the light – outside lighting can really lift the look of your holiday home when the sun goes down, as well as being important for both your guests safety and security. Replace corroded fittings and clean regularly.
  10. Spit and polish – your door furniture, house number or name plate can make a lasting impression on your guests, a fresh coat of paint on your front door and polished brass can really lift the entrance to your holiday let.

These 10 steps to revive your holiday homes exterior to maintain and improve its kerb appeal has been compiled as an aide memoir. As a serious holiday let owner you are likely to be doing most of these already, indeed you may have other tips to share with your fellow holiday home owners. Feel free to use the comments box below add your advice on increasing a holiday homes kerb appeal. When employing people or directing the labour of self-employed to carry out maintenance at your holiday home, you are required by law to have employers liability insurance. One of the benefits of Boshers holiday home insurance policy is the inclusion of £10m of employers liability cover as standard. You may also find the following posts for holiday home owners of interest:

Follow this link for posts similar to 10 steps to revive your holiday homes exterior and other useful resources for holiday home owners For further information on UK holiday home insurance visit the website page most relevant to you:

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