The sunshine is calling, and it’s almost time to return to your South Florida home! But before you pack your bags and head south, is your home ready to welcome you back?
For seasonal residents and snowbirds, returning to Florida should mean relaxing by the pool, enjoying the warm weather, and settling back into your favorite routines—not dealing with unexpected home maintenance problems.
After sitting unoccupied for weeks or months, your home may need a little attention before your arrival. From plumbing and air conditioning to deliveries and general upkeep, a few simple checks can help make your return as smooth as possible.
Here are seven things to take care of before heading back to your Florida home.
1. Check for Plumbing Leaks and Water Damage
Water damage is one of the biggest concerns for homeowners with vacant properties. Even a small leak under a sink, around a toilet, or near an appliance can cause significant damage if left unnoticed.
Before returning, it’s important to check for visible leaks, water stains, unusual odors, and signs of moisture around plumbing fixtures.
How Broward Home Watch Helps: Our home watch visits include visual checks for signs of leaks and water damage, helping identify potential concerns before they become bigger problems.
2. Make Sure Your Air Conditioning Is Working Properly
In South Florida, air conditioning does more than keep your home comfortable. It also helps control indoor humidity.
When an air conditioning system isn’t functioning properly, excessive moisture can create conditions that encourage mold and mildew growth, even when nobody is home.
Before your arrival, make sure your AC is operating properly, the thermostat is set appropriately, and there are no obvious signs of excessive humidity.
How Broward Home Watch Helps: We can check thermostat readings and look for visible signs of moisture or HVAC-related concerns during scheduled visits, helping you coordinate professional service if needed.
3. Inspect for Unwanted Guests
Your home may have been empty, but that doesn’t mean nobody—or nothing—has moved in!
Ants, rodents, cockroaches, and other pests can find their way into vacant properties through small openings, damaged screens, or gaps around doors and windows.
Look for droppings, nests, insect activity, or other signs of unwanted visitors.
How Broward Home Watch Helps: During our visits, we look for visible signs of pest activity and can help coordinate pest control services when necessary.
4. Check Doors, Windows, and Exterior Areas
South Florida’s heavy rains, wind, and tropical weather can take a toll on your property while you’re away.
Before returning, check that windows and doors are secure, screens are intact, and there are no obvious signs of storm damage.
It’s also a good idea to inspect patios, outdoor furniture, landscaping, and other exterior areas for maintenance needs.
How Broward Home Watch Helps: We perform visual checks of accessible areas around your property and can alert you to concerns that may need professional attention.
5. Make Sure Your Pool and Landscaping Are Ready
There’s nothing quite like returning to Florida and stepping outside to enjoy your pool and backyard.
But overgrown landscaping, debris-filled patios, or a neglected pool can quickly put a damper on your homecoming.
Before you arrive, confirm that your pool service and landscaping providers have completed any necessary maintenance.
How Broward Home Watch Helps: Our concierge services can assist with coordinating scheduled vendors and checking on the property’s general appearance before your arrival.
6. Take Care of Deliveries and Household Essentials
Nobody wants to spend their first day back in Florida waiting for furniture deliveries, appliance installations, or service appointments.
If you have packages, household items, or new appliances arriving, arranging for someone to be present can save you valuable time.
How Broward Home Watch Helps: Our concierge services can include accepting deliveries, coordinating placement, checking for visible damage, and helping manage related details so everything is ready when you return.
7. Schedule a Pre-Arrival Home Check
Perhaps the most important step is having someone physically check your home before you arrive.
A pre-arrival visit can help identify unexpected issues, confirm that the property is secure, and give you a better idea of what to expect when you walk through the door.
After all, the last thing you want following a long drive or flight is to discover a plumbing problem, broken air conditioner, or another unpleasant surprise.
How Broward Home Watch Helps: We can perform a scheduled home watch visit before your return, provide updates and photos, and help coordinate additional services based on your needs.
Your Florida Home Should Be Ready When You Are
Returning to your seasonal home should feel like the beginning of a vacation, not the start of a maintenance checklist.
With Broward Home Watch, you have a trusted local team helping care for your property while you’re away and preparing for your return.
Whether you need routine home watch inspections, vendor coordination, delivery acceptance, or concierge assistance, we’re here to help make seasonal homeownership easier.
Coming Back to South Florida? Let Us Help You Get Ready!
Don’t wait until you arrive to discover what needs attention.
Contact Broward Home Watch to schedule a pre-arrival home check and learn more about our home watch and concierge services.
Proudly serving seasonal homeowners throughout Broward County, including Fort Lauderdale, Weston, Plantation, Davie, Coral Springs, Parkland, and surrounding communities.
Broward Home Watch — Your Trusted Local Contact When You Can’t Be There.