Whether you’re heading south for the winter or just escaping a long stretch of cold, leaving your home unattended—especially in the Upper Midwest’s harsh seasons—requires more planning than just locking the door. In this guide, we’ll walk you through best practices for keeping your home secure, sound, and ready for your return.
This advice is especially relevant to homeowners in the area we serve—from West Fargo, ND out to Ottertail, MN, and all the lakes and towns in between (Fargo, Moorhead, Detroit Lakes, Pelican Lake, Big Cormorant Lake, Star Lake, Battle Lake, Perham, Vergas, etc.).
(See our full service area list.)
1. Start with a Pre‑Departure Checklist
Before you leave, go room by room to tackle tasks that reduce risks while you’re away. Here’s a robust checklist:
- Shut off and drain outdoor hoses, and turn off irrigation systems.
- Have your HVAC system serviced and set the thermostat to a safe, energy-saving baseline (e.g. ~55–60 °F) to prevent freezing.
- Shut off the main water supply and/or to unused portions of the home (if possible) to reduce the risk of burst pipes.
- Flush toilets, run faucets, and inspect for leaks in plumbing, appliances, and the roof.
- Secure all windows and doors. Add deadbolts or auxiliary locks if needed.
- Cancel or forward mail and stop newspaper deliveries (or hire a service).
- Remove perishable food items and take out trash.
- Unplug nonessential appliances (TVs, computers, small electronics) to reduce fire risk.
- Leave your blinds or curtains in positions that suggest occupancy; set timers on lights.
- Provide your contact info, key access, and travel itinerary to your Home Watch service.
- Take photos or video of your home (interior and exterior) as a baseline reference.
Completing this checklist before your departure will dramatically reduce exposure to risks like leaks, break-ins, and system failures.
2. Why a Professional Home Watch Is Essential
As a “snowbird,” your house is vulnerable while you’re away. A neighbor or friend might check in occasionally, but they can’t match the consistency or detail of a professional service like Surelock Home Watch.
Key Benefits of Home Watch:
- Early Detection: A trained inspector can spot subtle warning signs—like a slowly leaking pipe, a small window crack, or roof damage from snow.
- Security & Presence: Regular, documented visits deter vandalism or unauthorized entry.
- Maintenance Oversight: HVAC, plumbing, sump pumps, and appliances get checked before problems escalate.
- Insurance Compliance: Many homeowner policies require regular visits; our photo‑documented reports help you maintain coverage.
- Peace of Mind: You get regular updates and can rest easy knowing someone is actively watching your home.
We carry out scheduled inspections across our service region from West Fargo through the entire lakes region including Ottertail, MN.
(Check out our “Our Services” page for more on our inspection protocols.)
3. Recommended Visit Frequency
For homes in our area, especially during extreme winter or summer weather, we generally advise inspections every 7 to 14 days. Contact today! In high-risk seasons (spring thaw, heavy snow, storms), weekly checks are optimal.
If your property has features like a lakefront, a large footprint, or older plumbing, we can tailor an inspection schedule to your needs. (See our Services → Scheduling page.)
4. What Our Home Watch Inspection Includes
When you hire Surelock Home Watch, here’s a snapshot of what you can expect during each visit:
- Interior & Exterior Walkthrough: Checking walls, ceilings, windows, doors, rooflines, gutters.
- Plumbing & Water Check: Running faucets, flushing toilets, checking for leaks, watching moisture lines.
- HVAC & Temperature: Verifying heat is circulating properly, checking furnace/boiler, ensuring no unexpected drops or spikes.
- Security Audit: Confirming locks, alarm systems, windows, and entry points are intact and secure.
- Pest & Rodent Inspection: Looking for signs of intrusion and resetting traps if needed.
- Mail & Curb Appeal: Removing accumulated mail, tidying premises so the house looks lived-in.
- Photo‑documented Report: You receive a timestamped inspection report with photos and notes.
- Immediate Alerts: If anything serious is found—flooding, structural damage, or security emergencies—we contact you immediately.
You can find a more detailed breakdown on our “What We Do” or “Services” page.
5. Special Concerns in Our Region: Cold, Snow & Lakes
Because your property lies in the Upper Midwest and includes lake homes and cabins, it faces unique risks:
- Frozen & Burst Pipes: Even a small drip can freeze and expand into major damage.
- Ice Dams & Roof Loads: Heavy snow or ice blocking drainage can push water into attics or walls.
- Power Outages: Winter storms or summer storms may cut power—affecting furnaces, sump pumps, and more.
- Flooding & Runoff: In the spring thaw, runoffs may cause water intrusion in basements or low-lying areas.
- Pests Seeking Shelter: Rodents and critters often seek warmth in vacant homes.
- UV & Sun Damage in Summer: During your absence in warmer months, sun, wind, and storms can degrade roofing, siding, decks, etc.
Our inspectors are familiar with these local risks, and our regular visits aim to catch them early—before they become expensive.
6. Communication & Emergency Plans
As a client, you remain in the loop:
- You’ll receive consistent inspection reports with photos and notes.
- If we discover a problem, we’ll notify you immediately with options for response.
- We can help coordinate with trusted local contractors (plumbers, electricians, roofers) in Ottertail, Detroit Lakes, Pelican Rapids, Moorhead, Fargo, and surrounding towns.
- You determine which issues we’re authorized to handle immediately and which require your approval.
7. Return Strategy & Home Re-Entry
When it’s time to come back home:
- Give us advance notice so we can do a “pre-return” check
- Flush water lines and run faucets
- Turn your HVAC back up gradually
- Inspect for issues like leaks, pests, or damage
- Confirm all utilities are back on and functioning
- Review our final report and ensure any pending issues are addressed
8. Why Surelock Home Watch Is a Smart Choice
We take pride in serving your region with a locally grounded, professional approach:
- NHWA Accredited & Insured: We are an accredited member of the National Home Watch Association—background checked, bonded, and committed to high standards. National Home Watch Association
- Deep Local Roots: Our founder grew up in the lakes region around Ottertail, so we know the terrain and the seasonal challenges intimately. National Home Watch Association
- Proven Experience: We already service towns and lakes like Fargo, Moorhead, Detroit Lakes, Pelican Lake, Star Lake, Cormorant Lake, and more. About us
- Custom Plans: We tailor inspection frequency, coverage, and response to match your home and comfort level.
- Clear Reporting: Every visit includes a full, transparent report so you know exactly what’s happening.
If you own a second home, lake cabin, or property somewhere between West Fargo and Ottertail (or any of the lakes in that corridor), we can help you leave with confidence. Contact Us today!
9. Final Thoughts
Leaving your home unoccupied doesn’t have to be nerve‑wracking. With careful planning, a professional Home Watch service, and clear communication, you can travel or winter elsewhere with true peace of mind.
Want help customizing a checklist, drafting a departure timeline, or setting up a Home Watch plan for your property in Fargo, Detroit Lakes, Ottertail, Pelican, Star Lake, Big Cormorant, or elsewhere in between? Let’s talk—Schedule a Home Watch consultation now
Safe travels—and let us watch over your home while you roam.
