November is here, and for many absentee homeowners in the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry, it’s time to plan winter travels. To ensure your property is safe, a thorough coastal home winterization checklist is the most important tool you can have. Leaving a home vacant on the coast isn’t as simple as locking the door, and our mild climate can be deceptive.
Our mild climate is deceptive. A sudden cold snap, a forgotten appliance, or our year-round humidity can turn your pristine second home into a costly disaster zone.
Before you leave, walk through this essential coastal home winterization checklist. It’s designed specifically to combat the unique risks in Tybee, Savannah, and Hilton Head.
Check #1: The Pipe Perimeter (Preventing the $30,000 Flood)
The most common and costly mistake we see is underestimating our “mild” winters. All it takes is one night dropping below 30°F, compounded by coastal wind, to freeze and burst an uninsulated pipe in a crawlspace or attic.
Your Action Plan:
- Shut Off the Main Water: Locate your home’s main water shut-off valve. Turn it completely off.
- Drain Every Line: Once the main is off, open every faucet (hot and cold), shower, and tub in the house. Let them run until all water has drained.
- Flush All Toilets: Flush every toilet until the tank and bowl are empty.
- Don’t Forget These:
- Disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses and spigots.
- Shut off the water line to your icemaker and washing machine.
- Ensure your crawlspace and attic pipes are properly insulated. A small investment in pipe foam can save you thousands.
Check #2: The Humidity War (Preventing Silent Mold Growth)
This is the “I didn’t think of that” problem specific to our coast. When you turn your A/C off for the winter, you also turn off your home’s primary dehumidifier.
In the damp, humid air of Tybee and Hilton Head, an empty, sealed house becomes a petri dish. Humidity spikes, and mold can bloom on drywall, in closets, and behind furniture.
Your Action Plan:
- Do NOT Turn the HVAC Off: Instead, set your thermostat to a “safe range.” We recommend setting the heat to 60-65°F. This provides a crucial buffer against sudden freezes and keeps air circulating.
- Use Dehumidifiers: If your home is prone to dampness, consider running a standalone dehumidifier with a hose attachment that drains directly into a sink. This is the single best way to control indoor humidity.
- Open Interior Doors: Prop open all interior doors, including closets and pantry doors. This allows air to circulate freely and prevents “micro-climates” where mold can start.
Check #3: The “Failed Check” (Protecting Your Insurance Policy)
Here is a fact many homeowners don’t discover until it’s too late:
Did you know many insurance policies contain a “Vacancy Clause”? If your home is empty for more than 30 consecutive days, your insurer could deny a claim for damage (like water damage from a burst pipe or vandalism) unless you can prove you had a system in place for routine checks.
A “Failed Check” is a silent financial risk.
Your Action Plan:
- Read Your Policy: Understand your insurer’s definition of “vacant” vs. “unoccupied” and what your responsibilities are.
- Create a Presence: Use simple light timers to give the home an “occupied” look.
- Stop Mail and Flyers: An overflowing mailbox or a pile of door hangers is a clear signal to thieves that the home is empty.
- Arrange for Checks: Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to walk the property’s exterior and interior once a week. They should be looking for obvious issues: signs of forced entry, water stains on the ceiling, or pest problems.
The Professional Solution for True Peace of Mind
This checklist can feel like a part-time job. For absentee homeowners, the real peace of mind isn’t just knowing the steps—it’s knowing someone is actually doing them.
This is where a professional, bonded, and insured concierge service becomes invaluable. Coastline Concierge’s Exclusive Homeowner Service provides:
- Routine, Documented Home Checks: We provide photo-verified reports after every visit, giving you a digital log of your home’s status.
- Maintenance & Weather Coordination: We handle everything from the winterization checklist to coordinating landscapers and preparing for sudden cold snaps.
- Insurance-Ready Proof: Our documented checks provide the proof of maintenance you need to support any potential insurance claim.
Ready to enjoy your travels with documented, proactive care for your coastal home?
Contact us today for a complimentary consultation on our Absentee Homeowner services.