A Guide to Upkeeping Your Holiday Home

Owning a holiday home means having your own personal retreat, somewhere that’s clean, comfortable, and truly yours. To keep it that way, regular maintenance is key. One of the great advantages of owning a holiday home in a holiday park is that it’s looked after even when you’re not around. Our park team keeps an eye on things, and the general upkeep of the grounds is included in your site fees. Plus, all new holiday homes at Lovat Parks come with a 12-month warranty, giving you added peace of mind as you settle into your new lifestyle. While holiday home ownership is designed to be low maintenance, we’ll guide you through a few simple steps to help you keep everything in top shape and make the most of your time away.

Regular Cleaning and Tidying

Keeping your holiday home fresh and welcoming starts with routine cleaning. A tidy space not only feels better to spend time in but also makes long-term upkeep much easier. Regular cleaning helps prevent common issues like damp, mould, and pest infestations, including flies, which can become a problem during longer gaps between visits or guest stays.

If you’re using our Love To Let service, you can relax knowing we’ll take care of cleaning between guest bookings. When you visit yourself, a few simple habits, like managing dust, wiping up spills, and giving surfaces a quick refresh, can make a big difference in maintaining your holiday home’s condition.

Keeping Interiors Pristine

Interior maintenance is key to comfort and longevity. Periodically check plumbing and electrical systems for leaks, corrosion, or faulty connections.  Make sure your appliances are in working order and that extractor fans and vents are functioning well to prevent damp and condensation. Your first year with us is covered by a 12 month warranty. After that, you can choose your own suppliers or speak with our park team for local recommendations.

Soft furnishings and fittings benefit from regular vacuuming and gentle cleaning whenever you visit. Keep upholstery cleaners and multisurface sprays on hand for quick clean ups. Handy products to store under the sink include microfibre cloths, an all-purpose cleaner, upholstery spray, air freshener or antibacterial wipes. Consider a portable dehumidifier (a small box of dehumidifying beads made from absorbent silica gel or a plug-in electrical device) depending on how much moisture your home produces. Well-ventilated and maintained interiors not only look great and feel more welcome, they can  help extend the life of your holiday home. 

Exterior Maintenance Tips

The outside of your holiday home works hard against the elements. Much of the exterior maintenance is also covered under the 12 month warranty, and our team can keep an eye on things beyond that. Regularly wash the exterior walls of your holiday home and its windows, to remove grime and salt deposits, and don’t let moss build up Inspect for any signs of leaks (such as discoloured, warped or bubbling ceilings on the inside), or weather damage.

Decking and skirting should be cleaned and checked for signs of wear, especially after the winter months. Whether you use your holiday home in winter or not, proper winterisation during colder months helps prevent costly damage.

Pest Control and Prevention

Keeping pests out is easier than dealing with an infestation. Regularly inspect your home for signs of rodents or insects, especially around food storage and entry points. Our top pest prevention tips include sealing small holes and gaps in walls or floors, storing food in airtight containers, emptying bins and removing rubbish before leaving. Consider natural repellents or traps if these are needed. If you suspect a problem, don’t hesitate to call in a professional to handle it safely and thoroughly.

Choosing the Perfect Holiday Home Location

Location is key when selecting your holiday home. Whether you prefer coastal views, countryside peace, or proximity to local attractions, choosing the right spot will enhance your enjoyment and long-term enjoyment. Consider factors like accessibility, amenities, and the seasonality of the park to find the best fit for your lifestyle. Keep in mind, holiday homes by the sea are susceptible to more wear and tear, especially metal parts, as salty sea air can cause rust and corrosion. Meanwhile, extreme weather events like storms can damage roofing or windows. 

Enjoying Your Well-Maintained Holiday Home

Knowing about and planning ahead for possible issues, such as damp and weather damage, prevents nasty surprises. While consistent care and attention ensure your holiday home stays in top shape for years to come. A well-maintained home is more enjoyable, means more carefree holidays, and lets you lock up and leave with peace of mind.

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