HGTV's Property Brothers' 11 Top Tips For Protecting Your Home While Away

Drew and Jonathan Scott, best known as the Property Brothers, are widely recognized for their home improvement expertise. Their normal focus is on renovations and additions to homes. However, they also share guidance on maintaining and securing a home, including when homeowners are away for extended periods.

When you go on a vacation, you're hoping to be relaxed and enjoy yourself. That can be difficult if concerns about your home linger while you are away. Owning your own place is amazing, but there's no denying that it also leads to a lot of stress as well. Over the years, the Property Brothers have shared some advice to help you relax a little and feel satisfied that your house is as safe and protected as it can be, even if you aren't there. 

These tips include some basic but crucial mistakes to avoid when leaving your home for a vacation, such as checking all your locks and turning off your water before leaving. However, the brothers also advocate for smarter homes. They offer some suggestions for ways these devices and features can be taken advantage of to give you peace of mind before you head out on your next adventure.

"The installation alone of an alarm system and security cameras substantially reduces the likelihood of a break-in," Jonathan said in an interview with Future of Business and Tech. While it's a good idea to have alarm systems in place year-round, they're especially useful when you're going on vacation. The best part is that several of the top-rated home security cameras are now wireless smart systems, allowing you to access them from anywhere. Plus, you don't have to take out a wall to get everything properly installed. 

Fires are a threat to homes, even when you aren't there. Because of this, it's a good idea to reduce the chances of a fire before your trip. The Property Brothers say that wood is one of the biggest dangers. While there are larger steps you can take to reduce risk, such as replacing wood decks with more fire-resistant materials, there are also simple things you can do before heading out on vacation. Take time to clean up your yard, removing old wood, dried leaves, and dead plants that easily catch fire. 

According to the Property Brothers, another important investment to consider involves preventing water damage. Sometimes, even if you take the right steps to protect your house, leaks and burst pipes can still happen. Thankfully, there are devices that can warn you if there are any leaks or if your pipes are frozen and at risk of bursting. There are several options, from small devices placed under leak-prone areas to AI-driven tools that alert you to unusual water activity. 

Even with the fancy leak and frozen pipe sensors, the Property Brothers warn that you still want to turn off the water to your home when you leave. Even if it's only a short trip, turning off the main water line helps ensure that if something goes wrong, you won't return to a flood. It's one of the major things homeowners forget to do before leaving for vacation. However, it's an easy preventive step that can bring peace of mind anytime you're away.

"Have a smart thermostat where you can set a slightly wider boundary so that you're not getting too cold or too hot," Jonathan said in a clip on their Property Brothers Facebook page. While you could simply turn it off before you leave, fluctuating temperatures can cause issues for certain materials. So having a thermostat that you can set to stay within a range is a good idea. As a general rule, allowing about 10 degrees on either side of your normal temperature works well, especially if you have a thermostat you can adjust from your phone.

The Property Brothers suggest taking out the trash and emptying your fridge before you leave, citing the nasty smells that may wait for you otherwise. However, there are other benefits to cleaning up your kitchen and making sure you leave no crumbs lying around. Trash, dirty dishes, and open food can attract pests like rats, mice, and insects. You also don't have to worry about mold taking over your trash cans, counters, or sinks if you take the time to clean before you go away. 

Another way to reduce the chances of leaks or floods while you are away is to winter-proof your pipes. This is a useful solution during the cold season, whether you are home or not, but it's especially handy when you aren't around, according to the Property Brothers. Thankfully, there are several useful products to prevent your pipes from freezing during winter, including insulation and heat tape. You'll want to wrap any exposed outdoor pipes, but it's also smart to check vulnerable areas like the crawl space or attic. 

While smart home security can make a real difference, it won't mean much if you leave a door or window unlocked. Before you head out on your vacation, take a minute to ensure everything is locked, including all your doors and windows. "[Locking the doors] sounds obvious, but it's always worth double-checking," Drew says on their website, Drew and Jonathan. It only takes a couple of minutes and can add another layer of protection, helping your home feel more secure.

"Unplug any electronics that you don't want drawing energy," Jonathan said on their website, Drew and Jonathan. Not only does unplugging items save you on electricity, but it also keeps your home a little safer. A cord can overheat or fail unexpectedly, so it's better to be safe than sorry, especially if you'll be gone for a few days. While you should unplug anything that doesn't need to be running, there are certain types of cords people commonly forget to unplug before leaving the house. 

According to the Property Brothers, it's a good idea to let a neighbor know when you're leaving, especially if you're on friendly terms. Having someone who can keep an eye out for your home can give you peace of mind, so they know to pay attention to anything unusual. They can watch for any issues and look out for intruders. They can also collect your mail and any deliveries you receive, so it's not obvious you're away. It's one more reason why building relationships in your local community can pay off.

While it's smart to tell a neighbor you'll be gone for a few days, it's best to keep news of your travels otherwise fairly quiet until you return. Unfortunately, some people will take advantage of an empty house if they get wind of someone traveling. The Property Brothers also warn that this advice should include the internet. Avoid posting on social media, they say, as there are people who will take advantage of a post saying that you are leaving. It's also a good idea to avoid using geotags or travel-related hashtags until you're back home.