People frequently assume that if they close their front door and it seems okay when they leave their house, it will remain like that. The opposite is what has consistently happened with Home Watch Services in Athens.
The majority of properties never fail dramatically at night; however, problems typically develop slowly and quietly, and often go undetected for weeks or months. This is especially true for empty houses. When the homeowner comes back to their house or finds out about an issue, it’s too late, and the damage has already occurred.
In this article, I’m going to explain the most typical problems encountered on Home Watch Visits in Athens, how they occur, and why regular inspections are necessary to prevent problems from occurring instead of having to fix them.
1. Plumbing Problems & Water Leaks
4
Plumbing-related problems are by far the most frequent and the most costly problems discovered on Home Watch Visits.
Typical Examples of What We Find:
- Leaks under the sink or behind the toilet
- Hoses from washing machines or dishwashers leaking
- Leaking water heaters showing signs of impending failure
- Stains from water on walls or ceilings
Leaks start small. A casual look may not be able to identify them. If ignored, they can cause damage to floors, walls, furniture, and possibly to the apartment(s) next door.
Why Do Plumbing Problems Occur in Athens?
Older plumbing systems and shared vertical pipes in many buildings in Athens create conditions where a problem in your home can rapidly affect other people in the building increasing both cost and the sense of urgency.
2. Humidity, Mold, And Musty Odors
4
Moisture gets trapped in a vacant apartment (especially during the warmer months and rainy seasons).
Typical Examples of What We Find:
- Early signs of mold in bathrooms or corners
- Unpleasant odor created from stale air
- Condensation forming on walls and windows
- Moisture on wardrobes or storage units
Mold development doesn’t occur all at once. Remediation is expensive and difficult when mold becomes apparent.
Why Does Mold Develop In Athens?
Athens has very high humidity levels, which combines with warm temperatures, making it ideal for mold growth in closed apartments that aren’t regularly aired.
3. Electrical and Power Supply Problems
4
Electrical problems are extremely common in vacant homes and many times go unnoticed until appliances stop working or safety is threatened.
Typical Examples of What We Find:
- Circuit breakers tripping
- Power outage affecting refrigerators or alarms
- Damaged or loose electrical outlets
- Irregular operation of electrical panels
One inspection may verify that the electricity is on, but a series of inspections are required to discover repeat failures or potential developing problems.
4. Appliances Failing Due To Long-Term Non-Use
4
When appliances sit idle for extended periods, they don’t age well.
Typical Examples of What We Find:
- Refrigerators with strong odors after a power loss
- Water heaters failing upon restart
- Leaks or malfunctions in air conditioning units
- Stagnant water accumulating in washing machines
Inspecting properties periodically helps to identify problems prior to needing new appliances.
5. Indications Of Forcible Entry Or Other Security Risks
4
Not all security threats manifest themselves as dramatic break-ins. Many times, they begin as slight warnings.
Typical Examples of What We Find:
- Scratches or damage around locks
- Windows not closing properly
- Doors to balconies slightly misaligned due to being forced open
- Indicators that someone attempted entry but was unsuccessful
Performing periodic home watch visits allows for early identification of potential breaches into your home.
6. Unopened Mail and Official Notices
4
A mailbox overflowing with unopened letters is an unmistakable indicator that your property has gone unattended.
Typical Examples of What We Find:
- Piles of uncollected letters
- Utility notices or building announcements
- Correspondence from local government or municipalities
Missing notices can result in fines, service interruption, or possible legal ramifications.
7. Issues With Your Balcony and Exterior Areas
4
Your balcony is outside and exposed to the elements. Unfortunately, balconies are often neglected.
Typical Examples of What We Find:
- Drainage blocked resulting in standing water
- Overgrown plants
- Damaged or loose railing(s)
- Items left unsecured which can potentially fall
Potential problems associated with your balcony can create significant safety concerns, especially during storms.
8. Problems Created By Adjacent Apartments
4
Many serious problems do not arise from within the confines of your own home.
Typical Examples of What We Find:
- Water damage from above or below
- Humidity or odors from adjacent apartments
- Shared building-wide plumbing or drainage problems
Unless you perform regular home watch services, these types of problems are often discovered too late.
9. Abnormalities With Utilities and Meters
4
Even though utilities continue to operate whether or not your home is occupied, meter readings provide an opportunity to recognize potential problems.
Typical Examples of What We Find:
- Increased usage indicated by excessive consumption
- Meter malfunction
- Disruptions to utility service due to missed payment
Identifying potential issues early eliminates potential service disruptions and future expenses.
10. Age Related Deterioration As A Result of Lack of Use
4
Vacant homes deteriorate at a different rate than occupied homes.
Typical Examples of What We Find:
- Seals and gaskets dry and brittle
- Door hinges stiffened and/or locks damaged
- Excessive dust creating poor indoor air quality
- Minor problems that compound due to inactivity
It is rare that the above items are noted during a single inspection. However, through regular monitoring, they become evident.
Why Ongoing Home Watch Prevents Most of These Problems
As mentioned previously, most of the issues listed above develop gradually. One inspection provides no basis for comparison.
Home watch operates because it creates a timeline. There is a means to notice changes. There is a means to identify patterns. There is a means to address problems early.
Without multiple inspections, there is no reference point.
Repair Is Always More Expensive Than Prevention
More than half of the repair work related to problems found during home watch inspections could have been prevented had they been recognized and addressed sooner.
A simple tightening of a hose, ventilation of a room, clearing of a clogged drain, or paying a bill can save homeowners tens of thousands of Euros in repairs.
Final Thoughts
The problems we see during home watch inspections in Athens are rarely dramatic at first. They are subtle, quiet, and easily overlooked.
Therefore, the importance of ongoing home watch cannot be emphasized enough.
If your home is important to you, identifying problems early is not optional. It makes the difference between returning to a home that feels just as you left it and dealing with unexpected repairs the moment you enter your home.
While home watch can not prevent all potential problems, it can prevent small problems from turning into larger problems.
