Remember the good old days, when your biggest worry was what
kind of candy you’d get trick or treating? At Tuff Shed, we think vacations
should bring out your inner child, not be taken up with worries about whether
or not you closed the garage door when you left. Don’t let worries about the
safety of your home take control of your vacation. Keep your home (and Tuff Shed building)
in shape while you’re gone with this checklist:
- Bills, Mail, Newspaper- Don’t let mail pile up
while you’re on vacation. Put a hold on your newspaper and mail or enlist a
neighbor to pick up your mail. Be sure to check due dates on bills and pay them
early if the due date falls during your vacation.
- Lawn Care- Falling leaves can lead to a messy
yard, especially when you’re not around to rake. Arrange to have your lawn
raked and mowed while you’re away. Turn off your sprinkler system as well, if
you haven’t already for the season.
- Clean out food in fridge- No one likes to come
back to a kitchen full of spoiled food. Check your refrigerator and counters
for perishable foods and clean them out before you leave.
- Electronics- Stop idle appliances from racking
up your energy bill. Before leaving the house take the time to unplug unused
appliances like your coffee maker, toaster, lamps, etc. to stop wasted energy
costs.
- Water- Turn off water mains to avoid burst pipes
and costly messes. If you’re concerned about turning off your water have a
neighbor or family member check in during your trip to make sure your home is
in order.
- Heating and Cooling- Adjust your thermostat to
level that maintains a moderate temperature without needlessly cooling or
heating an empty home. Fall weather is typically moderate enough to keep the
temperature in your home comfortable.
- Vehicles- If possible, park vehicles inside your
garage during the trip. If your car is parked on the street or in the driveway,
be sure to remove all electronics and valuables as well as the garage door
opener stored inside.
- Timers and Blinds- Set a timer for a few lights
in your home to switch on and off as well as keeping blinds slightly open, but
not enough to invite intruders to take a look. Avoid a closed up dark home, as
it can be a signal to burglars that the owner isn’t home.
After considering zoning codes and workspace
needs, Katrina chose a Tuff Shed TR-700 and a nine light door, framed by two
24x36 windows on either side. To accommodate for the hours she planned to spend
in her Tuff Shed, crafting and writing, Katrina insulated the walls and ceiling
and added drywall and vinyl flooring tiles. In addition, she ran electricity to
her she shed and installed air conditioning and heating units.
