Do’s and don’ts when caring for someone’s home
In the coming months, just like elegant trumpeter swans, many Yukoners will flock to warmer climates in search of sand and vitamin D. Even more so now with lifted pandemic travel restrictions. And, once again, the question of who will take care of “Rufus the dog” and “Tina the aloe vera” will pop up in the mind of eager travellers. Even in the absence of pets or plants, making sure the heating system still performs, as it should, is a prime concern for outbound homeowners. A trusted house-sitter is the answer for many.
House-sitting is quite common these days, and some advertise their services year-round. For the house-sitter, it allows a change of scenery from their own place or an opportunity to get pet love without the onus of pet ownership. But a good house-sitter is not just anybody you give your house key to.
If house-sitting is on your mind, these few tips will help you become the sought-after golden house-sitter.
Do your due diligence. Know what you are putting yourself through. Understand exactly what is expected of you and anything required in taking care of pets, plants and property. Looking after a house in Vancouver is not the same as in Whitehorse. Have an orientation visit before the actual house-sitting starts. You may want to make a list of questions first and bring it with you. Just as in any trusted relationship between human beings, good communication is golden. Be honest about what you feel comfortable doing (or not doing).
Experienced house-sitters have deal-breakers in order to decline house-sitting opportunities. Don’t hesitate to do so if you think you are being asked to bite off more than you can chew. Are you comfortable being out of town or in a house on water delivery? What about in a condo that backs onto a busy and noisy alley? Or taking care of a sick dog?
Speaking of pets, be certain to meet any animals, beforehand, that you will be caring for. It is much less stressful for both humans and animals to establish contact and trust while the owner is still around. Be clear about the degree of care you are willing to provide. This could be medicating a cat or bathing a dog. Discuss scenarios when it would be appropriate to bring the pet to the vet (and when not to).
Having a way to communicate with pet or property owners, while they are away, is essential. Do ask for emergency contacts, even if it means calling to a foreign country. For long stays, having a local contact, as well, is preferred. Make sure you have a roof over your head if the owners come back earlier than planned.
Taking care of a property can be intimidating for non-homeowners, but it can also be a fabulous opportunity to learn new skills. Starting a generator, keeping an eye on a water pump, and driving on sketchy rural roads can all be apprenticing for when your turn comes to own a place.
Heating and power issues are common. And just like Murphy’s law, when you think it could not get worse, it does. A dead furnace opens the door to frozen water pipes, which turns into cracked pipes and a flooded basement. Besides that, you are cold too. Would you know what to do?
Some house-sitters will not look after properties solely heated by wood. Even if you are knowledgeable and confident around a wood stove, ask for a demonstration on how to start a fire and reload the stove. Wood stoves come in many sizes and ways of operating. Don’t think that because you are familiar with your stove that it will be the same at your house-sit location. Ask when the chimney was last swept. If you are not comfotable with the answer, say so.
Most house-sitters receive money in exchange for their services—but not all. If you would like a token amount of gas money for looking after a rural property, have a discussion about it. A dent in your budget should not be a consequence of your house-sitting engagement.
If it helps, write an agreement about money, animal care and property maintenance. Do your homework; it will pay off in case of troubles.
House-sitting is a great way to experience diverse neighbourhoods and to learn new skills. Plus, you get to hang out with cool pets and with Tina the aloe vera.
