When you own a home in Bozeman, whether it’s a second home, a rental, or an investment, you have duties to care for it, even when you’re not there. A good home watch checklist helps keep your home safe and in good shape. It stops small problems from becoming big, expensive ones. Most people think just locking the door is enough, but there’s much more to do. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about checking your Bozeman property to protect it while you’re away.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Keep your home warm and safe with regular HVAC checks
- Stop water damage before it starts (1 in 60 homes get water damage every year!)
- Professional pest control saves thousands in repairs
- Prepare for storms and snow in Bozeman’s harsh winters
- Visit your property often to catch problems early
- Different properties need different care – customize your checklist
- Records and documentation protect your investment
- Regular inspections save you money and keep tenants happy
CHECK YOUR FURNACE AND HEATING SYSTEM
Your heating system is very important in Bozeman’s cold winters. You need to make sure it works well. They are functional, clean, and functional. Start inspecting your HVAC system.
Your checklist should include:
- Inspect and replace filters if needed.
- Ensure units are running correctly or in standby mode.
- Verify thermostat settings to prevent freezing or overheating.
- Listen for unusual noises or signs of wear.
- Run the system occasionally to prevent stagnant air or frozen components.
Regular HVAC checks prevent expensive repairs and maintain comfort in the property. Good heating prevents expensive fixes and keeps your home warm and safe.
Proper HVAC maintenance reduces energy consumption, extends system lifespan, and maintains indoor air quality (EPA states indoor airborne contaminants can be 2-5X higher than outdoor levels).
CHECK FOR WATER LEAKS AND PIPES
Water damage is one of the biggest problems in empty homes. In fact, about 1 in 60 homes has a water damage claim every year. That’s about 1.6% of all homes. The average cost to fix water damage is $13,954.
Your checklist should include:
- Look for leaks under sinks and in basements.
- Check that all faucets work properly.
- Make sure toilets don’t run all the time.
- Look for water stains on ceilings or walls.
- Frozen pipes are a big risk in winter, so make sure pipes stay warm.
- Test your water system before winter to catch problems early.
- Inspect and fix water heaters, hot water lines, and visible plumbing fixtures.
- Monitoring drainage around the foundation and gutters.
These preventive measures reduce repair costs and preserve property integrity for long-term Bozeman rentals and personal homes alike.
CHECK FOR PESTS AND RODENTS
Empty homes attract bugs, mice, and rats. They love quiet places with no people. Mice can have 50 to 100 babies in just one year. Pests can damage your home’s wiring, insulation, and food supplies.
Here is what you need to do while checking for pest and rodents related issues.
- Look for droppings, chewed wires, or holes in walls and floors.
- Check dark places like attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
- Get professional pest control for long-term rentals.
- Catching pests early saves you thousands of dollars in repairs.
- A clean, well-watched home keeps pests away.
For apartments for rent in Bozeman or properties under homeowners’ association management, pest prevention protects property value and ensures a clean environment for tenants or guests.
PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR STORMS
Bozeman weather can be unpredictable and dangerous. Bozeman, Montana frequently experiences severe storms with wind gusts up to 70 mph, hail up to 1 inch, and flooding that damages roofs, vehicles, and basements.
Do You Know: In 2025, there were 20 hail reports in the area, along with multiple instances of downed tree limbs and power lines.
- Proper preparation helps protect homes from common storm threats like water intrusion and flying debris.
- Bozeman weather can be unpredictable, here’s what to keep in your checklist:
- Make sure your roof, gutters, and downspouts are clean and in good shape.
- Trim tree branches that hang over your roof.
- Make sure all windows and doors close tightly and lock.
- Store outdoor furniture, grills, or seasonal items to prevent storm damage and ensure they donot blow away in storms.
- Check that your foundation is solid and free from cracks.
These steps help protect your home during storms and prevent water from getting inside. This also ensures properties remain safe and ready for renters or returning homeowners.
CLEAR SNOW AND ICE IN WINTER
Snow and ice cause big problems for empty homes. Winter weather costs property $1.7 billion in damage over 10 years.
Snow and ice pose significant risks for unattended properties. Include:
- Ensuring driveways and walkways are cleared regularly.
- Inspecting roofs for snow loads or ice dams.
- Check outdoor pipes and spigots for freezing.
- Keep your gutters clean so water can drain.
- Maintaining interior temperatures above freezing to protect plumbing.
Proper snow management prevents damage and ensures safety for visitors and tenants in short-term rental Bozeman MT or personal property. Good snow management keeps your home and guests safe.
SECURITY SYSTEMS AND EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Security keeps burglars away. Home security systems reduce theft and damage. Regularly updating emergency contacts and sharing them with trusted people ensures faster help during property emergencies, boosting both safety and peace of mind.
Do You know: Homes with security systems are 2.7 times less likely to be burgled, and 60% of burglars avoid houses with alarms or cameras.
Here’s a checklist to keep your home safe and secure:
- Install alarms and monitoring systems if possible.
- Give emergency contacts (plumber, electrician, locksmith, neighbors) to trusted people. Keep a written list of these numbers.
- Let the police and security companies know when you’re away.
- If you rent out your property, make sure guests understand what to do in emergencies.
Having a strong security plan and emergency contacts protects your home and helps solve problems fast.
KEEP GOOD RECORDS AND VISIT REGULARLY
Regular check-ups prevent small problems from becoming big ones. Regular visits are also crucial for insurance: documentation and photos streamline claims, while timely checks prevent costly surprises and maximize property value.
Do You Know: Routine property inspections can reduce repair expenses by over 25% by catching issues early, and 86% of homeowners who used inspections found at least one problem requiring attention.
Here’s what you should have in your checklist ensuring proper record of your property:
- Write down the date and time every time you check your property.
- Take photos of the rooms, outside, and any problems you see.
- Look for leaks, bugs, broken windows, or other things that need to be fixed.
- Keep track of any repairs or work done on the property.
- Save bills, emergency phone numbers, and insurance papers in one safe place.
- If you rent your property, record any problems the renters tell you.
- Visit empty homes at least every 2-3 weeks and rent homes at least once a month.
- Update your records every time you visit or find something new.
People who inspect properties regularly save money on repairs.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR CHECKLIST FOR YOUR PROPERTY TYPE
Different properties need different care. Short-term rentals need guest checks, quick cleaning, and utility checks between guests. Long-term rentals need routine maintenance visits and tenant communication. Properties under homeowners association rules need to follow HOA guidelines for snow removal and yard work. Seasonal homes need different care for summer and winter. Think about your property type and create a checklist that fits your needs.
WHY REGULAR INSPECTIONS SAVE YOU MONEY
Regular home checks find problems early, before they get expensive. Finding a small leak early stops huge water damage costs. Catching pest problems fast prevents thousands in repairs. Making sure your heating system works avoids emergency repair bills. Good maintenance saves you money and keeps renters happy. When tenants live in well-kept homes, they stay longer. This means fewer vacant months and more rental income. Taking care of your property is the smartest money investment you can make.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Bozeman properties need careful watching when you’re away. A good home watch checklist covers heating systems, water pipes, pest control, storms, snow, security, and emergency contacts. Keeping good records and visiting regularly helps catch problems early. Different property types need different care plans. By following this checklist and inspecting your property often, you protect your investment and keep your home in great condition. Taking time to watch your home now saves you money and headaches later.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- How often should I check my Bozeman property?
If you rent your place to guests, check it after each person leaves. If you rent it long-term or leave it empty, try to visit every few weeks to make sure everything is okay. - Do I really need to check my heater and air conditioner if no one is living there?
Yes!Even when the house is empty, turn on the heating and cooling once in a while. This stops pipes from freezing and breaking, and keeps things working well for when you come back. - Who should clear snow from my house whenI’maway?
Ask a neighbor or pay a local snow-clearing company. Keeping paths and driveways clear helps you avoid accidents and lets emergency helpers reach your house if needed. - Should I worry about bugs or mice in an empty house?
Yes, bugs and miceare like empty homes. Having pest control visit or check traps can save you money and keep your house safe and clean for you or your guests. - Is the checklist different for short-term rentals?
Yes! If yourent to different guests, check and clean the home before new guests arrive. Make sure things like lights, water, heat, and cooling work every time.
