Leaving Babcock Ranch for the Summer? Here’s How to Avoid a Costly Disaster
As the seasons change, many of our Babcock Ranch homeowners begin their migration north, trading Florida’s warmth for time with family and friends. But while you’re enjoying your summer elsewhere, what’s happening inside your home?
Too often, seasonal residents return in the fall to find an unexpected—and expensive—disaster. The two biggest causes? Mold and water damage.
Mold: A Silent and Fast-Moving Threat
Mold can start growing in just a few days when humidity levels are high. Your air conditioner is the first line of defense, keeping humidity in check. But what happens if it breaks? AC systems in Florida work hard year-round, pulling gallons of moisture from the air every day. If yours stops functioning while you’re away, the results can be devastating.
We’ve heard of homeowners trying to combat humidity with store-bought moisture absorbers, but they don’t work—in fact, they often make the problem worse by creating a new source of moisture.
A few years ago, a seasonal homeowner returned to find their villa covered in mold. The remediation cost exceeded $100,000, and insurance did not cover the damage. The culprit? An untrained, uninsured “hobby” home watcher who didn’t know what to look for.
Water Damage: The Most Expensive Risk
Water leaks can happen anywhere and anytime:
✅ Roof leaks from summer storms
✅ Burst pipes or aging water heaters
✅ AC condensation leaks
✅ Leaky ice maker lines
✅ Toilet or sink supply line failures
And if you live in a condo? Your neighbor’s leak could become your disaster. A burst pipe in a top unit can flood every home below it or leak into those next to it, causing tens of thousands in damage before anyone notices.
To put it in perspective:
💧 A fridge water line can leak up to a gallon per minute—that’s 1,400 gallons in just 24 hours.
🚽 A single toilet supply line can leak at 2-3 gallons per minute, releasing over 3,000 gallons per day into your home.
Now imagine that happening for weeks or months while you’re away. The financial and emotional toll is immeasurable—and the last thing you want is to spend the first few months of your return dealing with contractors, insurance claims, and repairs.
Not All Home Watch Services Are Created Equal
Home Watch isn’t just a favor from a neighbor—it’s a professional service that provides thorough, documented inspections to catch small problems before they become disasters.
Unlike “hobby” home watchers, professional home watch companies like Hive Home Watch are:
✔ Insured—so you’re protected.
✔ Trained—we understand home systems and what can go wrong in Florida’s climate.
✔ Equipped—we use GPS-enabled reporting software to document every visit.
Before handing over your keys, ask:
Are they insured? (Request a Certificate of Insurance.)
Do they have professional training and credentials?
Do they provide detailed, GPS-tracked reports?
Do they know how to check for AC failures, leaks, and early signs of mold?
Because your home shouldn’t be someone’s on-the-job training.
A Small Investment for Peace of Mind
The average professional home watch service costs around $60 per visit—or about $1,400 per year. That’s a small price compared to tens of thousands in potential damage, not to mention the stress and frustration of handling it from afar.
No one can prevent home damage, but our job is to detect issues early, act quickly, and advocate for your home while you’re away.
Heading North? Let’s Talk.
Before you leave for the season, let’s make a plan to regularly check your home. We’re based right here in Babcock Ranch, and we’re here to make sure you return to your home exactly as you left it—not a costly mess.
📍 Visit HiveHomeWatch.com to learn more.
Because peace of mind is priceless.
