Can you guess what's the biggest vacation spoiler? How about after a vacation going home to a ransacked house? Or a burnt house? Oftentimes, people planning their trips miss out on planning what they are leaving behind. In order to make your escapades dawdle until you've safely returned its paramount to set your crib in order first. Here are Today's valuable tips to ensure your house is intact after your get aways.

1.    Switch off the water heater - water heating systems have thermostat that regulates the temperature of your water. This keep on going and continues to consume power unless switched off.  If you are going away for a long time, then it is wise to put the water heater on vacation as well.

2.    Turn off water main valve - if you are planning to switch off the heating system might as well turn off the water main valve, unless of course you have auto on and shut off installed for your sprinklers then keep it on.   

3.    Check your drains - make sure the storm drains are clutter free and water can easily pass through it. You'll never know when a storm will come and it might be during while you are away.

4.    Disconnect your appliances - since no one will be using it, might as well disconnect not just to save but to protect it from any power surge.  Putting it on standby mode does not guarantee it don't consume electricity or it can be protected from unwanted power outage.  This is also good for your auto answering machines and telephone ringers.  In case those who have bad intentions checks if someone will pick up the phone he will hear no phone rings. This will no give him the slightest clue if whether there's someone home.

5.    Make technology work for you - if you are frequently away from home, your best guard is technology - monitoring cameras that you can remotely check; lights with sensors - auto lights off and on and senses movement;

6.    Get a hired hand - get a friend or someone you can trust to periodically look after place while you are gone. Let him trim your lawn so it won't invite unsuspecting people that you have been a way for a long time because of the tall grasses on your front yard.

7.    Inform your local police - this will grant you the greatest security knowing the local police force know your house needs extra protection.

Hope you find the above advices not just helpful but of dire importance so you don't just protect your home, but be at peace when you are away from home. So, how do prep your house before a vacation?