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A question for those of you who had your house on the BI before making it your full time home...
How do you insure that your home is adequately taken care of in your absence?
For the first few years we will probably be able to use our home only 2-3 months out of the year (summer and xmas primarily).
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We bought our retirement home in Puna 2 1/2 years ago. We're there 3-4 times a year for a week or two. We have a relative who checks on the house about once a month and we have twice monthly yard service.
At first, I was quite concerned about things that 'might' happen while we were away. So far, thanks to our ever expanding Puna ohana, I worry about it less and less.
We have had to learn about how much to close things up and shut them down.
I am so thrilled every time I come home and my toothpaste is in the drawer and there are a couple of cold beers in the fridge.
Jon
hmm, I can't answer from experience because I would find that hard to manage.
Houses need CONSTANT attention in this climate. Mold, termites, bird and bug invasions. Not even counting the lowlife invasions.
It's not good for houses to sit empty here, although it seems to be working for JonP.
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Has anyone tried using a caretaker? I think that's when someone lives free in the house in exchange for taking care of it, but I am sure there are a lot of possible arrangements.
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Fourteen months and no reply, so perhaps I should try again!
We have some preliminary design sketches that include an in law unit with its own entrance. We're thinking of this as a potential place for a caretaker.
My question, how do you go about finding a good caretaker and what is the typical financial arrangement? We would use the place about 3 months out of the year so we need a trustworthy person there when we're gone. I am assuming that they live there rent free and do light gardening to keep the landscaping under control. Is that reasonable?
>>>We have some preliminary design sketches that include an in law unit with its own entrance
but in law units aren't legal in HPP, as far as I know. Have you gotten approval for this?
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In Hawaii County "in-law" units are called Ohana Dwelling Units. They are legal in Residential zoning with lots over 10,000 S.F.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
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quote:
Originally posted by hpp4me
Has anyone tried using a caretaker? I think that's when someone lives free in the house in exchange for taking care of it, but I am sure there are a lot of possible arrangements.
I have quite a few friends that are house sitters. One couple is from Ohio and housesits from oct to april or may for various people. It seems to work out well for them. They are mid 50's and very reliable. Some of the others are young and it doesnt work out as well it seems.
Sometimes you just have to take the leap and build your wings on the way down.
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me."
-Dudley Field Malone
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That couple must be am exception, I only heard of horror stories about these kind of arrangements.
Aloha,
John S. Rabi, GM,ARB,BFT,CM,CBR,FHS,PB,RB
808.989.1314
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
"The Next Level of Service!"
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I have had two different caretakers stay in our ohana.
One was perfectly fine, reliable, and considerate.
The other made $100+ phone calls, never did any of the maintenance she committed to do, and left me with an exorbitant electric bill.
Both presented as good people with local references. Next time I would ask for a refundable deposit. If they don't have the money, then that might be a red flag.
