How to set up a second home for remote monitoring

1. Start with water

Water leaks are one of the most frequent and expensive problems in an empty house: a pipe dripping for weeks can ruin floors, furniture and the neighbour's property.

• Flood sensors under the kitchen sink, in bathrooms, by the boiler and the washing machine.
• Solenoid valve on the water inlet: if a sensor detects water, it closes automatically.
• Phone alerts for you and a trusted person.

2. Temperature: the risk of freezing

In a mountain climate, an unheated house can reach temperatures that freeze pipes. The answer isn't heating the whole house, but keeping a minimum and getting an alert if the temperature drops below a threshold or the boiler stops.

3. Security: alarm and cameras

A professional alarm with an app, door/window and motion sensors, and a camera or two at the entrances let you know what's going on and verify an alert before calling anyone out. Presence simulation (lights and blinds) makes the house look less empty.

4. Keyless access

A code lock or keypad lets you give temporary codes to the cleaner or technician, and see exactly when they came in. With a video intercom, you can answer from your phone.

5. Power-cut and connectivity alerts

If the power goes, the fridge and heating stop. A sensor that reports the outage — and a backup mobile connection if internet is critical — ensures alerts keep coming through.

6. Get the house ready before you arrive

With home automation, the same infrastructure delivers comfort: turn the heating on a few hours ahead, open the blinds and have lights on as you arrive. It's the part owners value most once they have it.

Rule of thumb: detection first (water, temperature, smoke), then security, then comfort. All on top of a good network.