Location: Andalucía

  • Storm damage checks and property inspections in Andalucía

    Andalucía gets its share of serious weather — particularly between October and March. The DANA weather events that hit the region periodically can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and flash flooding. If your property is empty when this happens, you may not find out about any damage for weeks.

    What storm damage looks like on a Costa del Sol property

    • Water ingress through terrace doors or windows — especially older frames
    • Blocked drains causing flooding on terraces or in basement parking
    • Fallen trees or debris on terraces or in gardens
    • Damage to awnings, pergolas, and outdoor furniture
    • Roof tile damage on older buildings and townhouses

    Post-storm checks: what to ask for

    After a significant storm, ask your key holder or cleaner to do a check visit within 48 hours. They should look for: water on floors near doors or windows, visible damage to external areas, anything blocking drains, and any structural issues. Photo documentation is essential — especially if you need to make an insurance claim.

    Preventing the worst

    Preventive steps before the storm season: clear terraces of lightweight items that can be blown, check drain covers and clear any debris, close shutters on south and west-facing windows, and confirm your home insurance covers weather damage to garden structures and contents.

    A local contact who can check on the property quickly after bad weather is worth more than most insurance policies. SAM cleaners who offer property check services can be available on short notice for post-storm visits.

  • Christmas preparation cleaning guide for Andalucía homeowners

    For many expat property owners on the Costa del Sol, Christmas is one of the two or three times a year they actually get to use the property. Getting it properly ready after weeks or months of being empty makes the difference between a relaxing arrival and a stressful one.

    Book the clean early

    December is busy for cleaning services in Marbella and across Andalucía — both local families and other holiday homeowners are all preparing properties at the same time. If you’re arriving between 20 December and 6 January, book your pre-arrival clean by the end of November. Don’t leave it to the last minute.

    What to ask for

    • Full property clean — all rooms, kitchen, bathrooms
    • Fresh bed linen on all beds
    • Airing the property — windows open for at least an hour before closing up
    • Check all systems: hot water, heating, AC
    • Run all taps and flush all toilets
    • Check for any damp, leaks, or storm damage — winter storms are common in November and December

    Heating

    Andalucía winters are mild by northern European standards — but December nights in Marbella can drop to 7–10°C, and an unheated property that’s been closed for months will feel cold on arrival. Ask your cleaner to run the heating for a couple of hours before you arrive if you can coordinate the timing.

    Getting a quote

    Post your pre-arrival job on SAM with your arrival date and property details. Specify if it’s been empty since summer — cleaners will factor in the extra time needed for a thorough airing and clean.