Hey guys! I'm a pretty new member, and I found a house that I think is abandoned. I am trying to prepare to go check it out more, what are some steps I should take before I go and try to investigate further?

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Be wary of nearby houses or roads. It's always best to go in through a relatively inconspicuous entrance. If you think that the house might have security like motion sensors or cameras, don't use common entrances. Security devices are often placed by the "obvious" entry points like doors or broken windows. Also, keep in mind that silent alarms exist and that you won't always be able to tell if you set something off.

This all depends on the location, of course. If there aren't any signs that the owner wants to keep people out of the house (like new "No Trespassing" signs or boarded-up windows, chances are that the location doesn't have security.

Always be careful about the ground in front of you, especially on the second floor. Never forget that buildings like this aren't maintained, and it's entirely possible that the flooring might not be stable. This applies for the first floor as well if the house has a basement. If the floor in any area looks unstable, it probably is. It's best not to take your chances with that kind of stuff.

I can't see any fences in the way, though can't rule out there is something.

You should go by in evening after sunset and see where lights are on around the area. Guessing there won't be any in the house, but I've been surprised before.

If it seems like no one's there and you can get up close to the house, maybe spend one visit there doing that without going in, and leave in an orderly fashion, so you can see if anyone responds to that. If they do, as long as you didn't go inside, they can probably be fairly forgiving. Yes, this is assuming there aren't armed Americans inside who are prepared to Stand [Their] Ground in fear of your presence.

There are various long-term surveillance techniques you can use to test if people are entering through doors of the place. You'd also be at an advantage waiting until winter when there's snow on the ground and looking for tracks, but maybe the tall grass will help too.

One more tip, carry cat food and say you're looking for strays.

Posted by The Demon Crab Be wary of nearby houses or roads. It's always best to go in through a relatively inconspicuous entrance. If you think that the house might have security like motion sensors or cameras, don't use common entrances. Security devices are often placed by the "obvious" entry points like doors or broken windows. Also, keep in mind that silent alarms exist and that you won't always be able to tell if you set something off. This all depends on the location, of course. If there aren't any signs that the owner wants to keep people out of the house (like new "No Trespassing" signs or boarded-up windows, chances are that the location doesn't have security. Always be careful about the ground in front of you, especially on the second floor. Never forget that buildings like this aren't maintained, and it's entirely possible that the flooring might not be stable. This applies for the first floor as well if the house has a basement. If the floor in any area looks unstable, it probably is. It's best not to take your chances with that kind of stuff.

Thank you for the tip! There is a nearby house/farmstead so I'll probably try to go check it out after dusk tonight. It doesn't look like the primary owner has anything up by way of security, but I'll definitely keep a look out!

Posted by Steed I can't see any fences in the way, though can't rule out there is something. You should go by in evening after sunset and see where lights are on around the area. Guessing there won't be any in the house, but I've been surprised before. If it seems like no one's there and you can get up close to the house, maybe spend one visit there doing that without going in, and leave in an orderly fashion, so you can see if anyone responds to that. If they do, as long as you didn't go inside, they can probably be fairly forgiving. Yes, this is assuming there aren't armed Americans inside who are prepared to Stand [Their] Ground in fear of your presence. There are various long-term surveillance techniques you can use to test if people are entering through doors of the place. You'd also be at an advantage waiting until winter when there's snow on the ground and looking for tracks, but maybe the tall grass will help too. One more tip, carry cat food and say you're looking for strays.

I will definitely go visit after dark, and will bring some catfood with me The house is near a farm so I think that could definitely work. I'll definitely check out the tall grass situation tonight as well, thank you for the tips!!

Went back to the site and got a few more photos the other night. I hung out for a while until dusk and think I'll go back in a couple weeks (need to get some catfood first). The only real issue with it is that it is on a corner and a house/barn have decent visibility of the spot. But I think if I am careful at night I should be okay! Just probably won't get the best photos. Will keep updated as I explore more!

Posted by skilledscallion what are some steps I should take before I go and try to investigate further?

Park car, get out of car, walk to house, get in, walk around, take groovy pics, walk to car, get in car, drive away.

I've done this countless times and lived to tell the tale. I don't think this is worth doing in the cover of darkness. I would think a flashlight would give you away faster than a quick daytime explore. Just do it during the week when most folks are at work.

In my 84 years of exploring I have only ever had one person give me grief over taking a look at an abandoned house, and he was a wackadoo neighbor.

Note:
If you follow my advice and die, feel free to haunt me, just don't be an asshole ghost. On the upside, ghosts are the best urban explorers ever so you are welcome in advance.

Posted by NeuroticMatt Park car, get out of car, walk to house, get in, walk around, take groovy pics, walk to car, get in car, drive away. I've done this countless times and lived to tell the tale. I don't think this is worth doing in the cover of darkness. I would think a flashlight would give you away faster than a quick daytime explore. Just do it during the week when most folks are at work. In my 84 years of exploring I have only ever had one person give me grief over taking a look at an abandoned house, and he was a wackadoo neighbor. Note: If you follow my advice and die, feel free to haunt me, just don't be an asshole ghost. On the upside, ghosts are the best urban explorers ever so you are welcome in advance.

Would like to add that the purpose of visiting a site after dark is to look for lights that are on that give away activity, not to enter sites.

Also, you're 84???

Do you have any idea how it is abandoned?

If you're sure it's abandoned, just grab a flashlight and go for it- but like others have said before, make sure it's truly abandoned first. If the door isn't off its hinges or any other obvious sign like that, then it wouldn't hurt to knock just to make sure there's nobody inside. With old houses it can be difficult to tell the difference between poorly maintained and abandoned, though your odds certainly are better with farmhouses.

Posted by Aran If you're sure it's abandoned, just grab a flashlight and go for it- but like others have said before, make sure it's truly abandoned first. If the door isn't off its hinges or any other obvious sign like that, then it wouldn't hurt to knock just to make sure there's nobody inside. With old houses it can be difficult to tell the difference between poorly maintained and abandoned, though your odds certainly are better with farmhouses.

There's a fine fine line between abandoned and neglected!