Now that the weather is nice enough to where we can do interior as well as exterior work on our homes, it is a good idea to assess how your property held up during the winter months. This time of year provides a great opportunity to look over your home, create a list of items that need to be addressed, and implement preventive measures to help maintain your home and property throughout the year.
Following are a few areas that can help get you started:
Repair any loose or damaged gutters as well as clean them out.
Check windows and their caulking. By repairing windows, window wells and caulking, you can help lower the AC costs during the warmer months.
Check up on your exterior paint. A fresh, new coat of paint can protect your home from the elements.
If your driveway or sidewalk cracked or shifted during the winter, make sure you get this repaired to protect yourself and guests from falls.
Make sure all porch rails and handrails are in good repair. To help prevent falls, make sure they are secured.
Check your fire extinguisher(s) to ensure that the pressure range is in the “green range”. If the pressure is outside the “green range,” you should promptly replace the extinguisher.
Look out for leaks and corrosion on your water heater. Check your owner’s manual for any recommended maintenance.
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, have the chimney cleaned (along with the clothes dryer vent).
Check the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
If you have a battery backup for your sump pump, check the battery life to ensure it is in proper working order.
A little home maintenance can go a long way toward safety and preventing potential homeowner insurance claims. If you happen to install any new preventive/safety systems such as an alarm system, a water shutoff system, or a sump pump battery backup system, be sure to let us know – you may be eligible for additional premium discounts!
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