Stay on top of your home with these preventive measures
Today we are going to explore the best practices for identifying areas of your home that need to be addressed immediately and the best ways to prevent your home from future damage.
After the winter we just had – we now have to prepare for the summer storm season. I know – we’ve just come through the long cold winter – after all our last winter storm was in late April.
In the summer, different areas of your home need to be inspected and maintained so that you’re prepared for the wild storms that hit as least once per summer.
Areas of your home to check
Here are a few areas that could be minor problems hiding in your home, just waiting to become major issues.
If you’re willing to take matters into your own hands, here is a list of the areas in your home that should undergo a thorough investigation:
Heating and air conditioning systems
Plumbing
Electrical systems
Insulation – in the roof, the attic, the walls or floors
Walls, ceilings, and floors – for moisture or water damage
Windows and doors
Foundation, basement, and structural components – for cracks and water damage
If you happen to have a copy of an old home inspection report on your home, it would be great to update it with notes as you check your home.
Professional Home Inspections
If you haven’t had a home inspection since you moved in – now would be a great time to do it again especially if you’ve been in your home for more than 10 years. It’s recommended you hire a professional home inspector to look for issues that may not be visible to you.
Professional home inspectors are trained to identify problems in their early stages, before they cause extensive damage requiring expensive repair solutions. A qualified home inspector will provide a detailed report of your home, as well as suggestions as to what needs an upgrade and areas that need to be addressed immediately.
Related Article: Preparing for another long and cold Canadian winter? We’ve put together some great home renovation projects for the Autumn months.
Most Common Home Insurance Claims in Canada
We’ve sourced the most common insurance claims in 2017. We’ve also come up with a list of action items you can take now to prevent or at least reduce the amount of damage they will cause to your home.
Water Damage - 49.1%
Here are some things you should look for in order to stop one of the most common causes of home insurance claims.
Watch for invasive root plants such as: Japanese Knotwood or Hogweed, that could damage your pipes, sprinkler systems, septic tanks, sewer lines, and more.
Routinely clear out your roof gutters.
Monitor your water bill for any sudden changes.
Don’t rely too heavily on powerful drain chemicals that can slowly eat away at your pipes over time.
Don’t pour grease down your sink as it hardens and clings to your pipes.
Fire & Smoke - 15.9%
Don’t let faulty electrical equipment put you and your family at risk.
Install smoke detectors
Update older wiring
Install carbon monoxide detectors
Ensure your light fixtures have bulbs with the proper wattage
Keep fireplaces, chimneys clean
Break and Enter - 8.6%
While some are comfortable with the “keep a light on” approach, there are some simple other measures you could take.
Invest in a security system.
Ensure doors and windows are locked at all times (check your phone if your doors are locked from anywhere with the latest smart home investments)
Wind & Tree Damage - 6.4%
Don’t let the winds huff and puff and cause serious home damage.
Routinely check the shingles on your roof.
Identify signs of decay or loose and weakened limbs on trees.
Prepare for the future with Home Renovation Experts
Planning on a home renovation soon? Avoid a home renovation nightmare by seeking out hidden issues lurking behind your walls and floorboards mentioned here that will delay your future projects.
Contact the design + build experts at Bryant Renovations for recommendations on ways you could protect your property and transform it into the dream home you’ve always wanted.