When you buy your home, you want it to last. That means using proper maintenance and upkeep practices to safeguard the property. However, it’s not possible to watch every square inch of your home all the time. There’s always a chance that simple wear and tear could lead to problems that you can’t detect. However, simply by having home inspections, you can cut the risks of unforeseen hazards developing. What are some of the inspections and improvements you can make in your home each year?
The approaching autumn means we’ll likely see pleasant weather. This gives you ample time to have professionals inspect vital components of the home. Catching small problems might help you avoid a claim on your homeowners insurance.
Why Inspections Protect the Home
Home inspections can help you get a better idea of what’s going on in your home. A licensed inspector can take a look at vital systems and components of the home. They’ll see if the component or areas around it have damage. They can also tell if the function of certain items pose damage risks to the rest of the house. They’ll be able to recommend if or when to make repairs.
Your home insurer will likely thank you for keeping your home in good shape. The better the condition of your home, the lower your chances of having to file a claim on your policy. That could lead to policy savings and other benefits.
Not only that, if you do have to file a claim, your insurer might be more likely to honor it. Insurers generally only pay for unanticipated damage. After an inspection, a better chance exists that future damage is actually unpreventable. Therefore, you have a better chance of a successful claim.
This autumn, some of the inspections you might have include:
No roof is infallible, though they have variable lifespans. During an inspection, a roofer can check both the exterior and interior of the roof structure. They’ll also look at areas around the roof, like the attic, to see if any residual damage exists. Some of the problems they might find include:
- Animal damage, nesting or waste contamination
- Water damage like softening or rotting
- Mold development or other vegetation growth
- Shingle damage from falling objects or hail
- Damage to the beams or fastening attachments
- Damage or deterioration in the insulation system
These and other developments might compromise the roof’s structural integrity. So, the risk of partial or total collapse might rise. If such damage occurs, it can extend to more than the roof. Thus, preventing roof problems at all costs should remain your priority.
The foundation of all homes tend to shift over time, and often this requires very little repair work. However if foundations shift unchecked, they might compromise the home’s structural integrity. It might raise your risks of
- Structural damage, cracks in walls and ceilings, and collapse
- Uneven surfaces in the home
- Water and pest damage
- Damage to internal systems
Many insurance policies will not pay for foundation damage. You can generally prevent such damage through regular realignments. Talk to your local foundation service about letting someone crawl under the house.
- Drainage and Grading Improvements
The bad news is that most home insurance policies don’t cover flood damage. You’d need specialized flood coverage to get that protection. Inspecting the grading and drainage systems means you might cut the chances of water damage.
- Clean out your gutters. Any blockage from leaves, dust or animal debris prevents water from moving away from the home.
- Check the gutters for breakage or cracks.
- Make sure the home’s drainage ditches can direct water away from the home.
- Test the seals around doors, windows, the roof and the basement. They must remain tight to keep water out.
If you ever notice leaks or other water damage, immediately call a repair service. You can find out its origin and make changes before it becomes severe.
- HVAC and Electrical Inspections
Now’s a great time to let an electrician check your systems. They can fix problems that might cause wasted electricity in the coming months. They can also look for problems that could damage the rest of the home, or cause fires. Make sure you have repairs made before you change your system usage for the season.
Pest infiltration, from any animal, might cause structural damage and personal health risks. You should regularly have an exterminator visit the home. They can also check around the home for signs of pest damage.
These are just a few of the ways you can have a check up on the home, and thus keep it safer. However, this list is not exhaustive. Whenever you notice problems in the home, have them fixed expediently. The more care you take, the lower your chances of experiencing a problem not covered by insurance.