Property Maintenance

Now that the weather is getting warmer, it’s time to welcome in spring. Here are 7 things you can do to get your home ready for this very welcome season after a long, cold winter. Preparation 1: Clean the Gutters Grab a ladder, a pair of gloves, a scoop, and a trash bag. Carefully scale… Read more »

Sewer backups are nasty. They can cause extensive, costly damage and create health hazards you must rectify immediately. Regrettably, many homeowners presume their homeowners insurance policy protects them from a sewer backup. This usually isn’t the case. Policies usually limit coverage to sudden, unexpected plumbing incidents that occur inside your home’s structure, such as a… Read more »

Your home’s roof is the most important protection against the elements. It safeguards the structure and your belongings. However, some problems aren’t apparent until cold weather sets in. One of the most common issues is the formation of thick ice ridges along the eaves known as ice dams. What Do Ice Dams Do? When ice… Read more »

When winter weather hits it can stress your home in many ways. Unfortunately, many winter specific problems can lead to significant, costly damage. Fortunately, you can prevent many of these common winter issues with some planning and regular home maintenance. Frozen Pipes Water in pipes can freeze when the temperatures drops. It expands and can… Read more »

With temperatures falling it’s time to prepare your home for winter. Winter weather can lead to extensive damage if you don’t tick home maintenance items off your list now. These are some of the simplest, most affordable ways to prevent home damage and insurance claims. Assess Lighting It’s getting darker earlier with each passing day… Read more »

Most homeowners understand the importance of proper maintenance to keep their home looking and functioning well for many years. What many don’t know is that property maintenance can also have a direct bearing on their home insurance claims. Policies often stipulate that it is up to you to keep your property in tip-top shape. If… Read more »

Winter weather can take its toll on your home. Use this handy checklist to keep your house in tip-top shape to prevent expensive repairs. Inspect Basement Do a thorough inspection of the basement for signs of moisture such as staining, mold, or mildew. This may indicate a cracked foundation, poor ventilation, or a high water… Read more »

Frozen pipes aren’t just an inconvenience. They can cause extensive, expensive water damage to your home or business and they occur far too often. According to the Insurance Information Institute, about 2 out of every 100 policyholders submit a claim for frozen pipe damage. The average cost of a claim is $7,479, but don’t let… Read more »

Cooling temperatures, strong winds, and falling leaves are a strong reminder that winter is just around the corner. Now is the time to prepare your home so you’re well-protected from winter’s wrath. Follow these helpful fall maintenance tips to ensure you’re ready to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws at your house and property. Check the… Read more »

The importance of maintaining the chimney in your home can’t be stressed enough. A US Consumer Product Safety Commission report on residential structure fires found about 21,200 fires occur annually as a result of fireplaces, chimneys or chimney systems. These fires cause deaths and injuries and an estimated $93.6 million in property loss each year…. Read more »