Insurance 101: Home Maintenance Tips to Avoid Property Losses

Owning and caring for a home is a big responsibility and staying ahead of property maintenance projects before they turn into property damage or claims, is important for all property owners to consider. Like a health physical, a home maintenance schedule is important for every home's upkeep and well-being. Continuing to check up on your exterior, appliances, heating and cooling, plumbing, security, and electrical systems will help prevent breakdowns, save money, and keep your home looking its best. Use this home maintenance checklist to help schedule your seasonal updates, repairs, and cleaning, along with a handful of monthly tasks. If any of the jobs go beyond your skill level or lead to more involved repairs, hire a professional to help. Few people have the time, skill or know-how to tackle everything on this list, so lean upon your neighbors, friends and colleagues for referrals of bonded, insured and reputable service providers in your area.

? JANUARY Test smoke detectors, carbon dioxide detectors, and fire extinguishers to make sure they are active and operating correctly. Change batteries at least once a year and check the expiration date on the fire extinguishers to make sure they are ready for use. o Inspect electrical cords for wear and replace any cords with discoloration, fading or weathering from outside use. o Check basement for leaks during thaws of ice and snow. o Check windowsills for damage due to window condensation and pooling.

? FEBRUARY Have your home chimney inspected every few years especially if you regularly burn natural wood logs. If the walls accumulate mote than 1/8” of residue, it is advisable to have the chimney professionally cleaned. A good chimney sweep can clean up the chimney and hearth and look for any structural problems with a wood-burning or gas fireplace. o Prune trees and shrubs; -this may be best in early spring for colder climates where a freeze is still a possibility.

? MARCH With summer on the way, it is a great time to check all the vents for optimum air efficiency. Make sure and change the A/C filter once a month to keep the air clean. Your stove hood filter also needs regular cleaning, as well as the ceiling fans. o Clean the garbage disposal by grinding ice cubes, then flushing with hot water and baking soda. o Inspect roofing for missing, loose or damaged shingles and leaks. o Polish wood furniture and furniture accents, and dust light fixtures. o Inspect the sink, shower, and bath caulking for deterioration or discoloration.

? APRIL To prevent leaks and keep the weather outside, you can check and maintain the caulk around your windows on the exterior of your home. Also inspect the weather stripping around the exterior of doors by looking to see if it is worn or if the sun is peering through. If so, weather stripping may be in order. o Clean faucet and shower head aerators to remove mineral deposits. o Inspect tub and sink drains for debris; have a licensed plumber or HVAC technician blow out the lines to remove any stubborn clogs. o Remove insulation from outdoor faucets and check all sprinkler heads and leads.

? MAY According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, it is critical that we clean our dryer duct regularly to prevent household fires. In addition to cleaning the lint screen every time the dryer is used, clean the exhaust duct and dryer vent. Also clean the lint behind the dryer as often as needed. o Fertilize your lawn, shrubs and trees.

? JUNE Drain the hot water heater. Remove sediment from the bottom of the tank so that it does not solidify and damage the tank and shorten its life. o Check the dishwasher for leaks. o Seal tile grout.

? JULY If your home is not cooling like it should, here are some things to consider. Check the amount of insulation in your attic, the more you have, up to 12 inches, the better. Make sure that your soffit vents are clear and that you have enough vents to circulate air through your attic. When you reduce the temperature in your attic by maintaining air flow and insulating from the heat and cold you will see great results.

? AUGUST Garage doors need maintenance, too. If your door is squeaking and noisy, it may require some oil or lubrication. Oil the chain as well as the door hinges and rollers to keep it running smoothly and quietly. Use a spray lubricant designed for garage doors.

? SEPTEMBER Look for cracks and holes in the siding, patch, caulk, sand and paint at wood joints or siding. Scrape and repaint where the exterior paint is showing signs of blistering or discoloration. Exterior maintenance can be kept to a minimum if addressed on a regular basis. o Rake leaves and aerate the lawn. o Replace old, drafty windows for more energy-efficient models. o Clean windows and screen doors from dirt, pollen and debris accumulation. o Drain and store hoses in the garage, storage shed or interior of the home.

? OCTOBER Clean the condenser coils in your HVAC units. Dusty condenser coils in major appliances; a dusty condenser coil will cause a refrigerator to work harder and shorten the appliance’s life. Use a vacuum or a broom to remove dust build-up from the coils every three months (once a month if you have pets). o Power wash hardscape on your property. o Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway or walkway. o Drain and winterize exterior plumbing.

? NOVEMBER With the leaves falling from the trees, it is a good time to check your gutters and clean them out. Gutters preserve landscaping and turf, prevent water damage to siding, staining on masonry, and stabilize soil from the perimeter of the home. o Tune up major appliances before the holidays. o Clean the carpets, hardwoods, marble, rugs, etc.

? DECEMBER As it gets colder, make sure to cover pipes and faucets that are outside when it gets below freezing. Keep drains dripping inside so that pipes do not freeze. o If you have a water softener, replenish it with salt if necessary. o Check with your HVAC contractor and see if you should cover your unit for the winter months. o Vacuum bathroom exhaust fan grill.

Taking the time to give your home some TLC will save you valuable time and the headaches associated with property loss and claims. Your home is one of your largest investments -invest the time in keeping things on track. Keeping a few major to-do items on your calendar as protocol, will establish a routine for staying on top of your home maintenance priorities.

-We can help.

Jason M. Pond, CPRIA - Personal Risk Management

972-715-8703 – W / 972-342-8645 – C / [email protected]