Owning a home comes with a lot of responsibility. It is also a significant financial investment. As a homeowner, you should do everything you can to protect your home.
Many homeowners do not realize the array of risks their homes face. Your house could be damaged in a number of ways, or wear and tear could lead to problems. There is also the risk of a person being injured at your home.
What can you do to protect your home from these many risks? Read on for strategies homeowners can deploy to protect their homes.
Take Care of Repairs
Routine maintenance is one of the top ways to protect your home. If you let issues go for too long or don’t pay attention to wear and tear or damage, it can lead to significant problems for your home. Along with being a risk to the home, it can also reduce the property value.
When you discover issues like leaky pipes, missing roof shingles, or drafty windows, fix them. You should also do routine maintenance like cleaning air conditioners and replacing the furnace filter. Beyond that, you should give your home a thorough spring cleaning once a year.
Get Adequate Homeowner’s Insurance
If you have a mortgage, the lender probably requires homeowner’s insurance. However, it is good to have even if you don’t have a mortgage. Insurance can protect against an array of perils like fire or weather damage. It can also cover liability if a person is injured on your property. If you already have homeowner’s insurance, review your policy to ensure it provides adequate protection.
Secure Doors and Windows
Your doors and windows are the foundation of security at your home. The front door is the most common entry point for burglars. You should review all of the entry points and windows on your house to ensure they are secure.
Go to every door to make sure the doorknob is secure and that it locks properly. If you don’t have a deadbolt, you should install one on every exterior door. Check your windows to make sure they close securely and that the latches work. You could also consider upgrading the hardware on doors and windows to enhance security.
Frequent Home Inspections
Inspections can be an important part of protecting your home. You can always do repairs when you notice problems, but it is better to catch issues as early as possible. Plan to inspect the roof, foundation, plumbing, HVAC system, and more. Beyond looking for repairs to handle early, you should also inspect for safety and security issues.
Outdoor Maintenance
Homeowners also have work to do outside the house. You need to keep up with routine landscaping. Cut your grass regularly and make sure to trim bushes and shrubs. If you have large trees, keep an eye on the branches so you can trim them if they get too long or large.
You should also keep an eye on the grade of your property. You want the ground to slope away from the house to protect against water damage. Other tips include cleaning and inspecting gutters at least once a year and maintaining walkways and the driveway.
Get A Security System
A security system can do a lot to protect your home. It can set off alarms if there is an intruder or contact the police. Modern smart security systems offer an array of features to enhance security. You could also consider advanced security cameras to add more protection. These camera systems can serve as an effective crime deterrent and allow you to keep an eye on your home when you are away.
Fire Safety
Homeowners should pay special attention to fire safety. Having enough smoke detectors is one of the most important steps for protecting against fires. If your home is old, you might want to add more smoke detectors. You should also make sure to test the alarms monthly and replace the batteries when needed.
In addition to having smoke detectors, you should have at least one fire extinguisher in your house. A fire extinguisher can make a big difference if you need to put out a small fire. Get at least one fire extinguisher and keep it somewhere that is easy to reach. You should also remember the expiration date on the extinguisher so you can replace it when it gets old.
Be Careful With Spare Keys
Many homeowners are not careful with their spare keys. You might leave one under a flowerpot or in a fake rock. It might seem like a smart hiding place, but burglars know where to look for spare keys. Instead of leaving a key outside, give the spare to a person you trust. You could also consider smart locks. Instead of having a key, smart locks use a PIN code or your phone to unlock the door.
Consider a Home Warranty
A home warranty could be a good idea if you want peace of mind for covering the cost of repairs and replacements. For a monthly fee, you can get a warranty policy that will cover a variety of home repairs. This can save you from having to make large payments when these issues arise and ensure you get repairs on time.
For example, an electrical protection plan from Cinch could provide repair services for an array of electrical issues. It could cover things like faulty plugs or lights that start flickering. When you have a problem, you just put in a claim, and the warranty service will handle the rest.
Protecting your home might be a lot of work, but it is worth it. With these tips, you can have a safer home while protecting the investment in the property.
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