Doing regular check-ups on the overall health of your home is key to maintaining it well so that you get ahead of any major issues or repairs. This helps you arrange any necessary repairs or upgrades before contractors get busy over the summer so you’ll be able enjoy the comforts of your home worry-free throughout the year.
Another key benefit of regular home maintenance is that it increases the value of your home in the event that you want to sell it, and it is a good way to manage the cost of home insurance. A well-maintained home benefits from competitive quotes and if you’ve made any upgrades, you may be eligible for extra savings such as upgraded roofing, heating or electrical.
Tips to make sure you’re ready for the warmer weather
The exterior and surrounding property
- Check the roof: curling, torn or missing shingles, and any damage to the roof could lead to leaks that could damage the interior of your home. If you have a chimney, check for any damage or blocks.
- Inspect windows, screen doors, siding and foundation: Check for cracks in the foundation, brick and caulking around windows and doors to help prevent water from entering the home and reduce energy costs.
- Clear gutters and spouts: a clogged gutter is attractive to pests and can also lead to flooding that could cause water damage to the rest of the house. Make sure that the downspout is directed away from the home.
- Check outdoor faucets and sprinklers: these water outlets haven’t been run since the winter so run them early to check for any leaks and make sure they work.
- Clean your outdoor AC unit: Since this sits outdoors, it is exposed to the elements and requires regular maintenance to keep it running efficiently.
- Check wooden fences, decks and steps: Wood is a beautiful material that brings warmth to the home, but it is also prone to damage and will break down over time if not maintained properly. Make sure to repair, seal and paint the wood outside your home and avoid damage, possible slips and falls and costly repairs.
Inside the home
- Spring is a good time to do an inventory of the home’s contents and declutter to get rid of unused items that can attract dust and mould.
- Check your attic for any leaks that may have occurred from melting snow and any sign of water damage and that no wildlife have nested during the winter months.
- Inspect the basement – spring thaw and summer rains bring an increased risk of flooding and sewer back-up. As with the rest of the home, check for cracks in the walls or foundation that could lead to leaks.
- Clean the interior of your windows and doors to clear debris so that they open and close easily.
Expand your insurance knowledge
It’s important to ensure that the information on your home insurance policy is updated and correct so that you get the right amount of coverage to repair or replace your home and your belongings in the event of a claim. If you’ve made updates, changed or upgraded your roofing or heating, or made renovations, contact your insurance broker to see how these impact your insurance policy.
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The content on this page is for information only. The insurance products described are subject to terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that are outlined in the policy wording. Please refer to the policy wording for complete details.