Summer Home Improvement

By Stephanie McLain

At any point in time this past winter, did you notice some issues with your home? Maybe you noticed how drafty that window is, or you realized your gate is a little wobbly. Now that the weather has finally taken a turn for the better, you have the opportunity to get things fixed up.

Claims in the winter can be costly, partially because there is potential for more damage, and because prices are higher for service calls that involve higher risk. Ice, snow, freezing temperatures, these are all factors that play into the danger of a claim. Not to mention, winter claims take longer as they are difficult to resolve when the weather won’t cooperate. You can’t assess a roof that’s covered in ice. By making routine updates to your home during the warmer months, you can help prevent costly issues during winter.

Here are few items to consider upgrading or reinforcing:

  • Correct cracked concrete
  • Initiate inspections
  • Invest in new windows
  • Drain your water heater
  • Re-stain the deck and/or fence

Not only do these options make your house look nice, but they help lessen claim risks.

Don’t spend another winter thinking up things you should have fixed when you had the chance. Instead, spend it cozy in your home protected from the elements, with the security in knowing you’ve already got everything covered.

About Stephanie

Tech enthusiast (not pro), photographer hobbyist, boy mom, animal lover, and Insurance Adjuster

When Stephanie isn’t at work she’s trying new things from food, tech, games, hair colors, etc. Stephanie and her husband of 2 years live with their 2 boys, 1 fostered cousin, 2 dogs, 1 snake, and 1 fostered bearded dragon. Her goals are to experience the best life has to offer. They like to explore as a family everything from the outdoors, new towns, new games, or even new concepts or ideas for the house.

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Time to Clean those Gutters

by Terri Mooney-Hooker, Administrative Coordinator

Spring is here! It’s time to consider a little preventative home maintenance. One important item to not overlook is the gutters on your home. Why, you may ask? Because a debris-clogged gutter can cause all kinds of problems from a leaky roof or even water damage to the interior or the exterior of your home. Also, it could make a nice nesting place for pests, rodents, mold, and honeycombs from bee infestations.

So, you may wonder, “what is the best time of year to clean out the gutters,” and, “what can I do about it?” Before trying to accomplish this feat on your own, you may want to consider hiring an expert. The cost of a gutter cleaning may run anywhere from $75 to $225, depending on the home; length of the gutters; height of the home; and scope of the work.

Here are a few to-do lists you can keep handy:

  • Try to have the gutters cleaned at least twice a year.
  • Consider cover screens or gutter covers. These could run anywhere from $1500 to $2500, depending on the size of the home, as well as the length of the gutters.
  • Before hiring a professional, always check to make sure they carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance for any employees they may bring to the job with them.

And while you’re at it, you may want to consider a few other home-related tasks:

  • Swapping out the batteries in all smoke detectors in your home. (If you did not check the batteries during Daylight Saving Time weekend, why not check them now?)
  • Changing and/or replacing light bulbs on porches and patios.

Sources:  Angie’s List 2013 and HarryHelmet.com

HeadshotAbout Terri

Terri is the Administrative Coordinator at MAX. She performs all administrative duties, and helps out in other areas of the company when needed. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband, her children, two cats, and her extended family and friends. She is huge movie goer and an avid animal lover.