Spring Home Inventory

By Stephanie McLain, Claims Adjuster

Have you begun the much-anticipated spring-cleaning?  As you weed through the nooks and crannies and dig out outdated items that could probably stand to be donated by now, you may just feel a weight you didn’t know was there start to lift off of your shoulders. The sun is starting to come through the windows and you need to make some space. You don’t necessarily have to rid your household of everything that doesn’t bring you joy, but maybe consider tossing the items that no longer function. If you’re anything like my darling husband, you may have a collection of obsolete items that you’re positive you’ll fix one day, most of which don’t even have parts being manufactured anymore. We’re not even talking neat vintage items, we’re talking cheap digital cameras that my son spilled soda on 4 years ago. Regardless, if you are able to part with items, do so, and do it before you change your mind. If you’ve bought new furniture, donate the old furniture so someone else can enjoy endless movies nights with your pre-worn in already loved couch. Trust me, they’ll love it. Once you’ve purged your house and renewed for the spring, you’ll feel like a brand new you.

Do you know what you should do after a renewal; after you’ve just regrouped your entire house and switched up the contents a little? Can you guess?

That’s right!

You should update your home inventory! Seriously, it’s like you readers are starting to read my mind. An up-to-date home inventory is vital in the event a major claim occurs. After the holidays, your household has probably acquired a few new things and you’ve probably just gotten rid of a few items. Updating in the spring is usually the easiest because it involves mostly removing items and maybe adding only one or two. Either way, you should definitely review your inventory and update as necessary, just in case. If you don’t already have an account, you can check out HomeZada.com and start an online digital home inventory so that this process is even easier. All of your items are manageable right from a phone or tablet.

Stephanie McLain

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.

Stephanie Headshot

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.