One of the biggest benefits you have as someone renting an apartment or home is you don’t have to worry about things going wrong as much as a homeowner. A broken faucet? The landlord can fix it. The AC unit isn’t working? Time to call the leasing office. However, once you become a homeowner, the responsibility for these repairs now falls into your hands.
The good news is home maintenance can help you avoid many of the issues you’ll encounter as a homeowner. Read on to learn why home maintenance is so important and how it can assist in preventing insurance claims.
1. Save Money
One of the best benefits of regular home maintenance is saving money. For example, you can expect to pay around $7 to $28.50 per square foot to replace your floor. Even at $7 per square foot, if the square footage of your home is 1,200, your total floor replacement cost would be $8,400! Regularly maintaining your roof, floors, and other important areas of your home can help you fix issues before they occur and save you money.
2. Increase Market Value
In general, homes tend to appreciate, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic began where home prices are increasing faster than ever. It is estimated a great first impression for your home can add as much as 10 percent to its value. The best way to maintain your home’s curb appeal is with home maintenance. Making sure
your driveway is crack-free, the lawn is well-kept, and your home is coated with fresh paint will help your home’s market value increase should you decide to sell it.
3. Avoid Insurance Claims
If you’re not prepared, home damage could cause serious problems. Many issues like fire, wind and hail, and water damage could lead to very costly insurance claims. Here are home maintenance tactics you can use to help prevent or minimize damage:
Wind and Hail Damage
Wind and hail can cause serious damage to your home. According to the Insurance Information Institution, each year about one out of 40 insured homes files a property damage claim related to wind or hail.
Although there is no way to completely prevent wind or hail damage, here are a couple of actions you can take to minimize damages and their related expenses:
- Practice roof maintenance regularly and replace your shingles when needed
- Ensure your doors and windows are secure
- Move outdoor objects like furniture and appliances inside to prevent them from blowing around
- Review your homeowners policy to see if it covers hurricane damage
Wind and hail damage is one of the main causes of roof damage, so making sure your roof has replacement cost coverage (RCV) is an excellent idea. RCV coverage would ensure you are reimbursed for the full amount it would cost to replace or repair your roof.
Fire Damage
Fire damage can happen at any moment, often resulting in severe damages. For example, the Insurance Information Institution states fire and lightning damages top their list of the most expensive insurance claims averaging nearly $80,000.
You can protect your home from fire risks by:
- Installing smoke detectors on each floor and outside every bedroom
- Keeping electrical items and cords away from flammable materials to avoid electrical fires
- Never leaving appliances like stoves, ovens, or space heaters unattended
- Removing lint from air filters and dryers
- Performing regular home maintenance to your chimneys and heating system
Water Damage
Water damage can be troublesome, especially if you live in Florida where your home is likely to be exposed to heavy rain and hurricanes. It’s important to know what your home insurance policy covers related to water damage. Take the time to see if your policy covers flood damage, which isn’t covered by most standard policies. You’ll also want to see if you have hidden water coverage, which applies to damage resulting from slow leaks over time.
Here are home maintenance tips to help you in minimizing water damage before it’s necessary to file a claim:
- Repair cracked or dripping pipes
- Keep your gutters clean
- Check caulking and seals around your tubs and showers. Reseal as necessary.
- Avoid pouring greasy, sticky or thick substances down your drains
- Maintain your appliances like your washing machine and refrigerator
Regular Maintenance Is Key to A Safe, Healthy Home
Although it’s great to save money by practicing regular home maintenance, your health and safety are above all the main reasons to do it. However, we know even with the best home maintenance, damages can occur, which is why we’re here to assist in finding the best homeowners policy for you. To learn more, contact us at (866) 846-3060 and get a free quote.
