Owning a Home Means Never Having to Say There Aren"t Any Chores to Do
Owning a home means there's a "honey-do" list that never seems to get completely finished. Along with the chores that one's spouse or partner may have requested, don't forget to complete the following maintenance chores. They should be done periodically, and now that spring has sprung, it's the perfect time to address these tasks while cleaning the house from top to bottom-and at the same time, discover some issues that could potentially result in a claim on the family's homeowners insurance in Reistertown, Maryland policy.
Smoke detectors. Check them all (there should be at least one on every floor of the home), and swap out the batteries.
Light bulbs. Inspect the bulbs in each lighting fixture to ensure the proper wattage that the manufacturer recommends (the number is typically printed on the fixture) has not been exceeded. Consider changing traditional bulbs (which cost more in electricity, and produce more heat) with cooler, more efficient fluorescent bulbs.
Electrical outlets. Go from room to room, checking for frayed or nicked wires and loose-fitting plugs, as both can be hazardous. Refrain from overloading outlets with too many items; while they might make 10-plug power strips it's not wise to actually plug 10 things in to the same outlet simultaneously. Make sure that GFC outlets are in place in areas where water or a lot of moisture is present, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Air ducts and filters in heating, ventilation, and laundry. Cleaning these out will help reduce fuel bills and improve air quality, while at the same time get rid of dust, dirt, lint, and other materials that could catch fire.
Exterior landscaping. Trim back bushes and trees so they aren't close to utility wires, and cut down dead trees.
Windows. Check all the windows in the house to ensure none are broken or loose and that the locks are in place and are in working order. For sliding glass doors, make sure a long bar is placed in the track of the door.
Paths and driveway. Inspect these areas for uneven surfaces that could present a tripping hazard and have them leveled.
Water heater. Inspect the heater to make sure it is free of rust or corrosion that could lead to leaks and property damage.
By checking each of these items off the list as "done," one's home becomes that much safer from damage, accidents, or intrusion. To learn more about specific features of a homeowners insurance policy in Reisterstown [http://www.advantagegroupinsurance.com/personal-insurance/homeowners-insurance], Maryland, consult a professional insurance agent today.
Smoke detectors. Check them all (there should be at least one on every floor of the home), and swap out the batteries.
Light bulbs. Inspect the bulbs in each lighting fixture to ensure the proper wattage that the manufacturer recommends (the number is typically printed on the fixture) has not been exceeded. Consider changing traditional bulbs (which cost more in electricity, and produce more heat) with cooler, more efficient fluorescent bulbs.
Electrical outlets. Go from room to room, checking for frayed or nicked wires and loose-fitting plugs, as both can be hazardous. Refrain from overloading outlets with too many items; while they might make 10-plug power strips it's not wise to actually plug 10 things in to the same outlet simultaneously. Make sure that GFC outlets are in place in areas where water or a lot of moisture is present, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Air ducts and filters in heating, ventilation, and laundry. Cleaning these out will help reduce fuel bills and improve air quality, while at the same time get rid of dust, dirt, lint, and other materials that could catch fire.
Exterior landscaping. Trim back bushes and trees so they aren't close to utility wires, and cut down dead trees.
Windows. Check all the windows in the house to ensure none are broken or loose and that the locks are in place and are in working order. For sliding glass doors, make sure a long bar is placed in the track of the door.
Paths and driveway. Inspect these areas for uneven surfaces that could present a tripping hazard and have them leveled.
Water heater. Inspect the heater to make sure it is free of rust or corrosion that could lead to leaks and property damage.
By checking each of these items off the list as "done," one's home becomes that much safer from damage, accidents, or intrusion. To learn more about specific features of a homeowners insurance policy in Reisterstown [http://www.advantagegroupinsurance.com/personal-insurance/homeowners-insurance], Maryland, consult a professional insurance agent today.