3 inexpensive home maintenance projects (BPT) – Routine maintenance: two words that likely evoke eye rolls, exasperated sighs and dread for most homeowners who read, hear or even think about them. However, they’re also a homeowner’s best line of defense when it comes to protecting their most important investment their home. “Many homeowners insurance policyholders are choosing higher deductibles because it lowers their insurance costs,” said Christopher O’Rourke, Mercury Insurance vice president of property claims. “This means, however, that if they need to make a claim then their out-of-pocket costs will be higher. So, the best claim is the one you don’t have to make, because you’ve taken the time to ensure your property is properly maintained. And the good news is that it generally costs much less than paying a deductible.” So, with that in mind, here are three inexpensive projects that could save you a lot of money in the long run.
the faucets on and off, and flush the toilet once a week to ensure water continues flowing through the pipes properly. “Oftentimes, people will notice a brown spot on the ceiling, bulge in the wall or swelling cabinets - all indicators of water build-up or leaks - and most homeowners policies don’t cover long-term leaks,” said O’Rourke. “It’s important to address these things as soon as possible because they can create extensive damage if left untreated.” If you suspect you may have a leak, but the source isn’t easily accessible, time is of the essence. The average cost to hire a plumber is about $300, which is less than the potential amount of damage an untreated leak might cause.
2. Clean dryer ducts and vents.
Unfortunately, one Mercury policyholder learned this the hard way. “Our insured’s dryer was about 12 years old and its vents had never been cleaned,” said O’Rourke. “The resulting fire caused $300,000 in damage to her home, which she was forced to leave for 10 months. Insurance helps cover material losses, but you can’t put a price on lost memories or having your life turned upside down.” The average cost of a professional dryer vent cleaning is less than $200.
3. Visually inspect your home’s exterior. Make a point of walking the perimeter of your home to look for cracks, chips or holes in the façade and loose shingles on the roof. Imperfections like these can be access points for unwanted water to enter the home, which can cause rot, mold or structural damage. If your exterior walls are coated with built-up dirt and debris, wash them first to make it easier to detect potential problem areas. You can do this by attaching a cleaning tool to your garden hose or renting a pressure washer. Costs will vary depending on which option you choose, but start as low as $20. Windows are another potential danger zone for leaks, so be sure to check the condition of your weather stripping, as well as look for chips and cracks.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments responded to 15,050 home fires involving clothes dryers and washing machines in 1. Inspect plumbing 2014, which is the most recent data available. connections, It’s important to empty appliance hoses and your dryer’s lint filter after pipes for leaks. each use because lint is highly flammable. ComRefrigerators with bined with the high heat icemakers or water given off during a tumble dispensers, dishwashers and washing machines all cycle, this is a recipe for disaster. Lint also accumuhave hoses that connect lates in dryer ducts and to your water supply. If vents. While they take a these hoses wear out, bit more effort and knowblister or crack, or the how to clean, it’s just as connections loosen, they important to do this at can cause leaks that can least once a year. cause a lot of damage to your home and appliances. Replace these hoses with steel-braided hoses because they are less likely to fail and can be purchased at your local hardware store for around $20. Consult your owner’s manual for hose specifications and recommended replacement intervals. Periodically inspect the pipes under your kitchen and bathroom sinks for leaks. Also, if there’s a ® bathroom in your home epenD n eil that’s seldom used, turn And the professionals at Anderson Shortell.
Consult a professional to determine next steps if you find damages to your home’s exterior. O’Rourke also recommends speaking with your insurance agent to learn more about where to clean, what to replace and when to consult a professional before it’s too late. “Another suggestion is to consider hiring an inspector to help identify areas of risk. Most people only do this before buying or selling a home, but you don’t want to wait until it’s too late,” said O’Rourke. Taking care of your property now with these simple maintenance tips could save you time and money in the long run.
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Make room for your passions: How to maximize your garage space
(BPT) – Did you know over half of Americans (59%) feel that engaging in hobbies helps relieve stress? This was one finding in a survey of over 3,000 Americans conducted in 2017 by Kelton Global on behalf of Gladiator, the nation’s leader in customizable garage and household organization solutions. While work and family obligations may prevent many from pursuing their favorite activities, the survey revealed that another factor acting as a roadblock was having enough space to store equipment or supplies needed for hobbies. Whether you love biking, crafts or other activities, chances are you need easily accessible space to store your gear. Here’s where your garage comes in. The same survey found that 3 out of 4 Americans prioritize storage as the leading use for their garage - but that 28% of Americans can’t even fit a car in their garage because of the clutter. What’s the solution? Get motivated to optimize your storage space so you can easily access all the things you love to do. Once you’ve rid your-
self of the clutter, you can start clearing out even more floor space for your vehicle, woodworking bench, arts and crafts or drum kit for your garage band. Here are some smart ways to make the most of your garage.
1. Figure out your needs First, determine how much room your vehicles take up, then map out how much floor space you’ll need for any other items, such as a work bench or space to maneuver items you use frequently. Group the items you want to store in your garage according to category, then get ready to create more storage possibilities for all your gear.
basketballs and baseball bats. It installs easily on the wall and includes a ball caddy, which holds up to 25 pounds, that you can use for anything from helmets to sleeping bags, bags of potting soil or other bulky items you want kept off the floor. It also has two scoop hooks for heavier sports gear, backpacks, purses, garden tools and more.
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Another versatile option is to use a storage product that can transform from a wall-installed storage cabinet to a sturdy work surface. Gladiator’s Ready-toAssemble Foldaway Work Station provides both a space-saving storage cabinet and a functional work surface that can be 2. Optimize your mounted to their GearTwalls rack or GearWall for easy Take a good look at wall storage. The versatile all the wall space that’s work station can be used garage, you’ll need a currently being unused in as a gardening center, your garage. Fortunately, paint station or as a cabi- very secure, heavy-duty solution like the steel there are solutions for net for power tools. Overhead Storage Rack your walls that don’t made by Gladiator, which 4. Look up involve building bulky has a weight capacity of There’s another area shelving that further 750 pounds spread across encroaches on your floor of your garage that is most likely underutilized - 96 cubic feet of storage space. For example, the space. The unit is flexible, the overhead space. Sports Caddy GearTrack To safely use overhead and its height can be Pack by Gladiator can adjusted so you can lower hold much more than just storage space in your the rack for easier access. With smart solutions that use every area of your garage both safely and efficiently, you can make the most of your garage this year. Optimizing your garage storage space allows you to make more room in your life - for all the things you really love to do.
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