Summer is a great time to tackle those home-improvement projects, such as painting the dining room or installing new curtains. Why not add a few to-dos that will make your house safer from threats such as fire and flooding? These projects don’t require much time or money, and they could help you avoid having to make a homeowners insurance claim in the future.
Check plumbing for leaks in the kitchen, the bathrooms, and the laundry room
- Cost: Free
- Time: Up to an hour
- Materials needed: None
- Why you should do it: The largest number of homeowners insurance claims are due to water damage caused by broken pipes and supply lines, says Joe Wagdy, Auto Club claims unit manager. If you catch a leak early on, you can have the plumbing repaired before the drip becomes a deluge. Check everywhere, from the water heater to behind the refrigerator to inside the toilet tank; any faulty connection can lead to flooding.
Inspect all electric cords in your house
- Cost: Free, or $30–$50 if you need new cords or surge protectors
- Time: 30 minutes
- Materials needed: New surge protectors and cords, if necessary
- Why you should do it: Damaged electric cords and overloaded outlets can cause failure to the fixture, appliance, or receptacle they are connected to. Since power strips and extension cords tend to be hidden behind large pieces of furniture, many people don’t see the safety hazard until it’s too late. Be sure to check behind entertainment centers, computer desks, and anywhere else you use a lot of electronics, and replace damaged cords. If you find that circuit breakers in your home trip periodically, evaluate outlets and power strips to make sure they are not overloaded. If you have more than two fixtures or appliances plugged into one outlet, use surge protectors.
Read more: http://www.calif.aaa.com/westways/2012/06/Pages/home-safety-to-do-list.aspx
Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only
Green Real Estate Appraiser 