Just like everything else in life, nothing is guaranteed, including the safety of your home. You may be making monthly mortgage payments or have paid for it in full but one thing is for certain, your home and the contents inside it could get damaged.
Some homeowners take the extra step of getting a comprehensive home warranty plan which protects them from the costs of paying for repair or replacing damaged items. This type of warranty will often cover big-ticket items like stoves, refrigerators, water heaters, jacuzzi, plumbing, and the home structure.
Think a home warranty is too much? Think again. These are the most common ways your home could get damaged.
- Surprisingly, the wind is considered the top most-common cause of damage in homes. Strong winds can have things flying into your home.
- Water damage caused by a leaking dishwasher, air conditioning unit, washing machine, or toilet.
- Hail, which can damage your outdoor appliances.
- Extreme weather conditions, such as snow or heavy rain, can do a number on your roof.
- Fire damage is not as common as the ones mentioned above, but when it happens, it can wreak havoc on your prized possessions.
- Earthquakes don’t happen as often but if it’s strong enough, it can impact many things in your home. There could be structural damage, broken windows, damaged doors, cracked walls, and ceilings. Appliances may break. Gas and water pipes may leak making you more prone to other damages.
In these cases, a home warranty can be very useful since you only need to go to one company for repairs. But aside from getting your house covered, there are also other steps you can take to prevent these damages.
How to Protect your Home from Damages
During extreme weather conditions, put away items in your home or in the garage. This can include patio furniture, trash cans, garden decor, play equipment, etc. This prevents the items from getting damaged or possibly hitting your home during strong winds.
Prune your trees. Get rid of any dangling branches that can end up flying into your home during windy weather.
Clean your gutters regularly to prevent leaves and debris from clogging up your drainage system.
Sign up for weather alerts. Weather is one of the most common causes of damage to a home. Make sure that you are updated on the latest weather forecast in your area.
Perform routine checks on your appliances. If you see signs of leakage or corrosion, call your home warranty provider right away. Consider getting leak sensors as well.
If you’re going to be away from your home for a long time, turn off your main water supply. That way, you can be sure there are no leaks. You may also want to consider getting a leak sensor in areas where it’s most likely to leak such as basements, bathrooms, and under the sink.
Watch out for lit candles, an unattended iron, frayed wires, and combustible items. These are the most common ways that fire starts in a home. If you have a grill in your property, place it far away from your home. Also, clean your chimney regularly if you have one. It helps to have a fire alarm as well as a fire extinguisher in your home.
Perform roof maintenance. Holes and damaged shingles in your roof open you up to a host of problems like leaks, molds and other structural issues.
Clean your air conditioner and replace air filters regularly. Doing so prevents allergens from building up and it also helps lengthen the lifespan of your pricey air conditioning unit.
By taking these small steps, you can protect your home from damage. An Ohio home warranty gives you peace of mind but nothing beats the satisfying feeling of strengthening your fort.
First American operate in the state, and many others around the country, and so would be a good company to approach if you’re looking for one with contacts with contractors in your local area who they’ll be able to call out to diagnose and address problems when they arise. They have over three decades of providing this service to their customers behind them – it’s always wise to go for companies with such prestige, as your property deserves the best cover.
What other steps have you taken to protect your home? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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