Is your home ready for spring? With the spring weather finally on its way, now is the perfect time to take a step back and assess the toll that the Wisconsin winter may have taken on your home. After a long and dark winter, the spring weather is typically a breath of fresh air. But if you’ve neglected your home maintenance during the fall or winter months, you may be left with quite a bit of work to do before the sunshine is here to stay. As you go about your spring home maintenance checklist, be sure to keep your insurance coverage in mind to avoid making any costly mistakes that you may have to pay for later.
Top 4 Tips for Planning Your Spring Home Maintenance Project
1. Examine Roof Shingles
Your roof is one area of the home that is most susceptible to break down after a long winter. Closely examine your roof shingles to check for damage. If you have an older roof, it may be time to budget for a replacement. Similar to the ice and snow during the winter time, the summer sun can also damage your roof. If you have shingles that are buckled, cracked or loose, they should be replaced. Also make sure to check your gutters and downspouts for obstructions and proper extension from your home’s foundation. There should be at least 10’ to direct water away from the foundation. While your homeowner’s insurance coverage should help to cover the cost of replacing your roof due to inclement weather or a natural disaster, routine maintenance is an out-of-pocket expense.
2. Inspect Outdoor Faucets
Whether you plan on spending the spring months gardening or you simply like to keep your grass green, working outdoor faucets are a must. Be sure to check outdoor faucets for freeze damage by turning on the flow of water and placing a thumb or forefinger over the opening. If you’re able to stop the flow of water, the pipe inside the home may be damaged and should be replaced. This is also a good time to check your garden hose for any dry rot and confirm how your home insurance policy covers flood damage. Contact us to confirm how your home insurance policy covers for flood or other water damage.
3. Check Outdoor Structures
If you have any outdoor structures on your property, they will need to be checked for winter damages as well. Go over the condition of your garden shed, garage, fence, deck, etc. As you check for rotted wood, loose gutters and cracks in concrete, keep in mind that most homeowners insurance policies place certain limits on coverage for outdoor or “other” structures. Unsure of what your current policy covers? Now is the perfect time to review your policy to ensure you have the right level of coverage to meet your needs.
4. Invest in Your Garden
Once you’ve covered the basics and you are sure your home is ready to brave the long spring and summer months, it’s time to decorate in style. Add value to your property and give your exterior a boost when you visit the Realtor’s Home & Garden Show. This year the show will take place from March 23-31, 2018 at State Fair Park in nearby West Allis, WI.
Protect Your Home Year-Round with Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
Want to make sure your home is protected against any surprises left over from harsh winter weather? Keep your home safe and looking great when you invest in a comprehensive home insurance policy from Leonard Insurance Services, Inc. As your trusted local Mequon, WI insurance agent, I want to help ensure you have the right level of protection to meet your needs and budget. Visit Leonard Insurance online today for more information or to get a quote.
