For most people, buying a home is the most significant financial investment they make in their lifetimes. Our homes are special, unique places, so it’s natural to want to protect them. As homeowners, we face a raft of potential hazards, challenges and threats. In this guide, we’ll share some practical tips to help you protect your home.
Weatherproofing
Unpredictable weather conditions, changing temperatures and seasons, and natural disasters can spell trouble for homeowners. It’s not always possible to avoid damage or wear, but being proactive in weatherproofing your property can help you lower risks. It’s particularly important to prioritize prevention over cure during the cooler, wetter months. Simple tasks like gutter and eavestrough cleaning, varnishing external woodwork and covering outdoor furniture can help you minimize the impact of plunging temperatures, ice, snow and high winds. It’s also beneficial to clear leaves and debris from patios and driveways and stock up on grit supplies ahead of winter. This can help to lower the risk of slips and trips when it’s wet and icy.
Maintenance checks and inspections
Carrying out routine checks and inspections can help you identify minor issues before they develop into anything more serious. Keep up to date with scheduled home maintenance checks, for example, furnace services, and inspect your roof and gutters regularly. If you have any concerns about your roof, seek expert advice. Warning signs include missing shingles, sagging, loose tiles or slates and internal leaks. It’s also advisable to assess the condition of both the inside and outside of your home frequently, especially if you have an old house or you live in an area prone to extreme weather events, such as floods or hurricanes. If you notice issues, such as holes in the wall, missing bricks or tiles, damp patches, a musty smell, uneven floors or cracked or sloping walls, seek professional advice.
Securing your home
Protecting your home isn’t just about keeping the elements at bay and checking maintenance tasks off your to-do list. It’s also wise to prioritize security. Nobody wants to think about an intruder breaking into their property and taking possessions, but sadly, this is a risk every homeowner should consider. Studies show that the number of burglaries is decreasing steadily, but there are still over 3,000 incidents of property crime in the US every day. Investing in robust security measures and using deterrents effectively can help you lower risks significantly. Smart alarms and security systems are increasingly popular. You can also use outdoor lights, fences and gates, security signage and advanced locks to keep thieves at bay. Making it look as though somebody is home can deter thieves. It’s also beneficial to make sure that all your entry points are locked before you go out or go to bed.
For many of us, our homes are our castles. It’s understandable to want to keep your home and possessions safe. Being proactive in protecting your property can help to reduce risks and prevent problems. Areas to focus on include weatherproofing, keeping up to date with maintenance checks and inspections and securing your home.
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