subject: Preventive Home Maintenance Tips [print this page] We purchase homeowners insurance in order to protect ourselves from any financial hardship that could result in the event of a total loss. However, most losses that occur are minor ones that could easily have been prevented by implementing a regular preventive maintenance program.
Everyday Loss Prevention Checklist
Hazards are present in the home from things that occur on a regular basis. Below are some tips on what to look for and steps to take that will reduce the chance of a minor loss occurring:
Put away the hair dryer only after it has cooled down.
Never leave lit candles unattended. Make sure theyre in a safe location when in use.
Do not leave space heaters unattended, or around small children or pets. Ensure theyre powered off after use.
Dont leave an in-use fireplace unattended for the same reasons.
Never leave coffeemakers, irons, toasters, or other small appliances that are in use unattended.
Properly extinguish smoking materials, and of course never smoke in bed!
Purchase surge protectors for expensive electronic equipment such as computers, home theater systems, or hi-fi equipment.
Monthly/Quarterly Prevention Checklist
In addition to the everyday checklist there are items that should be checked on a monthly or quarterly basis to ensure they are not becoming the source of a possible risk to the safety of the home:
Check air conditioning/heating system air filters and replace as necessary.
Check for cracks or separations in caulking around bathtubs, toilets, and faucets.
Inspect fire extinguishers to ensure they're fully charged.
Inspect main circuit breaker or electrical panel. If unsure how, enlist the help of an electrician.
Check all hoses connecting toilets, sinks, etc., to ensure no cracks or leaks.
Clean or replace dirty range hood filter.
Check dishwasher and washing machine hose to ensure no cracks, splitting or leaks.
Look for water leakage around refrigerator, icemaker, and water filter tanks and their connections (lines, hoses).
Inspect hot water heater's exterior seams, drip pan, and water connections to ensure no leaks.
Check dryer vent for lint blockage.
Semi-Annual/Annual Prevention Checklist
Many areas in or around the house require inspection only once or twice a year. Those may include:
Inspecting the roof and replacing damaged shingles.
Ensuring that the flashing around chimney systems is sealed, and having chimney professionally cleaned.
Checking siding for signs of deterioration caused by rot, mold, or insects, and replacing as necessary.
Checking and repairing or replacing weather stripping on exterior doors.
Checking exterior painted or stained surfaces and refinishing as needed.
Inspecting grout around any tile floor and touching it up.
Trimming any trees that could cause water damage to the siding or roof.
Use of these helpful hints can avoid possible areas of danger in and around the home, but they are no substitute for a good home insurance policy to protect a person when the unexpected occurs.
