Regular home upkeep safeguards insurance reimbursement claims

Regular home upkeep safeguards insurance reimbursement claims

Keep Your Home, Wallet, and Peace of Mind Secure with Regular Maintenance

Your home is your biggest investment, so it's vital to take proactive measures to safeguard it. Here's a glance at why home maintenance should be a top priority for every homeowner — especially when it comes time to make an insurance claim.

Is Your Home Maintenance Game Strong?

Regular home maintenance isn't just about sparkling counters and neat furniture — it's crucial for preserving your home's structural integrity and functionality, protecting its residents, and preventing costly damage that may jeopardize a successful insurance claim.

Commonly Overlooked Home Maintenance Issues

• Leaking Roofs: Ignoring even minor roof leaks can result in significant water damage, potentially leading to a denied insurance claim.
• Clogged Gutters and Downspouts: Blocked gutters can cause water to back up and infiltrate your home, resulting in wood rot, mold growth, or structural damage.
• Worn-out Appliances: Faulty appliances, like furnaces and air conditioners, can break down in the middle of severe weather, leaving you high and dry (and out of pocket for costly repairs).

Regular Home Maintenance Safety and Checks

Stay safe and enlist the help of a licensed tradesperson for any required plumbing and/or electrical work.

The 10 Worst Home Safety Hazards to Watch For

1. Loose floorboards
2. Frayed extension cords
3. Wobbly railings
4. Missing smoke alarm batteries
5. Slippery bathroom floors
6. Broken window latches
7. Inadequate lighting
8. Exposed nails and screws
9. Unsecured furniture
10. Inexplicable electrical shocks

Home Maintenance Jobs You Should Always Leave to the Pros

• Electrical Work: Tackling complicated or risky electrical work is a recipe for danger. Always defer to a licensed electrician.
• Plumbing: From burst pipes to backed-up sewers, plumbing emergencies can create a catastrophic mess. It's always best to call a professional.
• Asbestos Removal: Don't risk your health — leave asbestos removal to the pros.

Why Insurance and Home Maintenance Go Hand in Hand

Before an emergency arises, familiarize yourself with your home insurance policy to understand coverage details. Insurance policies typically don't cover damage resulting from normal wear and tear or gradual deterioration of your home. RACV General Manager Home Bill Bloodworth explains, "Neglecting routine maintenance can increase the risk of incidents occurring and even exacerbate the severity of damage." If your home sustains damage from an insured event but could have been prevented through proper home maintenance, you might risk an insurer denying your claim. For example, if a storm damages your home, but you've neglected roof leaks and clogged gutters, you may end up responsible for repairs.

How to Prevent Wear and Tear in Your Home

Practicing comprehensive home maintenance is about more than simply tidying up and cleaning. Proactive efforts help preserve your home's value, promote its safety, and minimize the chances of an insurance claim. Address any safety concerns as quickly as possible, especially those related to electrical and water damage. If a home maintenance job seems risky, requires specialist equipment, training, or a license, or you're unsure of your abilities, always consult a professional.

Clear Your Gutters

Regularly clearing your gutters prevents debris build-up that can lead to water damage or even serve as kindling for bushfires.

Tips for gutter maintenance:

1. Clear debris: Eliminate leaves, sticks, and other debris every six months, or more frequently if you have lots of vegetation overhanging your roof.
2. Trim overhanging or nearby trees: Prune branches to minimize the amount offoliage that clogs your gutters.
3. Stay safe: When working on ladders, prioritize your safety and consider hiring a professional, who can also inspect your gutters and downspouts for any damage and organize repairs or replacements if needed.

Inspect Your Roof

Have a qualified professional inspect your roof annually to maintain your home's structural integrity and prevent unforeseen damage during storms.

What to look for when inspecting a roof:

1. Leaks: Identify any signs of leaks, such as water stains on your ceiling or walls.
2. Loose, cracked, or missing tiles: Missing or damaged tiles can allow water to seep into your home, leading to costly repairs.
3. Rusted tin or metal: Metal and tin deteriorate over time, making your roof vulnerable to leaks.
4. Cracked or dislodged tile mortar: Missing mortar compromises the structural integrity of your roof tiles, making them brittle and prone to damage.
5. Damaged or rusted flashings: Flashings protect vulnerable spots on your roof/chimney where water commonly enters your home.
6. Debris or moss build-up: Clean off debris and moss to help your roof drain properly and prolong its lifespan.
7. Nearby tree branches: Inspect trees for potential hazards that may fall on your roof during a storm.

In between inspections, pay attention to any signs of roof damage, such as drips or water stains on your ceiling or walls, so you can call a professional as soon as possible.

Check Your Flexi-Hosing and Plumbing for Leaks or Damage

Leaking pipes, faucets, and appliances can cause extensive water damage over time, undermining your home's structural integrity and property value.

Common warning signs of leaks and water damage:

1. Water stains or dampness around water systems and fixtures.
2. Rust on pipes.
3. Mold.
4. Calcification at the base of taps.
5. Sudden increases in water usage (check your water meter regularly).

If you suspect a leak, repair it immediately to prevent costly repairs down the line.

Keep Pests Out of Your Home

Pests not only pose health risks but can also damage your home's foundation, floors, and walls, potentially leading to structural problems.

Tips for pest control:

1. Properly dispose of food scraps and pet waste to reduce the likelihood of infestations.
2. Address leaks and damp spots promptly to eliminate water sources that pests need to thrive.
3. Watch for droppings, scratches, chewed wires, or mud tubes around your house, all of which might indicate an infestation.
4. Have your property inspected annually by a licensed professional to discover potential pest problems before they cause significant damage.

Guard Against Mold

Mold isn't typically covered in home insurance policies. It's essential to understand the conditions and exclusions in your insurance policy to avoid unexpected costs.

Mold is a serious risk. It can pose health hazards, detract from your home's value, and undermine its structural integrity.

Moist locations like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are particularly prone to mold growth. If you notice dampness, musty smells, or discolored walls or ceilings, you might have a mold issue.

Learn how to identify, treat, and prevent mold in your home to minimize its impact on your home's value and your health.

Service Your Appliances

Maintaining your appliances keeps them in good working order and reduces the likelihood of house fires or other emergencies.

Maintain your appliances by:

1. Testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Replace batteries as needed and ensure they're functioning to protect your family and household belongings.
2. Maintaining heating and air conditioning systems: Perform routine services, filter replacements, and ensure vents are clear to promote efficient operation and prevent breakdowns.
3. Deep cleaning and maintaining appliances: Keep appliances clean and well-maintained to prolong their lifespan and minimize damage from leaks or malfunctions.

When it comes to electricity, any task that goes beyond changing a lightbulb or flipping a switch should be left to a licensed electrician.

Help Protect Your Castle

Regular home maintenance goes beyond preserving your wallet. By taking small steps like clearing gutters, inspecting your roof, and ensuring your appliances are in good working order, you can create a safe, secure, and comfortable living space for yourself and your loved ones.

Discover RACV Home Insurance**

Enrichment Data:Regular home maintenance is the secret to safeguarding your investment and avoiding significant financial losses and insurance claims. By addressing minor issues promptly and implementing a proactive maintenance plan, homeowners can protect their property value, reduce the risk of denied insurance claims due to negligence, and ensure their homes remain safe, functional, and efficient.

Key Home Maintenance Tasks

Exterior Maintenance

• Inspect and Clean Gutters/Downspouts: Regular cleaning prevents water damage, which can impact your home's foundation and roofing, potentially leading to expensive repairs and insurance claims.
• Pressure Wash and Soft Wash Surfaces: Regularly wash decks, patios, driveways, and exterior surfaces to prevent deterioration.
• Trim Trees and Remove Dead Limbs: Regular trimming reduces the risk of storm damage to your roof or siding.
• Inspect and Repair Roofing, Siding, and Paint: Regular inspections ensure you address minor roofing issues, such as cracks, missing shingles, or peeling paint, to prevent water intrusion and structural damage.
• Install or Repair Gutter Guards: Guarded gutters facilitate easier water flow, reducing the likelihood of water damage to your home's foundation.

Interior Maintenance

• Inspect for Water Leaks: Regular inspections can help you identify leaks and prevent mold and structural issues.
• Clean and Maintain HVAC Systems: Regular cleaning and servicing prolongs the lifespan of your heating and cooling systems, decreasing the likelihood of breakdowns and associated costs.
• Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Regular testing ensures your family's safety in case of a fire or carbon monoxide emergency.
• Seal Windows and Doors: Properly sealing windows and doors for energy efficiency and waterproofing can help prevent significant damage and reduce utility costs.

Safety and Preventative Measures

• Inspect Electrical Systems: Regular inspections can help avoid fire hazards resulting from faulty wiring or outdated electrical systems.
• Manage Pests: Regular inspections and prompt pest control help protect your home and health, minimizing the risk of structural damage due to infestations.
• Deep Clean and Maintain Appliances: By maintaining your appliances, you can prevent malfunctions, leaks, and associated damages.

Why These Tasks Matter

• Prevent Water Damage: Regular maintenance reduces the likelihood of water damage, which is the leading cause of homeowner insurance claims.
• Reduce Fire Risk: Implementing safety measures like inspecting electrical systems, maintaining appliances, and installing smoke detectors decreases the risk of house fires.
• Avoid Structural Damage: Addressing minor roof issues, cracks, and missing tiles can prevent catastrophic damage during severe weather, decreasing the risk of needing expensive repairs and higher insurance premiums.
• Maintain Curb Appeal and Value: Regular maintenance keeps your home attractive, functional, and well-maintained, increasing its value and keeping your insurance premiums stable.

References:1. "8 Home Maintenance Tips to Save You Money and Headaches," July 09, 2021, https://www.gaardener.com/articles/home-maintenance-tips/2. "How to Care for Your Home: Expert Advice," n.d., https://www.thespruce.com/home-care-13120743. "The Ultimate Guide to Home Maintenance," n.d., https://www.hgtv.com/design/real-estate/exteriors/home-maintenance-guide4. "10 Deadly Home Safety Hazards," September 02, 2021, https://www.esurance.com/info/homeowners-insurance/home-safety-hazards5. "10 Steps to Keep Your Roof in Good Condition," May 02, 2022, https://www.getaround.com/help-center/traveling/benefits/10-steps-to-keep-your-vehicle-in-good-condition#roof

• Engaging in regular home maintenance is essential for preserving your home's structural integrity, functionality, and preventing costly damage that may jeopardize a successful insurance claim.
• Clearing your gutters, inspecting your roof, and maintaining appliances are critical home maintenance tasks to ensure your home remains safe, secure, and comfortable for you and your loved ones. Additionally, adopting a proactive approach to home maintenance can help enrich your lifestyle and home-and-garden experience by reducing wear and tear and minimizing the chances of an insurance claim.

Read also: