#checklistforhousing

Home Insurance checklist for 2020 - Have you done yours?  As the celebration of a new year has finally come and passed, right after the holidays, many homeowners tend to accidentally neglect various aspects of their home maintenance. Although some of us may have enjoyed rather warm and pleasant weather so far, this January and February will probably be a little different. That means, your home might be vulnerable to cold weather damage if not taken care of properly. Yes, even in the desert!  Remember, we are in the high desert and it can get cold. Fortunately, with this home maintenance checklist, you’ll have the assurance that your humble abode will be able to combat the big desert chill ahead. Home Insurance Checklist for 2020 - Test the Alarms As much as possible, regularly test the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and don’t forget to check if your security system is up and running the way it should be. The batteries should always be relatively fresh so you can avoid the painful sting of the alert that comes with dying batteries. If there are kids around the house, there’s never a bad time to talk about an emergency evacuation plan. See to it that they know exactly what to do if fire, earthquake, or any other unforeseeable circumstances present themselves. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry! Inspect the Foundation The last thing you want to deal with during the cold winter months ahead is ice making its way into a crack in the foundation. While it is unlikely to have problems with ice in Las Vegas the reality is that it can happen.  Once ice makes its way into a crack in the foundation of your home it can cause significant structural problems for your home. That’s why it’s very important to take a walk around the house and check for any cracks this time of year. Although small cracks are inevitable, they should not be taken for granted and should be sealed right away. Home Insurance Checklist for 2020 - Check the Gutters and Roof There are still certainly places where the leaves are falling from trees and covering lawns, it’s important to ensure however, that the gutters don’t get neglected. Don’t let the leaves pile up, always try to clear your gutters as soon as possible. The accumulation of leaves can lead to drainage problems, which means whenever it rains, it will be difficult for the water to go down the sprout and away from the building. Once this happens, the water could force its way into the walls and ceilings of your home. While checking the gutter, don’t forget to check the roof as well. See to it that the shingles are in good condition and there aren’t any leaks. The roof should be strong and functional. Seal Windows and Doors Perhaps, the reason why your electric bill is rather high, is because of the air escaping through the gaps around the door frames and windows. As you seal the cracks in the foundation, don’t forget to seal the spaces around the doors and windows too. This will help keep the house warm when it’s cool while saving you money. The Heating and Cooling Systems Should Be Maintained While we’re talking about your heating and cooling bills, then you should also know, that it’s highly advisable to inspect and maintain these respective systems as well. Make it a habit to check if your heating and cooling systems are working the way they should be. Also, it’s better to tackle the repairs while they’re still small, instead of waiting for them to worsen. This should be done by a professional, he/she should make sure that the vents are clean, and the spaces aren’t obstructed by dirt or any other types of buildup. Have a Home Inventory and Review Your Policy Every new year brings with it resolutions with hopes that we can be a better person for the coming year. Some may want to be a little more responsible, but how exactly do you go about accomplishing that? Having a home inventory could help a homeowner prepare for the unknown. If a disaster of some kind occurs, there’s always the risk that you’ll be too distressed to remember how much each of your items costs. So, a complete list of everything you own and the value of each item will definitely come in handy. Do yourself a huge favor and create this list for 2020. This should be stored in a safe place, and you’ll be thankful that you did. Aside from that, understanding your insurance policy and being aware of it can greatly benefit you. Insurance can certainly be quite tricky, so the best move would be to hire an agent who will guide you through all the important components of your policy. Thank you for reading our post, “Home Insurance Checklist for 2020.”  For more Las Vegas home Seller tips, information on moving to Las Vegas, Las Vegas real estate market news, information on Las Vegas homes for sale, buying a home in Las Vegas, or general real estate information please visit our website www.lasvegasrealestate.com. Read the full article