Adding to Your Spring Home Maintenance Checklist: Protect Your Home and Save on Insurance

Spring is here and so is the warmer weather. We’re sure you’re spending time outside, even if that means checking items off your spring home maintenance checklist. While home maintenance may not be the most glamorous topic, it plays a crucial role in protecting your most valuable investment – your home. 

What To Add To Your Home Maintenance Checklist in Canada

It’s essential to take proactive steps to maintain your home and prevent potential damage. Not only does a proper home maintenance checklist help protect your home from costly repairs, but it can also potentially reduce your home insurance. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of having and adding to a home maintenance checklist, provide some interior and exterior maintenance tips, and discuss how these efforts can contribute to potential savings on your home insurance.

If you’re wondering what you should have on your checklist to start, check out the link to Canada’s Home Maintenance Checklist at the bottom of this article.

Why Spring Home Maintenance Matters

Proper spring home maintenance not only helps to ensure that your home remains in good condition, but it also has several other important benefits.

Winter weather can take a toll on your home. Snow, ice, freezing temperatures, and harsh winds can cause damage to various components of your home such as the roof, gutter, siding, windows, and foundation. Spring home maintenance provides an opportunity to inspect and repair damage that may have occurred during the winter months.

Insurance companies often consider the condition of your home when determining your insurance premiums. Regular home maintenance, including addressing any winter damage, can help you maintain a well-kept home and reduce the risk of potential insurance claims. This, in turn, can lead to lower insurance rates.

Exterior Home Maintenance Tips

Below are some tips to add to you exterior home maintenance checklist this spring:

• Inspect and clean the gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can cause water overflow, leading to water damage in your home’s foundation and exterior walls. 
• Check your roof. Look for signs of leaks and for any missing, damaged, or loose shingles.
• Inspect and repair siding and exterior paint. Repair or replace damaged siding to protect your home from moisture and pests.
• Clean and inspect windows and screens.  Clean your windows and check for any cracks,m gaps, or damage. Replace or repair damaged windows and screens to improve energy efficiency. 
• Service your HVAC system.  Schedule a professional inspection and maintenance to ensure your system is operating efficiently. Clean or replace filters regularly. 

Interior Maintenance Tips

Below are some tips to add to you interior home maintenance checklist this spring:

• Test and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It is crucial to have working detectors to provide early warning in case of a fire or carbon monoxide leak. 
• Inspect and clean your chimney and fireplace.  If you have a chimney and fireplace, have them inspected and cleaned. Buildup can pose a fire hazard and obstruct airflow. 
• Check your attic and basement for leaks and moisture issues.  Look for water stains, mold, or mildew. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage and avoid health hazards.
• Check and update your home inventory list. This is a record of your valuable possessions, for insurance purposes. Make sure to include details, such as descriptions, serial numbers, and receipts. This can help accurately assess the value of your belongings and ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage in case of theft, damage, or loss.

Saving On Home Insurance Through Proper Maintenance

Proper maintenance of your home can help you reduce your insurance. Here are some tips on home home maintenance can lead to lower insurance rates:

• Insurance companies often offer lower premiums for well-maintained homes because they are less likely to experience costly damages or accidents.
• You can invest in home improvements that can lower your insurance premiums. For example, upgrading your home’s security system or installing a smoke detector. You should check with your insurance provider to see if they offer discounts for specific home improvements. 
• Review and discuss your insurance policy with your insurance agent. By keeping your insurance agent updated on the maintenance efforts you’re undertaking to keep you home in good condition, you may be eligible for discounts or lower premiums. Your insurance agent can provide valuable advice on how certain maintenance tasks can impact your insurance rates.

For more ways you could save money on your homeowners insurance premium, click here.

If You’re Looking For A Home Maintenance Checklist – Start Here!

Download this thorough home maintenance checklist by Canada’s government.

In conclusion, home maintenance plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of damages, accidents, and insurance claims, which can result in lower insurance premiums. Consult with your insurance agent on how maintenance efforts can impact insurance rates and lead to cost savings.