Buying a home comes with plenty of added responsibility. Investing in Tampa homeowners insurance is a great place to start, but what many homeowners do not realize is that there are bound to be other unexpected and costly issues along the way. In many instances, however, those “unexpected” issues shouldn’t really be a surprise at all, because they’re often caused by a lack of maintenance or other oversights by homeowners. This goes for both first-time and seasoned homeowners. It’s more common than you think for people who have been in a home for years to neglect even some of the most basic tasks that can prevent problems down the road. That’s why HH Insurance is here to touch on 4 mistakes we often see homeowners make, and tips from our Tampa homeowners insurance experts to help you avoid them.
Ignoring The Small Stuff Can Really Add Up
Problems that seem small at first have a good way of turning into larger issues down the road if left unfixed. When you see “small” things around the house, take steps to address them as soon as you can, because it likely will be a lot easier and cheaper to fix today than a year from now. For example, a leaky toilet today can easily lead to a mold issue a year from now.
Regularly Checking In, Around, And Under Your Home
To get the most out of your Tampa homeowners insurance, HH Insurance suggests doing at least a quarterly walk-through to look for issues such as leaks, areas of wear, or other problems that could arise in, around, or underneath your home. You would be surprised to know how many homeowners haven’t been in their attic or crawlspace in years! If you notice any issues, fix them when you first notice to prevent more drastic problems down the road.
Skipping Routine Maintenance On Your Appliances
Not only will keeping your appliances in good shape ensure they work effectively and prolong their lifespan, routine maintenance also can prevent serious risks. Here is a quick list of routine appliance maintenance to consider:
- Clean out your dryer exhaust vent at least once a year, and the dryer screen after each use.
- Check the hoses connected to your washing machine and dishwasher once a year, replacing them every 3-5 years as needed.
- Clear out your dishwasher’s food filter regularly.
- Vacuum up dust and other debris in window air conditioners before you start using them each year.
- Remember to test your smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors twice a year, installing fresh batteries each time.
Neglecting Other Systems
Your HVAC system needs attention so it won’t fail when you need it most. Having your furnace, heat pump, and/or central AC unit serviced each year before you start using them heavily will alert you to any potential problems. Change filters at the appropriate intervals, and if it’s been a while since you’ve had your ducts cleaned, consider that as well.
Tampa Homeowners Insurance Through HH Insurance
At HH Insurance, our team is focused on providing a world-class experience and will go above and beyond to meet your needs to be a great insurance partner. We work with exclusive insurance markets that deliver you better coverage at the lowest rates. Get in touch with us today to get the best Tampa homeowners insurance rates and coverage, our specialists are ready to answer all your questions.
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