Homeowners who take care of their property stand to enjoy lower home insurance rates.
You can perform home maintenance projects in a DIY (do it yourself) fashion or hire a professional. However, it is important to note that if the repairs are faulty, your coverage might not apply. You often have to tell your insurer if you suspect poor maintenance in the home.
Improvements might make a significant impact on your monthly home insurance premium. It might even be possible to save on your home insurance cost by performing improvements.
Add Fire Extinguishers
Most homeowners have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Add one to each floor of your home and you might receive a home insurance discount.
Make sure there is an extinguisher by the “hot spots” of the home such as the furnace and fireplace. Check the extinguisher(s) you have had for years to ensure the expiration date is at least a year away.
Install Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
Add smoke detectors to your home. In many cases, this is the law. You will greatly reduce the likelihood of fire damage and death resulting by fire.
Place these detectors on each floor of the home. Regularly check their batteries and you will likely receive a home insurance discount. Add a carbon monoxide detector as well. It notifies you when this odorless and colorless gas accumulates in your home.
Add Deadbolt Locks
Installing deadbolt locks might earn you a minor home insurance discount. Deadbolts make it quite difficult for thieves to enter your home. They are extremely reliable and easy enough to unlock from the inside of the home if an emergency occurs.
Sensors for Hazard Detection
These devices should be near plumbing fixtures, hot water heaters and furnaces. They will notify you when something goes wrong. For example, if the furnace shuts off, a temperature sensor will notify you before pipes freeze. Notify your insurer that these sensors are in your home. You might receive a discount on your policy.
Install new Washing Machine Hoses
If your washing machine hoses are old, they have the potential to cause water damage. Replace frayed washing machine hoses with the stainless steel variety and you might enjoy a home insurance discount.
These are often easy improvements to make to the home. You can often do them yourself. How much you can save will likely depend on your insurance carrier. However, multiple companies offer discounts for home improvements.
If you need home insurance, come to Budget Insurance Agency, Inc. We can help you get covered for the common risks that face your home. Call us at 478-788-9188 for an Atlanta home insurance quote.