Buying a house is an incredibly exciting experience. The decorating possibilities are endless and you can relax in a space that is all your own.
However, as a homeowner, you will start to see threats everywhere. Is that piece of dirt on the floor actually signs of a mouse problem? Is there an unseen leak in the bathroom? Take a deep breath. There are a few ways to protect your home and keep you and your family safe. Follow these steps this summer.
1. Invest in seasonal pest control.
Some of the biggest threats to your home are the smallest animals you will come across. Termites can eat away at your foundation and cause thousands of dollars in damage. Ants can build nests in your yard and bite your kids while they play. If you’re not careful, you could have a serious infestation on your hands.
Work with an extermination company to inspect your house seasonally (typically two to four times per year) and identify any issues. If they can catch insect problems early, you won’t have to worry.
2. Get your roof inspected.
The average roof will last about 20 years before it needs to be replaced. However, the health of your roof depends on your shingles, roofing materials, and region. Look at the weather patterns in your area and schedule roof inspections annually or bi-annually.
If you live in a snowy area, schedule an inspection at the start of fall. A quality roofer can make sure your home is protected from snow, ice, and wanter through spring. If you live in a stormy or hurricane-prone region, call the roofer in the spring before the storms start to ramp up. This way you can make any necessary repairs before there’s an opportunity for serious damage.
3. Consider installing a security system.
If you are concerned about people breaking into your home, consider investing in a security system to protect your items and your family. Many systems are easy to use and high-tech these days. You can hook the system up from your smartphone and look at videos of people who come to your door. This can give you peace of mind when you are away from the house for a long time or if you leave your kids and teens alone at home to run a quick errand.
4. Keep Canada geese off of your yard.
Canada geese might seem harmless at first glance, but they can quickly become a serious threat to your property. These geese are known for tearing up golf courses and disrupting the local ducks. They naturally break up turf by looking for food and can be almost impossible to get rid of once they start to nest.
If you have noticed an increase in Canada geese in your area, consider investing in goose repellent. This will take care of your good problem and keep your yard looking clean.
5. Update your home insurance.
If you are worried about your house this year, call an expert who can assure you that everything is protected. Work with a home insurance provider who can help you get flood coverage and make sure you will be able to pay for any storm damage.
If possible, call around to local homeowner insurance providers who understand your concerns. If you live in Oklahoma, Tulsa Home Insurance comes highly recommended and is a great place to start.
The key to protecting your home is to take several small steps. Inspect your yard for damage from geese this weekend and take care of a budding ant problem next weekend. If you do a little bit at a time, none of your home care problems will become overwhelming.