Spring Cleaning and Maintenance

Here are five projects that can increase the curb appeal of your home and help you avoid filing an insurance claim in 2020.

Spring is finally here in Kentucky! It was a mild winter, and those who are stuck at home and looking for spring maintenance projects should consider some of the following:

In no particular order, these are my top five projects for homeowners for this spring.

1. Vinyl Siding Maintenance 

If your house has vinyl siding you might see a layer of dirt or film that can accumulate over the winter season. If you own a power washer, this is a quick afternoon project. If you don’t own a power washer, a garden hose with a sprayer attachment will do fine.  Use these ingredients to make a solution that will help remove mold and residue from your siding.

• ⅓ Cup of powdered laundry detergent
• ⅔ Cup of Household cleaner
• 1 Quart of Bleach
• 1 Gallon Water

While protecting your hands and face, apply this to your siding with a course brush and remove with a garden hose. This will prolong the lifespan of your siding and increase the curb appeal as well.

2. Ensure your deck railing is secure and safe

Decks are a great feature on any house! But before you grill out with your family, ensure your railings are still sturdy. One of the most common homeowner liability claims arise from someone leaning on a railing that has not been properly maintained or installed, often leading to a nasty fall. A quick check to ensure that your railings can withstand the weight of an adult leaning on them is the best way to avoid a fall. 

3. Roof Upkeep

If you live in a wooded area, you know that branches, leaves, and debris can accumulate on your roof after a windy fall and winter.  Removing them from your roof will prolong the lifespan of your shingles and help to avoid a costly water damage claim this summer. While you’re at it, make sure your gutters are clear as well. Before you do either one of these projects, ensure you are comfortable climbing on a ladder. When you do decide to do the work, make sure you place your ladder on a flat, stable surface and do not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended height. If you cannot reach your roof, consider hiring a professional. Don’t risk having to place a disability claim trying to avoid a homeowners claim.  SAFETY FIRST!

4. Sidewalk and Driveway maintenance

If you live in a city or subdivision, you should make sure the sidewalks around your property are free of debris. While you do not own the sidewalk, you are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the sidewalk. If any tree limbs or debris from your household on the sidewalk causes someone to trip and injure themselves you are certainly liable. Check with your local officials; most municipalities will designate a pickup day in the spring for yard waste. A quick afternoon cleaning up the sidewalks surrounding your property will greatly increase the curb appeal of your property and ensure you are not exposing yourself to a costly personal injury claim. 

5. Have a Car, Boat or vehicle on your property you no longer are using?

Most of us guys have been there,  “Yes honey, I am going to fix that car”.

If you have a project car on your property that you know you’ll never get around to fixing, you should consider donating or selling it. Having a nonfunctional vehicle on your property is considered an incidental exposure from an insurance standpoint, and probably an eyesore to your neighbors. There are several charities that you can donate your car to, and most of them will remove it from your property for free, allowing you to claim a tax deduction in exchange. If you want to go the route of selling, check your local Buy/Sell/Trade page on Facebook. There are often individuals who will pay you the “Scrap” value of your car. While this may only be a few hundred dollars, they also will remove it from your property.

Whatever your spring cleaning projects are, remember to be safe! If you have any questions about what your homeowners insurance covers or will not cover, contact Castle Insurance today!