New Bedford Home Insurance Tips for Summer Home Maintenance

Do you own a summer home? It is just as important to work with insurance companies in New Bedford, MA to protect your vacation home or retreat as it is to protect your primary residence. A nice little cabin in the woods, a beach house in Cape Cod, or just a place to get out of the city in the summertime can be a great way to unwind and relax. A summer home shouldn’t be a lot of work, but there are a few basic things that you need to do to get it ready for lots of warm weather fun. If you need a home insurance quote for your main home or a vacation property, speak with your New Bedford home insurance specialist about MA homeowners insurance.

Prepare for Fun

Everyone knows that you can’t really have fun until the chores are done. When you open your summer house for the season, take some time to do an inspection to look for any damage or repairs that might need to be completed. The sooner you can take care of these issues, the better it will be for the value of your property. Check the entire home, both inside and out, for any type of wear and tear. Look carefully for any damage done by rodents or pests while you were away. Check the landscaping, especially trees and other foliage that might hang over or near the structure. Don’t leave any area unchecked.

Inside issues that insurance companies in New Bedford, MA look for include:

• check the locks to make sure that they are secure and function properly
• inspect all windows and door screens for holes
• try locks on all windows and screen doors to make sure they work
• look at all electrical outlets and cords for frayed wires, loose-fitting plugs, and overloaded outlets
• visit the fuse box to make sure that there aren’t any tripped breakers or signs of overload on any of the fuses
• get the HVAC unit inspected twice each year, replacing filters every time
• have the fireplace and chimney swept, if applicable, before using
• check the dryer vent and lint trap
• clean under all appliances, including washer and dryer, refrigerator and stove
• inspect all plumbing, including toilets and faucets, for leaks or worn hoses

Make a list of all the things that need to be cleaned, replaced, or repaired. Try to do them as soon as possible or in advance of a family vacation to reduce the amount of time you will spend during your trip on repairs. Many summer home property owners will either hire a maintenance service to check these things out for them or will come out in the spring to do the inspections and repairs ahead of summer vacation season. Speak with your MA homeowners insurance provider to get a home insurance quote for any residential properties that you own. Update your records with insurance companies in New Bedford, MA to make sure that your New Bedford home insurance or policy for any other area is up-to-date and current.

Common Outdoor Issues

Depending on where your summer home is located, you might have different regional chores that must be done outside. After a rough winter, you might have more work to do than following a mild season. Check all wooden structures, including sheds and decks, as well as steps, patios, walkways, driveways, and sidewalks for any damage that could have occurred due to the snow and ice.

Look for rotted boards, protruding nails, loose fixtures, and missing hardware. This could be anywhere around the property, including door and window frames. Outdoor equipment should also be checked, such as trampolines, swimming pools, hot tubs, swing sets, monkey bars, and outdoor living spaces. Check for sharp edges, rusted bolts, and torn fabric before anyone uses these items.

Get a FREE Quote on MA Homeowners Insurance

Whether you are insuring your primary residence or a summer home in Massachusetts, make sure to contact the New Bedford home insurance experts at Borden Insurance. Since 1909, Borden Insurance has provided our clients with top quality MA homeowners insurance, auto insurance, and business insurance. If you would like to get a home insurance quote from our insurance companies in New Bedford, MA, and the surrounding area, please give us a call at 508-999-3636.