New Bedford Home Insurance: Checklist for Summer Maintenance

Taking care of your home and property is part of homeownership in Southeastern Massachusetts, and it should be done with pride. Protecting your investment is crucial to ensure that you are able to maximize the value of your home and create a safe and healthy environment for you and your family. As a long-time member of the community and provider of New Bedford home insurance, Borden Insurance Agency works to provide our clients with useful tips that will help them get the most out of their home. We are proud to be your New Bedford insurance agent and can offer solutions for your Massachusetts homeowners insurance needs that go above and beyond the basic lender-required coverage. Call our insurance agency in New Bedford today to get more tips, insight, and information.

Summer Home Maintenance Checklist

The best place to start this summer is inside your home – the place where you will likely be spending a lot of time on those hot and sunny days, trying to get cool. Check for any air leaks along windows and doors where cool air might escape – and warm air could be impacted, as well, in the winter. Seal any leaks with caulking or bring out a home insulation expert for an inspection. Now is the time to get the best pricing on insulation inspections before your neighbors start thinking about winter weather. Check windows, doors, and utility entry points for any loose insulation, cracks in caulking, or possible leaks. Your roof and attic should also be checked regularly, especially after significant seasonal storms, to prevent further damage to your home.

• Inspect inside and outside windows, doors, and utility entry points for air leaks, cracks, and other issues.
• Inspect the exterior of your home for any loose or rotted siding, brick, and other outer materials.
• Power wash and clean the outside of your home, removing any dirt, dust, bird droppings, etc.
• Take care to repair and repaint any areas outside that have cracked, chipped, or faded paint.
• Wash the windows – inside and out – giving your home a fresh, clean look and brighter light indoors.
• Check the foundation for any cracks that might let in water, insects, or other issues.
• Get your HVAC system cleaned, checked, and air filters replaced before it gets REALLY hot!
• Power wash and reseal patios, decks, and other outdoor surfaces, taking care to check for damage.
• Clean those gutters – even if you did it in the spring; remove leaves and debris for summer rains.
• Check faucet traps inside and out – clean the small screen to remove mineral deposits and debris.
• Inspect driveway and sidewalks, as well as any other walkways, for cracks caused by winter freeze.
• Clean and maintain outdoor play equipment for kids – including swings, climbing trees, and more.
• If you have a pool or spa, get it checked annually to ensure it is working effectively and efficiently.
• Check all of the fencing and gates around your home and repair, reseal, or repaint.
• Inspect the dryer vent and exhaust duct for any clogged lint to prevent a house fire.

Other Tasks Great for Summer

When fall winds and winter snow hit the New England area, it makes it difficult for homeowners in Southeastern Massachusetts to take on many outdoor tasks. Other projects, inspections, repairs, and replacements that will help your New Bedford home insurance that are great for summer include any required work on the roof, skylights, or chimney – including cleaning out the fireplace from all the soot buildup in the winter. If you have any doors and windows that need to be upgraded or replaced, now is a great time to do this type of work.

Building a new deck or any other outdoor hardscaping project is perfect for the summer months – make sure to report any upgrades to your New Bedford insurance agent so it can be added to the coverage for your Massachusetts homeowners insurance policy. New roofing, appliances, home remodeling, and renovations – all of these things should be added to your coverage with Borden Insurance Agency in New Bedford. Contact our team directly to go over your policy and coverage at least once a year. This is a great time to update your files, ask questions, obtain additional coverage – if required – and talk about changes to your lifestyle, home, and other related issues. Call today at 508-999-3636 and speak with one of our friendly agents about your New Bedford home insurance needs.