Spring maintenance checklist

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Spring is a time for transition – to warmer temperatures, reemerging plants and for homeowners to breathe new life into their homes. Home maintenance is crucial this time of year. Taking the time to address any issues now can help save you from potentially larger and more expensive problems later in the year.

But with so many home projects to consider, where do you start?

Use our checklist before and during this spring season to help keep you organized, reduce potential issues inside and outside your house and keep it safe for you and anyone visiting your home, sweet home.

Roof
If access to your roof presents a hazard, consider hiring a professional to help you complete the rest of this section.

  • Examine shingles for damage or missing pieces
  • Check gutters for any cracks or structural damage
  • Ensure downspouts are aimed away from your home’s foundation
  • If you have a chimney, inspect for damage and consider having a professional clean it
  • Trim back any trees with branches that hang over your home
  • Repair any loose or missing flashing

Basement

  • Inspect the foundation for any signs of cracks and consult a professional if simple caulking will not fix the issue
  • Check for any signs of dampness or mold and remediate
  • Consider installing a water shutoff device that can turn off the water to your home in the event you are away
  • Place water sensors near existing pipes to alert you in the event of a leak
  • If you have had signs of water damage, consider having a sump pump installed
  • If your basement has a window, recaulk annually and fix any signs of damage

Yard

  • Rake away any excess leaves, branches and other debris
  • Use compacted soil near your foundation to prevent water from pooling
  • Check outdoor faucets for freeze damage by running them for a short time
  • Inspect lawn equipment, such as your lawnmower, to make sure it is ready for the summer
  • Stain or reseal any wooden structures such as fences, railings and trellises
  • Wash any outdoor furniture with water and a mild detergent
  • Check your grill for any signs of damage, including burner jets, hoses and connections
  • Look for any cracks in concrete walkways and fill with concrete crack filler or silicone caulk

Exterior walls

  • Look for signs of termite damage, as they are more active in the summer, and call a professional if you see any potential problem spots
  • Examine trouble spots and repair
  • If you have wood siding, check for knots or pieces that have popped out of place
  • If you have brick or stucco, look for any chipping or water penetration and use a sealant to prevent further moisture
  • Replace any pieces of siding or trim if they are damaged or show signs of rotting

Windows

  • Recaulk windows to prevent humidity from getting into your home during the summer and drafts during the next winter
  • Repair or replace any ripped or broken screens
  • Examine any weather stripping and replace if yours is damaged
  • Clean the windows with a cleaning solution and soft cloth

Indoors

  • Inspect your attic for signs of colonizing ants or other insects
  • Address any signs of mold or mildew
  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
  • Have a professional service your A/C unit
  • Clean out dryer vents
  • Replace any damaged or missing insulation and make sure your attic is well ventilated
  • Vacuum upholstered furniture and dust everywhere

Helpful Tips To Help your home stand up to winter

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Make your home more resilient to winter weather.

Prepare your home for winter weather so your family stays warm and comfortable. Consider these suggestions for your comfort and safety.

INSPECT THE HEATING SYSTEM

Performing routine maintenance every year – every other year at least – may help extend the life of your furnace and can promote your family’s comfort and safety. Save time, money, and frustration by avoiding the late-night or weekend call to a heating contractor because your furnace isn’t working. Spending about $90-$110 for a scheduled service call when it is convenient for you may help avoid the high cost of repairs in an emergency or the risk of having to leave your home until those repairs can be completed.

PREVENT PIPE FREEZES

Exposed pipes in unheated areas can freeze and result in burst pipes that cause water damage. Use insulating pipe sleeves on the entire length of any exposed pipe, including bends and joints, then seal with duct tape. Letting water drip from faucets may not prevent pipes from freezing in extremely cold weather and can be more expensive.

To prevent damage, take out outdoor hoses. Turn off the water to outdoor connections. Open outdoor faucets to let any remaining water drain. Additionally, open kitchen and cabinet doors to allow warm indoor air to circulate around pipes along exterior walls.

If a pipe freezes, don’t attempt to thaw it using any type of exposed flame, such as a propane torch. Try a hairdryer, or call a reputable plumbing contractor for assistance.

SEAL AIR LEAKS

Check exterior window and door frames to ensure no gaps could allow outside air into your home. Any gaps greater than about 1/16 to 1/8 inch should be sealed with a silicone caulk, which is best for exterior use because it won’t shrink and can handle the elements.

Don’t forget to inspect the window pane glazing and replace any areas that have deteriorated.

You’ll also want to check your door seals and weather stripping. Can you see daylight from inside your home? If so, add new seals and weather stripping to further reduce air leaks.

CHECK THE ROOF

Inspect the roof system to make sure there aren’t any loose, damaged or missing shingles that can lead to water leaks. Not comfortable climbing the ladder? You can try using binoculars to get a closer look, but you can’t see the entire roof system.

You may want to hire a reputable roof contractor – with proof of insurance coverage – to conduct the inspection. Ask the contractor to look at all roof penetrations, not just the shingles.

Clean your gutters now to prevent water backup if they get clogged with leaves or debris. Clogged gutters that hold water can cause damage to the roof, wood trim and siding and may be a source of leaks and ice dams. Consider installing a gutter guard that keeps gutters free of leaf or other debris and allows the free flow of water.

Do you generally see plenty of icicles during the winter months? If so, you may want to hire a home energy contractor to assess your home’s insulation, especially in attic areas.

Hot air escaping can cause ice dams. Ice dams can damage the roof, wood trim, and siding. Ice dams can also lead to water leaks in your home. Consider installing a rooftop ice melt system to prevent ice dams from forming.

CLEAN THE CHIMNEY

Have a wood-burning fireplace or wood-burning stove? Call a certified chimney sweep to inspect and clean your chimney before using it. If you have a direct vent gas fireplace, it’s important to get a full maintenance inspection. This ensures that the unit and your home properly vent all vents and unburned fuel.

SERVICE THE SUMP PUMP

If you have a sump pump in your home, it definitely works hard during the rainy season and maybe even the snowy season. To check if the pump is working, pour water slowly into an empty or low-water sump. Ensure that you push the water out through the drain pipe to the outside. If you don’t usually do this, remember to turn on your pump once a month, even when it’s not raining.

Do you have a backup plan? If you don’t have one already, consider installing a backup sump pump. This pump should be able to run on either batteries or water. Handling any water that accumulates in your sump pit during a power outage will be helpful.

PROVIDE SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTION

If you don’t do anything else, make sure you have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Many people die in fires because they didn’t have detectors or they weren’t working correctly.

70% of U.S. fire deaths occur in homes without functioning smoke alarms, says the National Fire Protection Association. NFPA further estimates that having operating smoke detection in your home can reduce the potential of death by 50%.

Over 20,000 people go to the emergency room in the US every year because of carbon monoxide poisoning, says the CDC. Non-fire-related cases result in more than 400 deaths each year.

Smoke Detection

Recommended locations (preferably powered by home electrical service with battery backup):

  1. All sleeping rooms
  2. Outside each separate sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms.
  3. On each level of the home, including the basement

Carbon Monoxide Detection

Recommended locations (preferably powered by home electrical service with battery backup):

  1. Outside each separate sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms
  2. On each level of the home, including basement

Buy smoke/monoxide detectors that connect to your home’s electricity and have a battery backup. If your detectors are battery-operated, be sure to test regularly.

The difference between UM and UIM — and what it means when you’re on the road

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You never know when you might get in an auto accident — or who the other driver will be. According to the Insurance Research Council, one in seven drivers doesn’t carry auto insurance. If your car is hit by one of those drivers, it could mean substantial costs to you.

That’s where uninsured motorists and underinsured motorists’ coverage come in. They often are built right into your auto policy, although the coverage requirements vary by state.

Uninsured Motorists coverage (UM) protects you if your vehicle is hit by a driver without auto insurance, or if you’re involved in a hit and run. Your insurance will pay for medical bills and lost wages for you, your family members, and/or other passengers in the vehicle at the time of the accident, up to your limits.

Underinsured Motorists coverage (UIM) applies when the driver who causes the accident has liability insurance, but the limits aren’t high enough to cover the damages. In this case, the other driver’s insurance would pay first, and your UIM coverage would make up the difference in costs, up to your limits.

So where do you set the limits for UM and UIM? Insurers typically recommend matching the amount of bodily injury liability coverage included on your auto policy, but you should work with your insurance agent to determine the right amount for you.

It’s important to note that UM and UIM usually don’t cover property damage to your vehicle. You would need to submit a collision claim to your own policy, and it would be subject to the deductible. However, if available, you can choose to add UM property damage to your auto policy for an additional premium.

Check your policy and talk to your Ayres Group insurance agent to make sure you have the appropriate coverage.

Help your home stand up to Winter

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Make your home more resilient to winter weather.

You can take steps to ensure your home is well prepared for winter weather – and that your family doesn’t get any colder than they want to. Consider these suggestions for your comfort and safety.

INSPECT THE HEATING SYSTEM

Save time, money, and frustration by avoiding the late-night or weekend call to a heating contractor because your furnace isn’t working. Spending about $90-$110 for a scheduled service call when it is convenient for you may help avoid the high cost of repairs in an emergency or the risk of having to leave your home until those repairs can be completed. Performing routine maintenance every year – every other year at least – may help extend the life of your furnace and can promote your family’s comfort and safety.

PREVENT PIPE FREEZES

Exposed pipes in unheated areas can freeze and result in burst pipes that cause water damage. Use insulating pipe sleeves on the entire length of any exposed pipe, including bends and joints, then seal with duct tape. You could opt to let water drip from faucets, but this practice will increase your water usage costs and may not work effectively to prevent pipes from freezing in extremely cold temperatures. It is important to remove exterior hoses, shut off the water leading to those exterior connections, and open exterior faucets to allow any remaining water to drain from the line. Additionally, open kitchen and cabinet doors to allow warm indoor air to circulate around pipes along exterior walls.

If a pipe freezes, don’t attempt to thaw it using any type of exposed flame, such as a propane torch. Try a hairdryer, or call a reputable plumbing contractor for assistance.

SEAL AIR LEAKS

Check exterior window and door frames to ensure no gaps could allow outside air into your home. Any gaps greater than about 1/16 to 1/8 inch should be sealed with a silicone caulk, which is best for exterior use because it won’t shrink and can handle the elements. Don’t forget to inspect the window pane glazing and replace any areas that have deteriorated. You’ll also want to check your door seals and weather stripping. Can you see daylight from inside your home? If so, add new seals and weather stripping to further reduce air leaks.

CHECK THE ROOF

Inspect the roof system to make sure there aren’t any loose, damaged or missing shingles that can lead to water leaks. Not comfortable climbing the ladder? You can try using binoculars to get a closer look, but you can’t see the entire roof system. You may want to hire a reputable roof contractor – with proof of insurance coverage – to conduct the inspection. Ask the contractor to look at all roof penetrations, not just the shingles.

If your gutters typically fill with leaves or other debris, this is a great time to clean or have them cleaned to avoid water backup. Clogged gutters that hold water can cause damage to the roof, wood trim, and siding and may be a source of leaks and ice dams. Consider installing a gutter guard that keeps gutters free of leaves or other debris and allows the free flow of water.

Do you generally see plenty of icicles during the winter months? If so, you may want to hire a home-energy contractor to assess your home’s insulation, especially in attic areas. Warm air escaping will increase the likelihood of ice dams that can potentially damage the roof, wood trim, and siding and cause water backups that will leak into your home. Consider installing a rooftop ice melt system to prevent ice dams from forming.

CLEAN THE CHIMNEY

Have a wood-burning fireplace or wood-burning stove? Contact a certified chimney sweep contractor to conduct a full inspection of your systems and thoroughly clean the entire system before use. Check the Chimney Safety Institute of America’s website at www.csia.org to find a certified chimney technician in your area. You should also have a full maintenance inspection if you have a direct vent gas fireplace; it is essential that all vents are clean and that unburned fuel is properly venting from the unit – and your home!

SERVICE THE SUMP PUMP

If your home is equipped with a sump pump, it surely gets a workout during the rainy season and possibly a snowy season. If your sump is currently dry or has very little water, pour water (slowly) into the pit to make sure the pump operates and is actively pushing water out the drain pipe to the exterior drainage area. If you don’t normally perform this task, make a point of activating (with enough water in the sump pit) your pump on a monthly basis, even during the dry season. Do you have a backup plan? If not, consider installing a battery- or water-operated backup sump pump that can manage your sump pit water level if you experience a power outage.

PROVIDE SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTION

If you follow none of the above suggestions or preparations, this is ONE IS A MUST! Too many lives are lost in home fires where smoke and carbon monoxide detection was not installed, or the installed units were not operating properly. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that 70% of home fire deaths in the U.S. occur in homes that don’t have working smoke detection. NFPA further estimates that having operating smoke detection in your home can reduce the potential of death by 50%. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 20,000 emergency department visits occur each year in the United States as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. Non-fire-related cases result in more than 400 deaths each year. The following suggestions are offered to help protect you and your family, as noted in the 2018 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code:

Smoke Detection

Recommended locations (preferably powered by home electrical service with battery backup):

  1. All sleeping rooms
  2. Outside of each separate sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms
  3. On each level of the home, including the basement

Carbon Monoxide Detection

Recommended locations (preferably powered by home electrical service with battery backup):

  1. Outside of each separate sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms
  2. On each level of the home, including the basement

You can purchase combination smoke/monoxide detection units that connect to your home’s electrical system and offer a battery backup. These units would be best installed following guidelines for the installation of the smoke detector as outlined by the 2018 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code. If your detectors are battery-operated, be sure to test them on a regular basis.

Technology enhances service but can’t replace relationships

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Lives change and businesses grow and transform over time. That’s why we feel people are best served by insurance agents who have the expertise to evaluate an evolving risk profile and offer educated advice and products. Building a relationship with an Ayres Group agent can provide you with a personal experience and ensure that you are offered the right coverage.

INFORMED DECISIONS, PERSONAL TOUCH

Why Ayres Group agents when our industry has online platforms that ask questions and provide quotes? In short, insurance is a relationship business:

  • Ayres Group agents represent multiple carriers with a variety of coverages and terms to choose from. An agent will listen and get to know you. Then, they’ll offer you choices based on your circumstances. This individual service brings additional value.
  • First-time insurance buyers are especially in need of guidance and independent agents are in a unique position to help assess risk and offer a personal touch.
  • We live in a complex world, and online quoting platforms lack the consideration, expertise, and emotional IQ that AYres Group agents bring to each client.

Consider homeowner insurance. Far more goes into determining the true cost to rebuild a home than the facts captured through a quick online questionnaire. It’s the deeper questions an agent asks that often reveal the client’s home’s unique and special features, such as highly customized buildouts, carefully selected fixtures, and other structural details.

PROACTIVE HOMEOWNER POLICY REVIEWS

Regular contact with your Ayres Group agent can reveal changes to your risk profile. Check-in annually with your agent and have a conversation as part of your policy renewal. You may discover changes relevant to coverage:

  • Renovations, additions, or new appliances that require additional coverage
  • Changes to driver status or garaging of cars by children at locations other than the home address
  • Purchases made that the homeowner policy doesn’t cover
  • Participation in ride-share services or renting a portion of the home
BUSINESSES CHANGE, TOO

Business clients evolve, too – whether growing or scaling back – and annual discussions around coverage are critical. Risk profiles will change with new endeavors, partnerships, investments, and growth. YourAYres Group agent’s ability to identify these risks and explain them surpasses the capabilities of a direct quote experience.

Discuss changes in your business that could alter your risk profile by reviewing:

  • Business income
  • Cyber risk
  • Buildings and property enhancements
  • Workforce
  • Transportation
  • Product Liability

For more information, contact an Ayres Group today – Call (269) 651-1761

6 reasons renters need their own insurance

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Most people know renters insurance covers belongings. But did you know it covers more than just personal property?

Many people erroneously assume they are covered by their landlord’s policy and skip this important protection. Many also underestimate the value of their possessions and feel insurance is unnecessary. If you consider the value of just your clothing and electronics, it probably wouldn’t take long to add up to thousands of dollars.

If you rent your home and still are unsure whether you need insurance, here are six good reasons to have a renters policy.

  1. Your landlord might require it.

While your landlord’s insurance covers the building itself and the grounds, it does not cover your belongings or your personal liability. Also, a growing number of landlords require tenants to purchase their own insurance policies and expect to see proof. This requirement could be the landlord’s idea or a requirement from their insurance carrier.

  1. You may want coverage for personal property.

A renters insurance policy protects against covered losses to your personal belongings, including clothes, jewelry, luggage, furniture, and electronics. However, it’s important to know what causes of loss are covered, if your policy has any exclusions and if there are any special limits for a single category such as jewelry or guns.

Please contact your independent insurance agent to discuss your policy’s coverage and limitations.

  1. You may need liability protection.

Liability coverage is also included in standard renters policies. Liability coverage may provide you with protection if someone is injured while at your residence or if you or another person covered on your policy accidentally injures someone. Your policy will pay those sums you become legally obligated to pay due to a covered loss up to the policy limit. The policy will also have a duty to defend you against others seeking damages, as long as it’s a covered loss. It’s imperative to discuss coverages and limits with your agent to make sure you have adequate limits for you and your household.

  1. You may want coverage for your belongings when you travel.

Renters insurance doesn’t just cover your possessions while they are in your residence. Your belongings also are covered from loss due to theft and other covered losses, subject to sub-limits, in your car or anywhere you travel. Check with your agent about other situations that may be covered.

  1. You may need additional living expenses in the event you are displaced.

If your residence becomes uninhabitable due to a covered peril listed in your policy, your renter’s policy may cover “additional living expenses,” including the cost associated with living somewhere else temporarily, food, laundry, and more. Check with your agent to find out how long it would cover additional living expenses, and if the policy has a limit on the amount the insurance will pay.

  1. Renters insurance is affordable.

Your cost will depend on many factors, including what the policy covers, how much coverage you need, the amount of your deductible, and where you live. But in most cases, renters insurance is worth the nominal premium.

LAST WORDS

Renters insurance covers your personal belongings and provides personal liability coverage. Be sure to understand what your policy covers, what limits are adequate for your needs, and any deductibles that will apply in the event of a claim. It’s best to talk to a local independent agent who can discuss your individual needs and find the right carrier and coverage for you.

Courtesy Cinfin.com

Life Insurance for Singles

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Many believe life insurance isn’t a necessity while they’re single, but nothing could be further from the truth. Life insurance is for anyone, and it is useful in many more situations than just providing a cushion for a spouse in the face of suddenly lost income. Here are seven reasons why you might need life insurance even if you’re single:

You have debt. Most Americans owe money for one reason or another. Whether it be a mortgage, car note, outstanding medical bills, or just a general loan, one of the questions concerning debt remains the same: Who would be responsible for paying it back in the event of your death?

People depend on you. Being single doesn’t mean people don’t rely on you. Maybe you’re a parent with young children. Maybe your own parents are getting older, and you take care of them or pay for them to have part- or full-time care. You may even have a disabled sibling or adult child who depends on you for care or stability. What would happen to them if you were no longer around?

You own a business. In most cases, a financial institution issuing a business loan will require a life insurance policy as collateral. Even if this is not the case, key person life insurance is always beneficial for business owners. Should you pass away unexpectedly, the death benefit from a life insurance policy can help keep the business afloat.

You want options while you’re still living. Life insurance policies don’t just provide a death benefit. Permanent products, such as whole and universal life, grow cash value throughout the life of the policy. Term policies with a return of premium feature, also accumulate cash value, in addition to providing conversion options. The cash value can be withdrawn by the policy owner to do things like making a down payment on a home, supplementing retirement income, or covering an emergency expense.

You want to lock in coverage. Premium rates are based on age and overall health; therefore, the longer you wait to purchase a policy, the more expensive that policy becomes.

You want to cover your final expenses. Funerals are notoriously expensive, with even the most basic costing thousands of dollars. That could easily translate into debt for your loved ones.

You want to leave a legacy. You may wish to leave money to a beloved school, religious organization, charity, or individual. Some or all of your policy’s proceeds can be dedicated to whatever way you see fit.

Since insurance needs differ from person to person and from one stage of life to another, life insurance is not “one size fits all.” Your life insurance program can be designed to fit your specific needs and financial goals and can grow as your needs do. Contact The Ayres Group to discuss which life insurance program best fits your needs.

Emergency planning

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Disasters can happen anytime
anywhere
to anyone: Be prepared.

The past decade brought an ever-increasing number of natural disasters and other catastrophic events, affecting people and property. Make sure you are ready for the next one by having an emergency plan in place.

You’ll also want to prepare supplies to sustain your household for at least three days, maybe longer. In a major disaster, it might take several days to restore vital services and get help from first responders and local authorities.

EMERGENCY PLANNING TIPS
  • Stay informed about the different emergencies that could occur in your community and identify appropriate responses
  • Make a family emergency plan and practice it regularly
  • Consider becoming certified in CPR and first aid
  • Build an emergency supply kit
  • Get involved in your community’s emergency planning
  • Recognize that emergency planning is a continuing process
EMERGENCY SUPPLY KITS

Building an emergency supply kit is crucial to ensure you are prepared to meet the needs of your household. Plan to store items in an easy-to-carry bag, and consider preparing two kits:

  • One should include everything you will need to stay where you are and make it on your own until help arrives.
  • The other should be a lightweight, smaller version you can take with you if evacuation is required. These are typically referred to as “Go Bags”, “72-hour bags” or “bug-out bags.”

Customize your kit to reflect your family’s unique needs – consider family members’ ages, existing medical needs or physical limitations and even your pets. The American Red Cross lists additional items to consider. As your family grows and changes, your needs may also change. Be sure to update your kit annually to make sure it still addresses your family’s circumstances.

Store your kits in a location that’s easily accessible to all members of your household. Practice locating your supply kit when you practice your emergency procedures.

ON THE GO

In addition, it is crucial to keep a kit in your vehicle or workplace in case you are stranded during an emergency. When preparing your emergency plan, think about the places where your family spends time such as school, work, and other places you frequent.

Preparing for an emergency in advance ensures you can handle a crisis more safely and comfortably. Although being prepared may not prevent a disaster, it will give you the confidence to meet the difficult challenges that may arise.

MORE INFORMATION

Learn more about how to become personally prepared during an emergency from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security at www.ready.gov.

Additional emergency preparedness resources can be found at https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies.

The Red Cross also offers specific information to help you take precautions against COVID-19 while preparing for a natural disaster.

Entrust storm repairs to honest contractors

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When businesses and homeowners are desperate for help to repair and rebuild after a disaster such as a hurricane, tornado or wildfire, they seek assistance from anyone who will offer help. Unfortunately, there are scammers who prey on those emotions and take advantage of good people in their darkest hour.

I have spent my entire career in both construction and insurance, and it is disheartening to me to see scams occur. It reminds me of a lesson that my father taught me long ago that shapes me to this day.

My father owned his own construction company, and when a weather event occurred in my small Wisconsin town, he would receive calls from those who needed his help and expertise to repair their home or business. He was contacted by an elderly couple who had windstorm damage to their roof that blew a small tree onto their home. We arrived, and the damage was bad but nothing that would take him and me more than half a day to fix.

We got to work and removed the tree, fixed the roof, and repaired the damage to their home. My father asked me to clear all the debris in their yard while he went inside to speak with them. When he came back out, the woman was teary and begging my father to accept payment for the work. He refused to take the money, politely thanked the couple for calling him for help, and we left.

As we drove home, I asked my dad why he didn’t charge them and he said simply, “When people are in need, you must always ‘be of service’ to others. They needed our help and a safe place to call home. Others would take advantage of them; that’s not us.” Later I found out that the husband was a disabled World War II veteran, and my father, a Vietnam veteran, felt he had already paid his debt to us with his military service.

In the wake of a hurricane, tornado, flood, fire, earthquake or any other unexpected catastrophe, fraudulent unlicensed and unethical contractors can be quick to surface. Often, however, they carry warning signs to alert you. You can distinguish between a scammer and a legitimate contractor by being aware of the following things before you contract for work:

  • Fake FEMA Endorsements. If a contractor claims to be endorsed or certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) they are lying. FEMA does not certify or approve contractors.
  • Get it in writing. I cannot stress enough the importance of a written contract. Get everything in writing before work begins, and get multiple bids. Don’t assume the lowest bid is the best bid.
  • No full payments upfront. No honest contractor will demand full payment upfront. Make sure you’ve agreed to a payment schedule that requires the work to be completed BEFORE the contractor receives the full balance. Using a credit card can offer some protection against scams.
  • License to repair. Most contractors are required to be licensed in their respective states. Licensing requirements vary from state to state. Review the Secretary of State website for your state to verify professional licenses; Find Your Secretary of State using the search tool on the National Association of Secretaries of State website.
  • Get a copy of their insurance. A reputable contractor should be able to provide you proof of insurance. If not, move on. Once you review or receive a copy of their insurance, call the contractor’s insurance company or their insurance agent to verify they have the appropriate coverage.

In times of crisis, it’s important to remain vigilant of unscrupulous people preying on those in need. I remain hopeful that the many legitimate and honorable contractors follow my father’s advice to always be of service.

Contact your Ayres Group agent for more information.

Insuring a vacation home

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Vacation homes present special risks, so consider premium costs before you buy

Like any residence, your vacation home needs to be insured—but because the risks are different, the coverage might cost more than your primary homeowner’s policy. Before you leap into second-home ownership, consider the factors that will likely affect the price you’ll need to pay for insuring it.

Second homes provide a respite from weekday life, and may even be a good investment. They also, however, present more of an insurance risk than your primary residence—the fact that you don’t not physically occupy your second home as frequently puts it in more danger for theft, vandalism and easily undetected damage, like burst water pipes.

Key factors that impact vacation home insurance costs

While the homeowner’s policy for your second home will provide the same types of coverage as your primary homeowner’s policy, the following factors will likely impact your insurance costs:

  • Location is always a factor in homeowners insurance costs—for example, you need additional insurance if your dwelling is in a flood- or earthquake-prone area. With vacation homes the very location that makes a place desirable may also make it more expensive to insure. For instance, a ski house or hunting lodge in a remote or mountainous area could be at greater risk for damage due to wildfire. A beach house may be more exposed to wind damage or storm surge from a hurricane. These location-based risks will impact the price of coverage, and in some cases may even incur higher deductibles.
  • Type of property. As with any house, the age and type of building materials used in a vacation home will impact the cost of insurance. What’s also important is whether your second home is a single-occupancy house, a condominium, or a townhouse. A condominium in a ski resort area, for instance, may have lower insurance costs than a stand-alone chalet. This is because a homeowners association maintains the property, and may provide some security. Importantly, the association insures the exterior of the property (the cost is generally included in the monthly maintenance fees). Your personal condo insurance will cover the specific areas of the unit listed in the policy, as well as your belongings.
  • Amenities. Though wonderful for relaxation, pools and hot tubs add risk to your second home. If your vacation residence is equipped with these or other special amenities, you may pay a higher insurance premium and you should also consider additional liability protection, which will increase insurance costs, as well.

Ways to save on second home insurance costs

There are steps that you can take to help make the cost of insurance more affordable.

  • Choose a location with less risk — A home further from the beach won’t be as susceptible to storm surges, for instance.
  • Bundle your policies — If you insure your second home with the same insurer that provides coverage for your primary residence, you may be able to save on premiums.
  • Install an alarm system — A centrally monitored alarm system that detects both fire and break-ins can help lower the cost of insurance.
  • Shop around — Get at least three quotes for the coverage on your second home; review the policy costs before you renew each year to see if you can get a better rate.

If you plan to rent out your property

If you plan to rent your vacation home to others, your homeowner’s insurance costs will likely increase, and you may need to purchase additional coverage.

Because renting your second home entails additional, more complex risks, it’s a good idea to consult with your Ayres Group insurance professional and learn more about coverage for renting out your home to others.