Costly mistakes to avoid as a homeowner.
While owning your own home is certainly exciting, it’s important to remember that it is also a huge responsibility. Unfortunately, many homeowners get a little bit lazy and end up making very expensive missteps. To ensure that you do not fall into the same trap, here are some of the costly mistakes to avoid as a homeowner.
- Ignoring Small Issues
There is an endless number of small issues that a home can have. Maybe the toilet never stops running, or maybe the bathroom faucet always drips, or maybe there’s a small crack in your window sill. Obviously, these problems should take a backseat to more serious issues like a leaking roof or a cracked foundation, however you should not ignore small issues completely. This is because minor problems can quietly hemorrhage money, which will start to add up after a while. For instance, that broken toilet and leaky faucet can drive up your water bill. The small crack in your windowsill can let in water, leading to mold and rot. So, homeowners need to address small issues as soon as possible when they are still easy and relatively cheap to take care of.
- Failing to Maintain Your Appliances
Most homeowners do not give their appliances a second thought until they start to break down. However, keeping your appliances in good shape is a great way to prolong their lifespan while also preventing them from breaking down and causing major damage. Regularly cleaning out filters and vents and scheduling professional inspections are all great ways to maintain your household appliances.
- Skipping Out on a Home Warranty
Many homeowners have insurance, but they don’t get a home warranty at the same time. A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of certain home systems or appliances that may fail due to age, wear and tear, or some other type of internal malfunction. Oftentimes, home warranties provide coverage for your home’s HVAC, electrical system, plumbing, kitchen appliances, and washer and dryer. If you don’t have a home warranty, then you will have to pay for broken down appliances and home systems on your own.
These are some of the costly mistakes to avoid as a homeowner. Want another way to protect your home while saving money? Then make sure you have the right homeowners insurance to fit your budget. For assistance with your home coverage, contact the experts at Mike Leonard Insurance Agency. Our dedicated team is eager to find you the right coverage from one of our many carriers including: Kemper, MetLife, Nationwide, Travelers, The Hartford, Safeco Insurance, Progressive, and American Strategic Insurance.