Tag: Home

Fall home maintenance

Brian Deleski on

10 Things to Do to Prepare Your Home for Fall

Fall is a wonderful time in Minneapolis and Saint Paul — if your home is ready for it.

 

Yes, this is the time of year to fix small problems before they become big, and big ones before they become catastrophic. Here are 10 tips to help:

 

    1. Look up. Examine your roof closely. Remove moss, clear debris from your gutters and downspouts, and repair any damage.
    2. Look down. Check for signs of animals and insects around your home and garage, including in the basement and crawlspace. Bring in a professional to get rid of unwanted guests.
    3. Keep things warm. Heat escapes through leaks around windows and doors, so seal up any drafty areas. Outside, put covers over faucets before temperatures drop.
    4. Keep things dry. Drain outdoor hoses, faucets and irrigation systems. Look in the basement and crawlspace for wet spots. And, make sure your water heater or boiler isn’t leaking.
    5. Clear the air (or vents and filters, at least). When’s the last time you checked your dryer vent? You should take a look at attic vents and exhaust ducts, as well. And, change that furnace filter!
    6. Take a walk. Cracks in your driveway or walkways will only get bigger, so get them fixed soon. If your deck has signs of wear, make repairs now.
  • Get a tune-up. You or a professional should clean and tune your furnace, boiler and/or water heater, as well as your oven and range.

  • Don’t play with fire. Before building your first fireplace fire of the season, check for soot or creosote build-up.
  • Don’t play with fire extinguishers, either. But, check them to ensure they still have pressure. Don’t have fire extinguishers? Put them on your shopping list, ideally one for each floor.
  • Don’t forget those smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors. Replace batteries when needed, and test regularly that alarms are working.

 

 

Keeping your home insurance policy in tip-top condition is smart, too. Remember to check in with us at Deleski Insurance at least once a year to update your policy so you’re covered for your new remodel, additions, new roof, new furnace, or personal possessions.

Much of your home’s value is what’s inside

Brian Deleski on

There’s a popular saying that goes like this: “Home is where the heart is.”

 

That saying rings true for many who find “home” a safe haven and a place to cherish, convene with family and friends, raise children, cook meals, rest, retire and celebrate.

 

Most will agree a home is not just a pile of bricks and mortar. Rather, a true “home” comprises much more, including everything inside it.

 

Some of the things inside your house that helps make it your home include your furniture and appliances, clothing, sports equipment, and electronic goods. These items are considered personal property – and it’s really important to protect it all.

 

How do I protect what really makes my house a home?

 

Protecting the important stuff inside your home begins with an understanding what you have. If you’re like many people, you may find your home contains much more personal property than you realize.

 

To understand how much stuff you have, develop a careful inventory of your personal property following these tips.

  • Use a video camera to record and audibly describe items as you move through your home. If you don’t have access to a video camera, use a standard camera or phone camera.
  • Whether you use still photos or video to develop your inventory, include brand names and descriptions where possible, especially on high-cost items.
  • Keep any and all receipts on high-dollar purchases. Keep these receipts filed together with any instruction booklets, warranties, etc. that accompany the items.
  • Store your video or photo inventory offsite on a cloud or back it up with an additional drive.
  • When you make new purchases, be sure to add them to your inventory.

 

If you have high-value items, be sure to check with us at Deleski Insurance in Roseville, MN so we can review your homeowners coverage to make sure you’re properly protected. We understand that your home is not just a house, and we are here to help ensure that everything important to you is protected—both outside and inside your home.

 

Contact Us! 651-633-0400

 

At Deleski Insurance, we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 651-633-0400 or send us a note at bdeleski@aibme.com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!