5 Fall Home Maintenance Tips to Help Get your Home Ready for Winter
September 18, 2023
When the leaves begin to turn and the weather starts getting cold, many homeowners start thinking about the maintenance tasks they need to complete in order to prepare their homes for the inevitable incoming winter!
Most of the tasks listed below are quite simple and can typically be tackled by any homeowner.
Tip # 1: Clean the...
Why All Homeowners Should Consider Flood Coverage
August 22, 2023
Most flood claims occur in homes located outside designated mapped flood zones. Flash rains, ice damming, and faulty gutters or window wells can cause a flood.
Basements add up: Even if your basement is unfinished, and you think your storage items aren’t valuable, consider the value of the equipment that makes your house run such as:...
Check Your Homeowners Insurance Before You Become a Home-Sharing Host
August 1, 2023
Are you offering your home on a home-sharing service? Most home-sharing and host services make renting out your house easy. They even offer $1 million in insurance coverage as part of their service. Like most people, you might ask yourself why you’d need more than $1 million in insurance.
It’s not the coverage amount as much...
Summer Swimming Pool Safety Tips
July 3, 2023
Though splashing and diving is carefree fun, owning a backyard pool comes with serious responsibilities. From poolside party safety tips to supervision, there are many general safety precautions you can take to make sure your friends and family enjoy your pool safely.
General Pool Safety Recommendations:
Install a fence with self-locking and closing gates to completely isolate...
The Pros and Cons of Renting vs. Owning a Home
May 30, 2023
Renting and owning a home are two different paths to achieving shelter and establishing a living space. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let's explore the pros and cons of renting and owning a home:
Renting a Home:
Pros: Flexibility: Renting offers greater flexibility, allowing you to easily relocate as needed, especially...
The Dangers of Lawn Chemicals
May 18, 2023
Many homeowners use chemicals that feed grass and kill weeds and bugs. These chemicals are specifically designed to be lethal, so you need to take safety measures to protect yourself, your family, your pets and your neighbors whenever you're treating your lawn or garden.
When used correctly, lawn chemicals do not pose any serious harm. Knowing...
Homeowners Beware: Severe Spring Weather and Your Home
March 31, 2023
Heavy rains and snow melting in late April and May 2019 in Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick caused $208 million in insured damage, as reported by Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. Overflowing rivers flooded roads and basements, submerged vehicles and shifted home foundations, while heavy rain caused roof leaks and sewer backups. Residential homes and...
Does Your Home Need Flood Insurance?
March 31, 2023
Flooding is the most common natural disaster in Canada, so you aren’t alone in facing this challenge. Many homeowners live in flood-prone areas.
Homeowners' and renters' insurance typically doesn’t cover flood damage. You’ll need to purchase a separate flood policy. Flood victims sometimes qualify for emergency relief, but insurance provides the best protection.
Your mortgage lender also...
Homeowners Beware: Common Infestation and Animal Damage Exclusions
March 29, 2023
wildlife is a pleasure to experience — but not inside your home. Animals can move into your attic, walls, chimney or other nooks and crannies. Dealing with their waste, unpleasant smells and damage is frustrating (and potentially expensive).
Most homeowners insurance expressly excludes damage from: Birds Rodents Insects
Even if your problem doesn’t fit into one of...
