Preparing Your Home For The Winter Months

Chip Plumley

Prudential Fox & Roach REALTORS^®

Although we traditionally think of spring as the season for home maintenance, there are steps you should take in the fall to make sure that your home is ready for the winter months. By performing these common maintenance tips each autumn, you can help protect your home's value and prevent major repairs.

Roof and Gutters
Rain, ice, snow and wind can all cause damage to your roof and gutters. Now's the time to trim back all tree limbs and vegetation away from the roof. You also should remove debris, such as leaves and sticks from your gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters don't allow water to properly drain away from the home, which can cause seepage in your ceilings and walls. You can also invest in gutter guards, a screen that prevents debris from entering the gutter and directs the flow of water away from the house and into the ground.

Water Heater
You don't want to find out that your water heater isn't operating properly when you need it most. So use this time to perform an annual inspection, which includes having your tank's pressure and temperature relief valve checked. In addition, remove sediment from the bottom of the tank by draining two gallons of water to improve heat transfer and the efficiency of your heater.

Heating and Cooling System
If you have a forced warm-air heating system, you should check the exhaust vent and air shutter openings for dirt and dust. Clean any lint and dirt from the blower blades, motor and burner (if you have a gas heater). Vacuum air passages and check and replace, if necessary, fan belts. To prevent airborne dirt from circulating throughout your home, wash out your reusable filter or replace it if it disposable.

Doors and Windows
To help control heating costs, you want to make sure that your doors and windows are properly sealed. Now is the time to repair or replace weatherstripping around door bottoms and jambs and window frames. Check for loose or missing glazing putty and caulking for deterioration. If you have storm windows, install them.

Water Pipes
Frozen or burst pipes can cause major damage to your home and be expensive to remedy. Before frigid weather hits, protect your pipes in unheated areas from freezing by adding insulation, which reduces heat loss from hot-water pipes and condensation on cold water pipes. This can be accomplished by wrapping the pipes with heating tape or blanket insulation and duct tape or by encasing the pipes with preformed plastic foam. In addition, examine your pipes for cracks and leaks.

Fireplace
Before you light the logs and get ready to settle in front of a cozy fire, make sure that your fireplace is in good working order. Clean the chimney flue and if needed inspected and repaired. Check the seal on your flue, which is designed to keep out drafts. Replace the seal if it is loose or damaged.
If you decide to do the fall maintenance yourself disconnect the power for any electrical or gas systems. In addition, before inspecting, cleaning or making any repairs refer to your owner's manual for all equipment for proper instructions, which should be the final authority on any maintenance.
Although this list is merely a guide, it can help you keep your home in good shape and have a winter free of major repairs.

Chip Plumley can be reached at (610) 444-9090 or (610) 357-8635. Prudential Fox & Roach is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

ChipPlumley.com

Protect Your Home Against Natural Disasters

Chip Plumley

Prudential Fox & Roach REALTORS^®

Whenever a natural disaster is broadcast on the newswhether a tropical storm hitting a state along the Atlantic Ocean, wildfires in the West orit serves as a reminder how hazardous water, wind, fire and earth movement can be to your home, perhaps your most cherished and largest investment. But, there are immediate actions you can take to protect your property and prevent major damage should one of these elements strike in the future. Depending on the age of your home and the building codes in your area, some of these improvements may already be in place.


Water
Apart from major flooding, most damage occurs when water seeps in through cracks and leaks. Make sure that windows and doors are well sealed. Seal any cracks and holes in the foundation and exterior walls. Repair or replace roof shingles around any area that allows water to penetrate the roof sheathing. Check for holes or air leaks in the attic and basement. Your basement windows and doors should have built-up barriers or flood shields.
Inspect your sump pump regularly to make sure that it is working properly. Install or make sure that the flashing, a thin metal strip, around the doors, windows, thresholds, chimney and roof are in tact.


Wind
Minimize the damage by keeping the wind from getting inside your home. Windows and glass doors should be fitted with impact-resistant laminated glass or covered with impact-resistant shutters. Consider solid wood or hollow metal doors, which are more likely to resist wind pressure and flying debris. There are also roofing products with high wind resistance available.


Wildfire
Some inexpensive home improvements that you can make include installing a spark arrestor on your chimney, eliminating brush and debris from around your property, and modifying your attic, sub-floor and basement vents. More expensive improvements include replacing single-pane glass windows, doors or skylights with tempered glass, recovering your exterior walls with a more fire-resistant material, and re-roofing your home with a Class A roof covering.


Earthquake
California isn't the only earthquake zone. Other zones include the New Madrid region, west and just east of the Rockies, the southern Appalachians, New England and Alaska. Steps you can take to protect your property and possessions include anchoring appliances, water heater, dressers, and other heavy items to the wall. Attach your TV, computer and other small appliances to desks, tables or countertops. Secure ceiling lights, chandeliers and other hanging items to the permanent structure of your home. Apply safety film to windows and glass doors. It is also a good idea to install a main gas shut-off device.


Insurance
Of course, there may be times, when no amount of prepping can protect your home. However, homeowners insurance can help protect you financially in case something happens to your property or its contents. Most standard homeowners insurance policies include structural coverage and personal property coverage. Depending on your location, you may also need additional coverage against earthquake, hurricane and fire.


Be aware that flood damage is not covered under the traditional homeowners insurance policy. Flood insurance needs to be purchased separately through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a federal program. It is available to nearly 20,000 communities across the U.S. and its territories that participate in the NFIP. Flooding can be caused by heavy rains, melting snow, inadequate drainage systems, failed protective devices such as levees and dams, as well as by tropical storms and hurricanes. So, although you may be in a low to moderate risk area, you may still want to consider this coverage.


Periodically review your homeowner's insurance policy to make sure that you are adequately covered to rebuild your home and replace your contents.


If there is ever damage to your personal property, having a home inventory can make it easier when filing an insurance claim. Start with a sheet a paper for each room in the house. Go around the room and list every item. Dont forget the attic, basement or other storage places. For each item, write the original cost, purchase date, replacement cost, model number, brand name, where purchased, and a general description. In addition, take photos or video of each room for visual documentation. It is also a good idea to arrange valuable collections, silver, jewelry, etc. and take close up photos. Make sure you update your home inventory photos and list at least once a year.


When weather-related disasters strike, what's most important is your safety and that of your family. However, by taking precautions to protect your home, you can possibly help keep damage to a minimum; or in the case of severe damage, make sure that you have the financial means to rebuild.



For more information go to www.disastersafety.org or www.fema.gov.

Chip Plumley can be reached at (610) 444-9090 or (610) 357-8635. Prudential Fox & Roach is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

ChipPlumley.com

Is Remodeling In Your Future?

Chip Plumley

Prudential Fox & Roach REALTORS^®

Thinking about remodeling your home? You're not alone. Rising home values and favorable interest rates over the last decade have allowed homeowners to tap into equity in order to upgrade their property. Within the four quarters, homeowners spent over $150 billion on home improvements, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.

So where do you begin? Here are a few things to consider.

First, determine the motivation behind your remodeling. Is it to add more space, modernize, improve energy efficiency or increase your home's resale value? Perhaps it is all of the above.

Once you decide what you want to accomplish, prioritize your project list. Start gathering ideas by looking at magazines and Web sites. You can even get ideas by watching episodes of home improvement shows.

Next, determine your budget. Will you hire a professional or do-it-yourself? Unless you have the proper skills, you may want to leave the larger projects such as knocking out walls or major plumbing to professionals. Doing smaller projects yourself can be more economical as well as rewarding.

If you are on a limited budget, but want to update your home, there are several improvements you can make without spending a lot of money.

A fresh coat of paint on the walls or new flooring can give your home a new look as well as add value. Modernize by exchanging carpeting for hard surfaces, such as wood, ceramic or laminate. If you like the look and feel of carpeting, replace the old pea green shag with a trendier Berber or plush in a neutral color.

Other small changes that can make a big difference are installing new light fixtures, cabinet hardware and doorknobs. In the kitchen, replace appliances with up-to-date models or add a tile backsplash. You can even create a spa feel in the bathroom by installing multiple showerheads.

No matter how big or small your remodeling project, you want to be careful not to over-improve your home for the neighborhood, especially if your goal is to increase resale value.

Make sure that your improvements are in line with similar homes so that you don't become the most expensive house on the block. Take a look at resale properties in your neighborhood and compare them to newer properties. This will give you an idea what may be considered a standard or luxury item. You can work with a real estate professional to get comparable data and guidance on the type of options and upgrades that can add resale value to your property.

Also, don't just concentrate on one room. Why have an upscale master suite or kitchen when the remainder of the home still has the ‘80s look? A home's ambience should be seamless throughout. A mismatched home can decrease the home's value.

And last, although your home is an investment, it's important that you are able to enjoy it. Whatever remodeling projects you undertake, make sure the final results make it a house you are proud to call home.

Chip Plumley can be reached at (610) 444-9090 or (610) 357-8635. Prudential Fox & Roach is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

ChipPlumley.com

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Need Extra Space? Try Storage.

Chip Plumley

Prudential Fox & Roach REALTORS^®

If lack of space for your belongings is an issue for you, off-site storage may be the right solution. You don't have to be a pack rat to find yourself needing extra space. You could be renovating a room and need somewhere to house the contents. Perhaps you need to move into smaller quarters temporarily while you're waiting to move into a new home. Or you may need to create a spacious look for your home while it is on the market.

Renting storage space is a pretty simple process, especially when you plan ahead. Here are helpful tips for choosing a facility and protecting your property:

Shop around to find the facility that best meets your needs such as storage size, price, accessibility and security.

When shopping for a storage facility, you will need to know what size unit is required to hold your possessions. Typically you can choose a space from as small as 5'x5', which is the size of a small closet and holds between 10-15 boxes, to 10' x 25', which is about the size of a single-car garage. The facility's representative can help decide what is the best size for you.

You also want to make sure that your items will be secure. Ask questions such as: Is there a guard on duty? Video surveillance? Alarms? Do you need to provide your own lock? Is the area well lit?

In addition, don't assume that the facility, or your homeowner's or renters insurance, covers your belongings in case of theft or damage. Most storage centers assume no responsibility for your items, so talk with your insurance provider.

You also want to have reasonable access to your belongings. Find out the facility's hours of operation and the name of a contact person.

Before signing any agreement, inspect the facility and your storage unit for cleanliness and signs of proper maintenance. Is the area well protected from rain, snow or humidity?

Make certain that you understand the rental agreement and get a copy of the contract. Are you renting on a month-to-month or a six-month basis? Is there a deposit? Does termination of the agreement need to be in writing? How much advance notice do you have to give?

Before moving your possessions to the storage unit, take actions to protect them from damage or theft. While packing, label boxes on each side by numbers rather than content. Make a master inventory list so that you know what is in each box, as well as furniture and other unpacked items. Don't use newspaper as packing paper because it may smudge off on your items.

Prepare your unit by placing plastic on the floor. If you will be moving in large furniture, lay down blankets or sheets as well. Then store your most valuable possession first, toward the back. Store frequently used items at the front. Make sure that you leave a walkway so you can access your belongings. In addition, leave a small space between the objects and the storage unit's walls.

No matter what the reason, using an off-site storage unit is a good solution for your short-term space challenge. Just make sure that you understand the terms of your agreement and that your belongings are secure.

Chip Plumley can be reached at (610) 444-9090 or (610) 357-8635. Prudential Fox & Roach is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

ChipPlumley.com

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