Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2023-03-20T08:15:00

(BPT) – According to leading real estate website Zillow, a functional outdoor space is the most sought-after amenity among today’s homebuyers. For homeowners looking to make the most of their outdoor spaces this year, following are six trends expected to shape backyards in 2023:

1. Light Neutrals

Light, neutral hues are permeating home design inside and out due to their ability to create a sense of calm and serenity. Providing the perfect foundation for an on-trend outdoor space is Trex Transcend^® Lineage^™. This low-maintenance composite decking delivers an elevated aesthetic with heat-mitigating technology to reflect the sun and keep boards cooler underfoot.

2. Mixed Materials

Gone are the days of matchy-matchy monotony. Today’s homeowners are embracing eclectic design schemes with lots of visual interest created by juxtaposing materials like concrete and composite, wicker and aluminum, copper and stone — as well as mixing colors and patterns for added personality and visual intrigue.

3. Sustainable Selections

Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have” but a meaningful requirement among increasingly eco-conscious consumers. Made from 95% recycled materials, Trex^® composite decking is an eco-friendly choice that outperforms and outlasts natural wood.

4. Stylish Seclusion

More than a quarter of all Zillow listings highlight privacy as a selling point. This penchant for stylish seclusion is driving demand for fencing, pergolas, privacy panels and lattice, which create a sense of sanctuary with products that are visually appealing, durable and easy to maintain.

5. Mood Lighting

Rising inflation will have homeowners looking for small investments that make a big impact. From candles and string lights to fire features and deck lighting, a little illumination can completely change the look and feel of an outdoor space without breaking the bank.

6. Added Function and Value

Make the most of your outdoor space by optimizing the area beneath the deck. With an under-deck drainage system, this space can be used for storage or as a bonus living area. RainEscape^® is an innovative system that accommodates electrical and gas lines to power ceiling fans, lighting, appliances and entertainment components, allowing homeowners to achieve the finished look and function of an interior room.

More outdoor living ideas, tips and inspiration can be found at Trex.com.

2023-03-16T14:31:00

(BPT) – Your home is likely the biggest purchase you’ll make in your lifetime, and your most important investment. Current home prices remain strong, and this helps boost the average amount of equity per U.S. homeowner. CoreLogic’s Q4 Homeowner Equity Insights show the majority of homeowners have seen their equity increase by a total of $1 trillion since late 2021. Home equity is the primary driver of household wealth — but also one asset most people forget to provide complete protection for. Are you protecting your most important investment?

You probably already protect important belongings such as your vehicle with auto insurance, and have homeowner’s insurance for your property. However, there’s one crucial area homeowners overlook that could be the difference between calling your home an investment or a source of severe financial loss: your home’s title.

Most homeowners have good intentions to protect their property, but home title fraud is an area often overlooked. You may be automatically protected against major destructive events like natural disasters and theft via your homeowner’s insurance, but this does not cover home title fraud.

Many homeowners don’t realize the vulnerability that exists with the home title recording system in the U.S. The fact is, anyone can present a fake deed with a fake notary stamp, pay a small fee and, if all the spaces are filled in correctly, the county recorder’s office must accept it. Homeowners can be completely unaware of this until the lender tries to foreclose on the home.

This ease of filing and online access to detailed property records has created a new wave of cyber-crime called home title theft.

Whether your house is worth $200K or $2M, it’s imperative to understand all the ways you can protect it. The first step is determining how much equity you have in your home. To calculate your home’s equity, subtract your current mortgage balance from your home’s market value. If that number is $50,000 or more, you should have an equity protection plan in place.

Why should you go beyond home title insurance?

One common misconception is that home title insurance will cover any issues that occur after you purchase your home. Most policies protect against past history up to the day you close on your property, but they do not cover future events. In addition to home title insurance, your bank, your homeowner’s insurance and legal trust also do not protect against home title fraud.

Protecting your home’s title is a two-step process: home title insurance for until the sale is completed, and then home title monitoring identity theft prevention services for any conveyances made after closing.

To help protect your home’s title, Home Title Lock monitors the title of your property 24/7. When new documents are recorded that could affect your property value or ownership, you’ll be alerted in real-time. If potential fraud does occur, you’re not alone, as a team of experts are there to help you navigate the situation. The company also provides a free home title history report with initial sign-up, which allows you to see past activity on your property and learn if you’re already a victim of home title fraud.

Where there’s a will there’s a way

Another crucial step to protect your investment and ensure that your home will be in the right hands to help your legacy securely live on is careful estate planning, including preparing a will. This is one step that many people put off, especially when they are younger, assuming that it isn’t very likely it will be needed soon. However, the future is impossible to predict, so it’s vital to protect your family by taking this step as soon as possible. Creating an estate plan provides many benefits: It helps transfer assets with ease, and ensures that your beneficiaries receive what you intended, protecting your family’s future.

With these steps, you can have peace of mind that your biggest investment — your home — is better protected.

2023-03-16T12:01:00

(BPT) – There’s nothing like the warmer temperatures, blooming flowers and longer, brighter days to inspire you to take a fresh look at your home, and the ideal place to get started is in one of your most-used spaces: the bathroom. Spring is the perfect time to refresh your bathroom, so why not go beyond a thorough cleaning to make the room feel brand new? Fresh, seasonal colors give the room an upgraded look, and products like a new toilet seat let you continue that spring-fresh feeling all season.

Here are simple ideas to help you get started on revamping your bathroom this spring.

1. Invite more color: Start with swapping out some of the simple elements in your bathroom, taking the opportunity to brighten the space with fresh new colorful towels, bathmats and even a new shower curtain. Choose light, appealing colors and/or patterns based on natural elements that will bring more of a springtime feeling into your home.

2. Decorate thoughtfully: Consider adding some easy decorative accents, like glass jars filled with cotton swabs, small soaps or garden flowers. A little goes a long way, so choose just a few of these accents to help give the room a sense of spa-like elegance, without making it seem overly busy or cluttered.

3. Think attractive storage solutions: Include smart and visually appealing storage options such as a few pretty baskets on shelves for holding extra guest towels, for example. Baskets are also really useful for keeping that extra clutter off of your countertops, and you can easily organize them by categories like toiletries, washcloths and makeup.

4. Upgrade your seat: Spring cleaning for your bathroom isn’t complete without a new toilet seat. The Mayfair by Bemis Affinity is an attractive plastic seat that installs easily and is designed for a precise fit, so it never moves after you install it. The seat also features quiet closing to avoid unpleasant slamming. Best yet, the hinges are designed to let you easily remove the seat for thorough cleaning — and when you’re finished cleaning, you simply place the seat back on the toilet and close the hinge caps. The durable plastic seat wipes clean effortlessly for that final touch on a fresh, spring bathroom feel.

Visit ToiletSeats.com for more options to help you find the perfect seat from Bemis Manufacturing Company.

5. Refresh your windows: After giving your bathroom windows a thorough cleaning inside and out, consider updating how they look overall with new window treatments. One terrific on-trend idea is to install roller blinds or Roman shades in lighter colors. If you opt for blinds or shades made from thin-enough fabric, they will still provide much-needed privacy while also letting in some natural light — helping the whole room feel lighter and brighter.

Ready to get started on refreshing your bathroom? These are all ideas you can easily DIY — no plumber or designer required! — that will make a big difference for the look and feel of your bathroom, right away. Then you can relax and enjoy your room all season long.

2023-03-14T09:01:00

(BPT) – Enjoy browsing popular home listing sites for your dream home? You can thank local MLS broker marketplaces.

Local MLS broker marketplaces are the unsung heroes that make your home search possible by offering verified, up-to-date home listings in hundreds of markets across the country. They create the largest, most efficient and convenient markets that ensure equity, transparency and market-driven pricing for home buyers and sellers.

This infographic offers a glimpse behind the scenes at what makes your home fantasies a reality. To learn more about how Local MLS broker marketplaces benefit you, visit competition.realtor.

2023-03-10T08:47:00

(BPT) – If you’re a homeowner, you learn that when something goes wrong involving water, it’s going to cost you. Water damage, mold or mildew — and wasted water — means more expenses, especially the longer it continues. Sometimes you need a plumber to help address the issue, but there are repairs you can take care of yourself.

Here are common household repairs you can handle, with the right supplies and a little know-how.

1. Redo bathtub caulk

If that black stuff on the caulk around the tub just won’t come off, there’s just too much mold or mildew. Not only is this unsightly, but it will keep spreading, and may indicate water is seeping beneath the caulk. Your best bet is to recaulk the entire tub.

Remove old caulk using a putty knife and/or chemical caulk remover. A plastic putty knife can help reduce the risk of damage to the tub. After peeling the caulk away, make sure to remove all the old caulk. Use mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol on a rag to remove residue and clean thoroughly. Let dry before caulking.

Painter’s tape helps keep caulk off the rest of the tub or tiles. Follow the instructions on the caulking gun to apply caulk, using your finger to smooth into the seam. Remove painter’s tape before the caulk dries, and don’t shower for several hours after caulking, following your product’s instructions.

2. Swap out your showerhead

If your showerhead malfunctions or you want an upgrade, this is a simple fix. One necessary product for this task — or to fix a leaky faucet — is thread sealant. This will help ensure you won’t have future leaks. Thread sealant tape like Hercules Megatape is easy to use and comes in several colors, widths, thicknesses and densities. Using gray color tape will match the finish of the fixture so it looks better.

Wrap thread sealant tape clockwise several revolutions around to fully cover the threads. Clockwise is the same direction you’ll be screwing on the showerhead, so applying the tape in the same direction prevents the new showerhead from catching the end of tape and unraveling it. Watch this short video showing the process.

3. Replace a faucet aerator

If your sink faucet squirts oddly or the water runs unevenly, the aerator may need replacing. The aerator screws on the end of the faucet to introduce air into the water stream. Unscrew the aerator counterclockwise. If the screen is clogged, tap or rinse to clear debris, and replace. If there’s nothing clogging the screen, simply purchase a new faucet aerator at any hardware or home improvement store. It’s easy to screw a new one on the end of your faucet, clockwise.

4. Stop a running toilet

If your toilet keeps running, you’ll be paying for excess water on your next utility bill. Most often the flapper at the bottom of the toilet tank is old and worn, or your tank ball (float valve) is broken. Purchase a new float valve assembly at your local hardware or home improvement store. To replace, turn off water to the toilet and flush to remove water from the tank. Unhook the chain at the tank lever arm and remove the old flapper. Clean the area under the flapper with a sponge before installing the new one.

Install the new assembly following the instructions on your product. Turn the water back on to fill the tank, ensuring the flapper seals well and doesn’t let water leak into the bowl. Adjust the chain or strap if needed: If it’s too tight, the flapper won’t seal properly, causing water to leak. Too loose, it will cause the flapper to drop too soon, not allowing the bowl to flush correctly. Flush a few times after the tank has filled to make sure it’s working correctly.

5. Repair a broken toilet flange

If you notice your toilet rocking or shifting (the whole toilet, not the seat), spot leaking near the toilet base, water on the floor, and/or unpleasant smells, you could have a damaged toilet flange. You may even see water damage on the ceiling of the room below. The toilet flange is the part that helps secure your toilet to the floor, and it can easily be repaired with an Oatey Fix-it Repair Ring. This makes it possible to repair broken, cracked or worn-out toilet mounting flanges without having to replace the entire flange. It’s compatible with all flange and toilet installations as well as flooring types (including concrete), and has 10 mounting holes and 4 slotted mounting tabs for a range of installation options. Learn how to install a Fix-It Repair Ring by watching this short video.

A plumbing problem, while bothersome, doesn’t have to mean even more expenses like costly repair bills. Visit Oatey.com for these and other DIY repair products.

2023-03-09T06:01:00

(BPT) – Maintenance is an important part of home ownership, but many people delay tasks, thinking a few weeks or even months won’t do any harm. However, putting off home maintenance is risky because small issues that are simple to fix now can quickly lead to complex problems that are expensive to fix later.

Spring is the ideal time to give your home a once-over both inside and out to flag any issues and create a maintenance to-do list. According to the experts at State Farm, here are some top spring maintenance tasks to help protect your home:

Roof and gutters

Your roof provides fundamental protection of your home from the elements in all seasons. Inspect your roof at least once annually for damage, discoloration, loss of granules and missing, worn or curling shingles. If you have the skills, you can do this yourself, or, call a qualified contractor who can come and do an inspection.

Some additional things to keep in mind, especially during rainy spring months: Gutters and downspouts should be safely attached, clear of leaves and other debris, and have no leaks. Position downspouts to direct water away from the home so it doesn’t impact the foundation. Also, check that flashing is secure — the thin, metal material that’s around windows, vents and chimneys to direct water away.

HVAC systems

HVAC stands for your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. These systems work together to keep your home comfortable throughout the seasons. Regular maintenance helps keep them working well today and extends their life in the future while also saving on energy costs.

Start by setting a reminder every few months to replace filters. Dirty filters can block airflow and make the HVAC system work harder, decreasing efficiency and increasing energy costs. Then, schedule a spring maintenance check with a local HVAC professional. Pros will often check the thermostat, clean or replace filters, lubricate moving parts, check refrigerant levels, inspect the condenser and coils, and investigate unusual noises.

Garage spaces

Garages can quickly become cluttered and certain items pose risks, such as fuel that can start a fire or items that can be attractive to pests. Embrace spring by planning a day to clean out the garage so it is organized and safe.

Smoke detectors

Get in the habit of checking your smoke alarms on a regular basis, such as at the start of every season. Do this by hitting the test button on each device. If you don’t already have them, make sure a smoke detector is located in every bedroom and living space. This small investment and maintenance step can help save lives.

Additionally, don’t wait until the alarms chirp at you to tell you batteries are low. Once a year, replace all the batteries in all the alarms to give you peace of mind that these critical devices are set up to work well in an emergency.

If you need assistance with any of these spring home maintenance tasks, consider hiring a qualified, insured contractor in your area. Reach out to your local State Farm agent for a list of trustworthy professionals who can help.

2023-03-08T00:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re expecting a tax refund this year, now is the perfect time to strategize how to use it. Why not maximize your refund by investing it in your home? There are a variety of renovation projects at different price points worth considering that can add value to your home.

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. Think curb appeal

A top recommendation from real estate agents is to view your home as a potential buyer might. What improvements can you make to the exterior that would attract a prospective buyer, giving the impression your home is well cared for?

• Landscaping — Just clearing overgrowth can enhance how your home looks, but also consider consulting an expert for improving your yard.
• Replacing your garage door — Especially with a 2- to 3-car garage, this is a highly visible feature of your home that gets a lot of wear and tear.
• Upgrading doors and/or windows — They create the first impression your home gives visitors (and neighbors), and replacing them enhances not just your home’s appearance, but also energy efficiency and security.
• Repainting/re-siding your home — Refreshing the exterior gives your home an immediate facelift. Can’t afford to redo the entire exterior? Touching up trouble spots or repainting trim also makes an impact.

These improvements can boost potential resale value and your sense of pride in your house, for however long you call it home.

2. Install an extra full bath

Creating another full bathroom is not only great for improving the functionality of your home, but will definitely appeal to future buyers. According to Houzz, installing an additional full bathroom, like an en suite or guest bathroom, is one of the top five renovation projects to consider in terms of return on investment.

While adding a full bath in some parts of your home may be very costly due to the plumbing configuration, you can cut costs considerably using an up-flushing, macerating toilet — like the Saniaccess 3 from Saniflo — which can be installed virtually anywhere. The plumbing used for this toilet operates above the floor, so there’s no need for the mess and expense involved in digging through flooring, especially concrete floors typically found in basements.

Saniflo’s above-floor technology makes it possible to add a bathroom even if you were once told you couldn’t add a toilet due to the lack of a drain line. These upflush toilets simplify toilet installation by pumping waste away to the nearest drain line and/or sewer system. Watch this short video to learn more about Saniflo’s bathroom solution.

3. Add a half bath

Don’t have sufficient space (or budget) to create a full bath? A half bath also enhances the value, convenience and functionality of your home. Similar to the Saniaccess 3, you can install a Sanicompact tankless toilet for your half bath, reducing the cost, hassle and time needed for renovation. Whether you have an attic room, basement area, storage closet or outdoor space (like a poolside changing room), a Sanicompact toilet can provide this convenience for family and guests anywhere you want, without having to worry about the typical headaches adding or moving plumbing can create. There’s no need for major construction to add garage or basement installations, toilets for elderly family members and many other practical applications that can’t be added through conventional methods.

Both the Saniaccess 3 and Sanicompact toilets provide quiet, efficient functionality that is economical and environmentally friendly, using far less water than a traditional plumbing system. Check out this video to see how you can use this year’s refund to add a bathroom.

4. Upgrade your kitchen

Depending on your budget (and refund), upgrading your kitchen is always a smart move. According to Homelight, you can do a minor remodel of a 200-square-foot kitchen for approximately $21,000 and recover about 77.6% of that cost at resale. Don’t want to spend $20,000? No worries. Even minor upgrades — like replacing outdated faucets or cabinet hardware, refacing or painting cabinets and/or adding a new backsplash can improve the appearance of your kitchen while helping raise your home’s value.

Before you get your tax refund, plan to maximize it by spending it on your largest investment — your home.

2023-02-22T08:01:00

(BPT) – “Style and design surround us — impacting how we feel, the personality of a room, or the energy of a space,” said Laura Grill, director of product design for Daltile. “As a fashion-driven brand, Daltile has just released its Daltile Trend Report 2023 to help homeowners, designers and architects create fresh, breathtaking spaces.”

Elevate Life

Positivity has become one of the most effective antidotes to counteract the pessimism of the last two years and the trend of Elevate Life embodies a bold positivity. Elevate Life celebrates with mood-boosting colors; tactile fabrics; bold patterns; oversized proportions; visuals that are playful, quirky, silly; and objects embedded with positive memories.

The colors of Elevate Life embody the desire for fun, surprise, humor and engagement by unleashing vibrant hues such as bright oranges, yellows, greens, blues and fuchsia. These bright colors are partnering with psychedelic patterns and round shapes, bringing back the vibrant ’60s and ’70s mood. Such Avant-Basic design broadcasts loud retro vibes through unconventional shapes (think curvy, wavy, elliptical), bold geometric forms, sculptural silhouettes and magic eye prints. The energy and optimism of the ’80s is also back via the New Maximalist aesthetic blending bold patterns, oversized proportions, multicolor effects, color blocks, boucle and velvet fabrics, floral motifs and the iconic Barbiecore.

Tender Living

Care and compassion find their voice through the Tender Living mindset that reclaims care to the fullest: care for self, others and the planet. Tender Living fosters well-being, cocooning, inclusivity and regeneration — expressing itself through Biophilic Design, multi-sensorial interaction, natural colors, sustainable practices, the beauty of imperfection and neutral Scandinavian style.

Tender Living’s color scheme supports us physically and mentally, stimulating mindfulness. Its palette includes variations of off-white, smooth grays and beiges, colors inspired by nature’s rare beauty and slow crafts: green from deep forest to sage tones, sky and darker blues, burnet brown (think eggshells). Tender Living finishes and materials celebrate nature and stimulate our senses through organic and wavy shapes combined with fluted surfaces. This aesthetic also embraces imperfection, highlighting untreated surfaces such as exposed cement, kintsugi finishing and texturized ceramics. Interiors combine Scandinavian Minimalism with Biophilic Design — creating an Organic Modern style. A key hallmark of Tender Living is connecting with nature, both indoors and outdoors.

Essential Luxury

The notion of luxury has been changing, refreshing the traditional indicators of splendor. The trend of Essential Luxury is about enjoying moments of indulgence in a new way — blending beauty with heritage and pop culture; crafts with high-end technology and sustainability; multi-cultural inspiration with Art Deco and Gothic references.

Essential Luxury finishes and materials celebrate uniqueness, giving life to lavish and multi-ethnic spaces by combining precious stones, colorful marbles, and onyx with velvet, lacquered wood and golden finishes. Forms and shapes draw inspiration mainly from the design of ancient civilizations, incorporating some Art Deco. Essential Luxury colors communicate richness and sophistication. Its color scheme explores dark shades and includes hues from Gothic style, black marble, precious red and green stones, and dark brown from prestigious wood. As for patterns, Essential Luxury focuses on exotic marble looks blended with animal print and tribal themes to create lavish and cozy interiors.

Dreamscape

The new interior design trend of Dreamscape is influenced by the desire to escape the demands, disappointments and pressures of the physical world while finding relaxation, fulfillment and many times a new identity in the digital world. The rise of gaming, virtual reality, phygital interactions, and the metaverse developed in us a familiarity with digital visuals which have over time created an actual affinity for those types of aesthetics, because they can bring a sense of calm and escape. As with all trends, color is the foundation of interior design falling under this umbrella. Blues, purples, greens, metallics and black make up the Dreamscape palette. Mixed with these dreamy colors, are geometric shapes, magic eye reverberations, ethereal lighting and flowing movements. Metallic touches, slick finishes and precision designs are hallmarks of this interior design trend that generously embraces the stereotypical look of science fiction and futuristic ambience.

Seize The Day

The trend of Seize The Day embodies the mindset of living in the moment while making space for nostalgia and comforting memories. It is about rediscovering traditional craftsmanship techniques and materials. The color palette of Seize The Day is very earthy, focused on beiges, creams, light browns and a fabulous terra-cotta. Finishes and materials celebrate the beauty of desert dry touch and raw materials such as crude clay but with attention to comfort. There is also an emphasis on cords such as macramé, glazed tiles made from natural materials such as volcanic lava, and plenty of handcraft finishing. Forms and shapes draw inspiration from styles such as Modern Mediterranean and Southwestern Boho. They give life to tactile and comforting interiors by combining organic shapes, irregular and imperfect forms, and plenty of arches. Patterns also draw inspiration from dry and cracked earth and uneven natural surfaces.

Click here to view Daltile’s Trend Report 2023

2023-02-21T11:39:00

(BPT) – Segmental retaining wall (SRW) systems make attractive walls, but they also are used to build many beautiful and functional outdoor features for homeowners and professionals alike. As the most versatile resource in a professional landscaper’s tool box, SRWs can also be used by do-it-yourself landscapers with a little know-how. Whether you need to transition a slope, shore up soil or create beautiful hardscaped features, one retaining wall system — the VERSA-LOK retaining wall system — can do it all.

YouTube creator and construction pro Stanley “Dirt Monkey” Genadek calls VERSA-LOK the “gold standard” of retaining walls. “VERSA-LOK’s solid, pinned units are superior to hollow, lipped blocks that require fill and might trap water,” says Genadek, who owns a landscaping and excavating company in Mendota Heights, Minn. “It’s the one block that can do it all. VERSA-LOK is the gold standard in SRWs as far as I’m concerned.”

Says Scott Arnold, manager of Villa Landscapes, a design and install landscaping firm in St. Paul/Minneapolis: “Retaining walls are most often employed to address grade changes in the landscape and to retain soil. But as the ‘Legos’ of landscaping tools, retaining wall units can be used to create many beautiful and functional features such as outdoor kitchens, fireplaces and seating.”

Seating

From creating seat walls to stadium seats, retaining walls are for sitting. One popular application is a freestanding seat wall around a patio or fire pit. Retaining walls are perfect to set into hillsides such as amphitheater seating, where they retain soil while offering a place to sit. Other options include stadium seating, replacing cold, noisy and more expensive aluminum bleachers as well as a couch or bench designed with SRWs.

Functional features

Retaining wall units can make beautiful tiered gardens, raised garden beds, planters, tree rings plus fire and water features. One common application is a raised patio, where retaining wall units serve as a foundation for a paver patio surrounded by freestanding walls in place of a wood deck. Creative homeowners and installers have used retaining wall units for lighted column posts, waterfalls, hot tub platforms or mailbox columns.

Steps/stairs

Going up and down a slope is easier with solid stair foundations created from retaining wall units. From stairs out the back patio to steps for access within a hardscape design such as a multi-level patio, retaining wall units are a safe support for stair treads and pavers.

Fencing

Keep people moving the right way with freestanding walls used as fencing or partitions. A parapet wall is a back-to-back wall that serves as a barrier for vehicles and pedestrians. Stepped-down freestanding walls are used alongside ramps for easy access. Custom columns designed with lighting and fencing with timbers or rail posts can serve as a fence solution.

Signage

Both residential and commercial signage can be created with retaining wall units. Stately columns with house numbers at the end of a driveway, a hardscaped entrance sign to a community development or a mailbox pillar are features easily created with retaining wall units. Monument signs can be built as freestanding walls, with channel letters, a signboard or neon mounted on the surface.

The endless design options afforded by retaining wall systems are limited only by the imagination. With a variety of colors and textures, retaining walls can do it all, beautifully. If you can design it, you can build it with VERSA-LOK.

2023-01-17T08:05:00

(BPT) – Did you know? Snow is easiest to clear when it’s fresh. A creaking sound may be a sign of snow load damage to your home. A garage may not provide enough ventilation to run a generator.

As we near the coldest part of winter, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) is providing a free, easy-to-follow Winter Weather Ready checklist to guide cold weather prep and help ensure important steps aren’t overlooked before and after a severe winter weather event.

“After years of persistent drought, many homes in California and the Pacific Northwest may not be prepared for the significant precipitation, whether it be heavy, wet snow or torrential rainfall, that could cause a cascade of damage,” said Dr. Ian Giammanco, lead research meteorologist at IBHS, a nonprofit scientific research organization. “Our Winter Weather Ready guidance provides information to not only assess your exposure, but also actionable steps to reduce your risk of damage that can be expensive and inconvenient to repair and disrupt life.”

While the specific threats facing a home vary regionally, no area is immune from potential weather hazards. These actions can help homeowners be Winter Weather Ready:

Before a winter weather event:

• Clear debris from gutters and downspouts so water flows away from the home and reduces the risk of leaks.
• Trim branches to avoid damage to the roof, siding, and windows.
• Seal cracks and leaks around windows and doors.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Ensure you have plenty of fuel for generators and snow removal equipment.

Last-minute winter weather prep:

• Purchase deicing products for front steps and walkways.
• Shut off water and drain exterior sprinklers.
• Stay informed with a reliable source for severe weather information such as the National Weather Service (NWS).
• Follow guidance from local authorities and enable weather alerts on a mobile device.

After a storm:

• Watch for signs of snow load damage, such as creaking sounds, a sagging roof, cracks in the ceiling or walls, water stains, and doors or windows that no longer open and close correctly.
• Check water flow by turning on faucets; if pipes are frozen, shut off the water supply and contact a plumber.
• Shovel or use a snowblower to clear steps, sidewalks, and driveways as soon as it is safe to do so, as fresh snow is easiest to remove.
• Operate generators in well-ventilated areas and never leave them unattended.
• If the home is damaged, document losses and keep receipts electronically so you can access them from anywhere using cloud storage.

“As we move into the core winter months, checklists can help homeowners prioritize actions and reduce severe weather impact,” added Giammanco. “The good news is many of these steps are affordable do-it-yourself projects.”

For more ways to prevent damage from winter weather, see IBHS’s full Winter Weather Ready guide and checklist for residential properties, available on DisasterSafety.org.