SkyFive Properties Blog

More than 5, 000 hail events have hit America in 2018 alone.

Almost all states in the U.S went through at least one significant hailstorm the same year, but most occurred in Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Texas.

Unless you reside in one of the Hail Alley states, chances are hails don’t pique too much of your interest.

Well, they should!

Hail storms result in costly hail damage to the tune of billions every year. Hails can be a nightmare for homeowners as they cause damage to the roof and other properties.

If your area has gone through a hailstorm, don’t sit back, relax and think everything is okay. When hail destroys your roof, it’s usually not easy to spot especially if you have not done it before.

It’s not something to worry about. Use this actionable guide to help you know how to spot the damage hails storms cause on the roof and the proper action to take.

What Hail Damage Looks Like On the Roof

After a hail storm, it may not be obvious there’s damage on your roof. You need to inspect the roof to know if there’s any need for repairs or replacements. Some of the signs indicating hail destruction on the roof include:

• Missing, cracking or bruising of shingles and other roofing material
• Dents on the roof’s ridge cap, vents, downspouts, gutter screens, and gutters
• Damage to casings/windowsills and siding
• Shattered or broken solar panels, window panes, and other exterior elements
• Damage to air conditioners and other items outdoors
• Internal leaking

Remember to prioritize safety while searching for any of the above signs. If you’re using a ladder to access the roof, make sure it’s steady. You also need the proper gear to avoid slipping, falling, and hurting yourself.

What to Do After Noticing Signs of Roof Hail Damage

Immediately seek assistance from a top local Roofing Boise specialist once you get evidence of hail damage roof. The expert will come in to inspect the level of damage and proceed to tackle any minor repairs and leave you with a functional roof.

Roof replacement may be the only solution in cases where the damage is severe.

It’s advisable to take videos and pictures of the current state of the roof. It helps if you have previous documentation of the home before the hail storm.

Consult your roofing contractor and a public adjuster on how to get insurance to pay for roof replacement. Replacing a roof is quite costly; thus, you need to look into channels to help you save money.

Take Action! Don’t Let Hail Storms Destroy your Roof

Anytime you experience a hail storm you need to rush against time to save your home. Contact a roofing company to conduct a comprehensive hail damage roof inspection.

Besides diagnosing the problem an expert roofer will advise on whether you need to make a claim.

If the damage is not too much, the roofer will offer a long-lasting solution to keep your home dry and safe for years. You may want to consider hail resistant shingles if you live in a region prone to dangerous hail storms.

Keep reading our blog for more property tips.

A standard attic remodeling job costs $50,000-$65,000. Maybe you want to get a home-office, playroom, or even or a new bedroom for your guests.

But have you checked on that abandoned square footage in your house? If not, then you should make plans of renovating that attic. It’s a smart way of renovating your home on a tight budget.

Many homeowners often make the mistake of carelessly renovating their attics in a hurry. Learn to do it right! Follow these seven essential tips for a well-done job when remodeling your attic.

1. Follow Safety Codes While Remodeling Your Attic

Before starting the remodeling process, you need to invite a constructional engineer. He/she will inspect the room to make sure that it meets construction safety standards. You should avail yourself physically during the inspection to discover more about the required codes and regulations.

Necessarily, a standard attic should be 7 feet high, 7 feet wide, and 70 square feet. This regulation allows for free movement within the attic. It is known as the ‘rule of 7s’ and is the first test that your to-be-renovated room must pass.

Your attic should have a proper roof structure. W-shaped roof trusses make attic renovation very difficult. Besides, they come with more expenses than A-shaped roof trusses. So, make sure that your ideal attic room has enough ceiling height as per the required guidelines.

2. Get All Essential Permits

Don’t skimp out of this critical step. Most homeowners often underestimate the importance of getting the necessary building permits. Before embarking on the attic renovating process, ensure that you hire certified building professionals.

Why is this essential? Well, renovating your attic using unlicensed personnel may jeopardize its overall safety standards.

Also, you may want to sell the house someday; right? If your buyer’s building inspector finds the attic risky, then you might lose the client.

Besides, the buyer might decide to go to the local authorities to find out if you followed the due procedure of construction. If they find out that you used shortcuts, they’ll likely not buy your property. So, get all essential permits before remodeling your attic.

3. Install an HVAC System

Would you like to stay in a congested attic? Definitely not! A standard attic should have proper ventilation.

Your main goal should be to make the renovated attic as comfortable as possible. Sometimes, the attic may be too hot or cold at different times of the year. You can avoid such a problem by installing a well-functioning HVAC system.

Besides, you should do regular inspection to ensure that the HVAC system is working correctly. If you notice any sight deviation, be kind enough, and invite an expert. This will help you to save costs that come with the downtime of your HVAC equipment.

4. Save Your Plumbing Costs

The whole idea of renovating your attic is to save money. Therefore, if the renovation process falls short of that, then you’re heading in the wrong direction.

If you’re installing a new kitchen or bathroom, ensure that it is closer to the old pipes. You can then rejoin the new drainage system to the old one. Moreover, you can tie the new pipes on the old ones to save space.

It’s always advisable to seek developer services from an expert to avoid unnecessary mistakes. Careless drainage installation can be very costly and can worsen the living conditions of the attic.

So, don’t be so focused on saving drainage costs by doing everything by yourself. In the long run, this wrong decision might catch up with you. You should do thorough research and only pick a certified plumber with a proven track record of service delivery.

5. Insulate the Attic

You can insulate your attic using fiberglass or spray-foam. However, experts prefer spray-foam for roof installation. It creates a tight air barrier that is essential for room protection.

Besides, spray-foam roofs provide an extra overhead room. Your attic should have an ample overhead space to allow for fee airflow within the room. Therefore, to have a complete attic room, ensure that its roof is made of an airtight material.

You also need airtight roofing to ensure that the attic is always kept warm. Sometimes, the conditions of the attic room can be very challenging. If you don’t have money to install a properly working HVAC system, ensure that your roof is adequately insulated.

6. Use Knee Wall Storage

Having overhead storage facilities isn’t advisable because your attic needs ample space. Also, bringing in large wardrobes will eat up your space. Therefore, install recess cabinets, cubbies, and perimeter drawers on knee walls.

You should save every inch of space. Contact room designers to get more details on how you can get more of your attic room. They’ll help you with this and give you more space-saving techniques.

Also, ask them for an overall opinion on how you should position certain items in the attic room. It would be wrong if you throw in everything everywhere without any proper arrangement.

7. Install a Ceiling Fan

For better climate control during warmer weather periods of the year, put in a ceiling fan. You can also use the ceiling fan reversely in the colder months of the year to blow down warm air.

Don’t let your headroom stay idle when you can fully exploit the available space. Ceiling fans are relatively cheaper than standard HVAC systems. So, if you are looking for a cost-friendly option, go for them.

For well-distribution of warm or cold air, install the ceiling fan at the center of the attic room. Hire the services of an expert for an efficiently done job.

Remodeling an attic requires patience and expertise. Consult widely before embarking on the construction journey. Your preferred mode should be cost-friendly yet efficient at the same time.

Life in the Attic!

As a homeowner, you should get value for your money, and that’s why it’s advisable to only employ certified personnel when renovating your home. Otherwise, you’ll end losing a lot of money that should be used for more constructive purposes.

Explore our blog for more information on what you should do when remodeling your attic.

Grand Designs, the inspiration behind many people sitting down and working out if they could build their own homes. And, for the most part, it is extremely possible. There are a few points that you will need to pay attention to unless you are having an accessory dwelling unit – which is a great way to move forward with your unique home plans.

Preparation

Most of the designs that people create for building their own homes are pretty pared back. They include what people think are the things that they need. Then, the opposite end of the scale is the glass walls and self-washing windows. The more quirky the house, the more likely you are going to have to spend out on a professional project manager. And an architect.

If you are applying for a mortgage to cover the cost, you are going to need a really big deposit too. The home doesn’t have standard plans that can give them a good idea of the value in the end. So the more professionals you have onboard to support your case, the better.

Research all of the available materials to do the job, what are the eco options? What lasts the longest? How can you maximise your cash and house size?

Finances

Typically home builders will need a lot more money than people building any other house. They will usually have to buy the land and fund all of the planning permission before they will be considered for a loan of any kind. Mortgages for self-builders will tend to be interest-only too. The bank still needs to protect its investment.

On average, you are looking at around 6 months to get all of the finances set up. And during that time you can burn through your own cash pretty quickly.

You’ll need to consider insurance costs too. You will need to have self-built property insurance. Most policies won’t cover what you have built so far. So, you are going to need a structural warranty for a 10-year period, and one for defects in design. Then things like fires, public liability, theft and storm damage – which are all a risk when the property isn’t complete.

In general, you shouldn’t release any payments ahead of schedule either. You will probably be asked more than once, but this puts you in a position that you may lose your money, and the contracted companies might skip town or go bust.

You will still be liable for stamp duty too. So check your tax position.

Kit Houses

If you really can’t see yourself spending months watching a house go up, then you might consider the ADU mentioned above (usually put on the same land/site as the main dwelling), or a prefabricated home. They work with clients closely to create what they are looking for and usually come in a lot cheaper than building from scratch.

When it comes to housing, there is no real one size fits all option if you are looking to branch out. It pays if you have a really good architect friend, though!

Did you know that in the U.S., a new roof installation costs an average of $7,654? That’s only the average though, meaning, some homeowners can expect to shell out more!

Still, a price tag of anywhere between $5,200 and over $10,000 for a new roof can be too much for many homeowners. That’s why it’s best you get down to the bottom of how often to replace a roof.

This way, you can confirm if it’s really time for a roof replacement or if repairs can do the trick. Also, keep in mind that some roofing systems last longer than the others, like slate or copper.

Ready to determine when to replace your roof? Then let’s get right into it!

How Often to Replace a Roof: It Depends on the Roofing Material

The biggest factor that will tell you when to replace roofing is the roof’s age. As mentioned above, slate or copper roofs can outlast most other roofs, with them lasting up to 50 years (or more).

That means, if you have a slate or a copper roof, you likely may only need to replace it once over your own lifetime. In fact, if you bought the house with a newly-installed slate or copper roof, you may not need a replacement at all! That’s if you shower it with proper care and maintenance.

Asphalt shingle roofs have the shortest lifespan though, lasting for only two decades. Roofs made with fiber cement shingles do better, lasting for 25 years.

Metal roofs are also long-lasting, having a life expectancy of 40 to 70 years. They are, however, twice or thrice more expensive than other roofing material choices.

When Age Doesn’t Matter

Granted, the above will give you a good idea on when you should replace your roof. Keep in mind that environmental factors can “speed up” your need for a new one though.

The sun is the biggest enemy of roofs, as its heat can dry up or soften roofing materials. Changes in temperature (such as a rain shower right after a hot day) can also place stress on your roof.

Strong winds, heavy hail, constant snow, and ice can also cause early degradation to your roof.

Replacing vs Repairing a Roof

The best way to determine if you need a new roof or if you can do with repairs is to conduct a roof inspection. If there are only a few curled shingles or cracked tiles, then your roof may only need prompt repairs.

Another example is if your roof is only, say 10 years old, but a recent storm dropped tree branches and limbs on it. If you call in these trusted roofing experts ASAP, then it’s likely they may only need to repair your roof.

However, you should also prepare yourself for a roof replacement in case the roof damage is too big. For instance, half of your roof is now bald or there are too many broken tiles. You may also need a replacement if bad weather has left too many giant holes on it.

Don’t Delay Roof Repairs or Replacement

Now that you know how often to replace a roof, make sure you stick to the timeline! Whether it’s roof repairs or a replacement, the important thing is to not delay calling in the pros.

The last thing you want is for your roof to cause water damage inside your home. Also, keep in mind that a degraded roof can cave in under the added stress of heavy rains and winds. By having roofing experts fix or replace it ASAP, you can prevent such safety hazards.

Ready for more home maintenance tips and tricks that can keep your home safe and comfy? Then be sure to bookmark our blog so that you can stay updated of our latest home upkeep guides!

Every year, approximately 1 trillion gallons of water in the United States go to waste as a result of household leaks.

The best way to avert this massive wastage is by using high-quality plumbing pipes and ensuring that seasoned professionals do plumbing installation and repair.

Planning a plumbing project in your home or business? Well, here’s a brief guide on how to go about the process.

Consider Whether the Water Is Corrosive

Few things can be more destructive to a metal plumbing pipe than corrosive water.

Do you live in a coastal region where water is generally hard? Then, it’s best to go for pipes made from materials that are resistant to corrosion like stainless steel, brass, or plastic.

Insist on Pipes That Allow Smooth Water Flow

Want to keep operating costs low? Then, go for pipes that have smooth internal surfaces, which enhance the flow of water. For instance, brass piping is a great choice. Brass is highly resistant to rust, which can interfere with the smoothness of the interior of the pipes.

Think About Sunlight Exposure

Do you intend to do the piping plumbing indoors or are you thinking about outdoor water distribution?

For outdoor application, don’t use plastic pipes as UV rays can deteriorate their quality. It’s best to use pipes from tougher materials like brass and copper.

Restrict the use of plastic pipes in indoor water distribution.

Consider the Cost of the Plumbing Pipes

You certainly want to get the best plumbing pipes you can and make sure that a seasoned plumber installs them.

However, getting yourself bankrupt in the process should never be the option. Don’t insist on using copper pipes if your budget allows for the more affordable PEX pipes, especially if the former will still get the job done perfectly.

Check for Compatibility with Existing Piping

Are there existing pipes already in the building?

If so, then go for pipes that are compatible with them in terms of material and size. Where you are not sure whether you’re making the right choice, invite a pipe plumb expert to examine the existing piping, so they can guide you on what pipes to buy.

Think of the Environment

The best pipes should perform well regardless of the environmental conditions surrounding them. Think about the weather in your region before investing in a certain variety of plumbing pipes.

Do you live in an area that freezes frequently? Then, go for pipes made from materials, like brass, which are resistant to freezing.

Final Thoughts

Plumbing pipes come in a large variety of options, and choosing the ideal one can seem like a big challenge. But this doesn’t need to be the case provided you’ve done your homework properly.

Are you looking for the ideal piping ideas for your project? Keep reading our blog for more tips and insights.

Like any other appliance, your air conditioner needs some care in order to deliver optimal performance for a long time. Unless an AC is kept in top condition, it tends to struggle during the hot season and you definitely don’t want it breaking down when you need it the most.

There are certain problems and repairs you can troubleshoot all by yourself before you finally decide to call in an expert. Before all those problems crop up, you need to identify them and take care of them so that come to the next heat wave, you and your family will be well sorted. Here are the top 9 AC maintenance and troubleshooting tips every homeowner needs to know.

1. Check How Dirty The Filter Is

This is the very first problem, and the easiest to solve on the list. You’d be surprised at how many people call in professionals to check their AC only to find a dirty filter. A clogged filter will restrict airflow and decrease the efficiency and ability to cool the air effectively.

AC filters need to get cleaned and changed on a regular basis, especially for people who own pets because failure to clean or change the filters could lead to an air conditioner malfunction so be vigilant.

2. The AC Doesn’t Turn On

One of the most common reasons why homeowners call AC experts is because the switched their AC on and nothing happened. Power outage, a tripped circuit breaker, or a blown fuse maybe some of the reasons why it won’t turn on. It may also be loose or broken wiring so check these out before you actually call in an expert.

3. The AC Blows Hot Air

If you turn on your air conditioner just to discover that it’s blowing hot air, the first thing you need to look at is the thermostat. Ensure it is not set on ‘heat’ and if it is, just turns it back to ‘cool’ or ‘auto’. If that’s not the problem, calling in a professional may be the best idea.

It might be just a small fix, but if you delay the repair, it may lead to a major problem. Addressing small issues as they arise is always a better idea when it comes to AC maintenance.

4. The AC Smells Weird

When water collects into an AC system, bacteria build up and may cause a very foul odor. Most of the time, that scent resembles that of vinegar, and in worse cases, that of urine. If you run on the AC, it would leave the house smelling the same.

There are certain problems that may cause this problem, such as an old filter or a leaky antifreeze. Check whether there are any damages to the AC, whether your pet has access, or whether the filter needs to get replaced. Depending on the problem, you may need to call a professional before you get sick from it.

5. Short Cycling Problems

When the air conditioner keeps restarting after every few minutes, there may be several reasons for it. First, it could be from a faulty thermostat, but it could also be a dirty filter or a leaking refrigerant. In this case, you need to start with the most basic feature, which is the filter then move on to the refrigerant leak.

You need to keep in mind that topping off the Freon will not solve the leak issue. You need to locate and fix the leak before you get to that. If you find something you cannot fix, call in Americare Heat & Air professionals.

6. A Frozen Coil

A frozen coil is also a common AC unit maintenance problems and could be the reason why it’s not blowing air. Fortunately, this is something you can fix on your own. Some of the reasons why your coil may get frozen are; broken parts, restricted airflow, low refrigerant, or the low outside temperature.

When you notice this problem, the first thing you should do is turn off your AC and turn the fan to ‘auto’ to melt any ice around the coil. Check whether there is any dirt or debris on the filter and clean it up. You should also check for disconnections or obstructions on the ductwork to ensure there are no blockages.

If the problem persists, it may be due to low refrigerant caused by a leak or a damaged refrigerant line.

7. A Blown Motor (Won’t Start)

If your air AC doesn’t start because the blower motor refuses to fire up, you may be dealing with a tripped breaker. Check the breaker panel for the condenser and fan breakers. If any of them is halfway tripped, turn it off then back on again to see whether it’ll start. If it flips back after turning it on, it could be faulty and you may need to replace it entirely.

If that’s not the cause of the problem, check the overflow shut-off switch. It might be that a clogged drain shit it off and killed the power unit or the switch has malfunctioned. Check whether the hose or drain line is clogged or working as it should.

8. Leaking Refrigerant

If your AC system was undercharged during installation, the refrigerant may be low. However, it may also be low if there’s a leak and that needs to be fixed immediately. Repairing a leak however is not something for everyone.

You may try to fix it with a Freon leak repair kit if you are dealing with minor leaks. If not, call in a professional technician to come over and fix it.

9. A Noisy AC

The major reasons why your AC could be noisy are dirty fan motors, deteriorating bearings, or worn belts. If you detect noise, you may want to shut it off and ask a technician to check where the problem is. They may also do an AC maintenance check while they are it and see if they can find other problems.

AC Maintenance And Troubleshooting Problems Solved

As you can see, there are several AC maintenance problems that you can prevent or solve on your own. However, some of the more complicated ones need professional help. Try not to delay minor repairs as they could become major and very expensive to fix. Read on if you’d like to know more about home maintenance.

Four Profit Killing Mistakes created by Asset Based Lending

Fix-and-flip TV shows make buying, rehabbing and selling a property look easy — until you undertake such a project yourself. If you’re new to home flipping and aren’t careful in your research, planning and execution, you may end up with no profit at all or even a significant loss. However, common mistakes and setbacks can be avoided with the proper preparation.

A common mistake that sabotages fix-and-flip projects is not sticking to a realistic budget. Keep your flip’s expenses in line and make sure you’ve budgeted all costs from demolition to final cleaning. The two biggest expenses will most likely be acquiring and rehabbing the house. Do your research and obtain bids from a few contractors for whom you have referrals and whose work you’ve seen firsthand.

Most importantly, prepare for things to go wrong during the course of the flip. Be well informed on potential home-rehab problems so you can work them into your budget if necessary. Unforeseen issues such as termite damage and the discovery of mold will be less distressing if you’ve added a line item for contingencies in your budget.

Not staging the finished flip is another common misstep that can quickly sabotage your profit. Potential home buyers can relate more easily to a staged house because it allows them to imagine themselves living in the space.

By investing a little money to stage your flip, you could earn a significant return. According to the Real Estate Staging Association, homes that are staged before going on the market sell 73 percent faster than nonstaged houses. Although hiring a professional service to stage your home may increase your out-of pocket-expenses, it’s a potentially lucrative investment.

Another profit-killing mistake inexperienced flippers tend to make is holding onto a property too long. If you acquired a fix-and-flip loan to fund your project, chances are you have a monthly payment.

The longer you carry the home, the more those mortgage expenses will accumulate, as well as soft costs such as taxes and utilities. Remember, the quicker you flip your property, the faster you’re able to re-invest your money in a new project. Creating a firm timeline for your project can help you stay on track.

Rehabbing a property can easily go from flip to flop. For more common profit-killing mistakes to avoid and positive steps that can position you for home-flipping success, see the accompanying infographic.

Author bio: Eric Krattenstein’s extensive marketing experience began at a boutique marketing agency where he developed dozens of successful innovative marketing strategies for brands ranging from startups to Fortune 500s. Prior to joining Asset Based Lending early in 2016, Eric served as the US Chief Marketing Officer for a European enterprise software company where he spearheaded the company’s expansion into the United States and Canadian markets. In his current role, Eric leads ABL’s Sales and Marketing team that helps upwards of 40 to 50 real estate investors close hard money loans each month. 

The property management market will be worth $22.04 billion by 2023. As the industry expands the demand for the best contractors is also on the increase. Property managers work hand in hand with contractors to provide their clients with home improvement services.

Finding the best contractor to maintain your property in good condition is crucial for your success as a property manager. The process can be risky if you don’t do your due diligence. If you’re a property manager seeking to hire the best contractors, this guide is for you.

1. How to Find the Best Contractor

When you start the process of finding a contractor, there are several places you can begin your search. Some of the sources are more reliable than others, and this is where due diligence matters most. The best place to start is to ask for recommendations from family and friends.

Other professionals in the same industry as you may have contacts of contractors they trust to do a good job. However, keep in mind that some of the best contractors are the hardest to find since many people want to hire their services. If your list of referrals doesn’t yield many results, your next best bet is to search online.

Google reviews for the best contractors within your area will show you whom to contact. Don’t forget to check the online resources like Home Advisor and Yelp. Make your search more specialized by looking up the specific type of contractor you need.

2. Contacting the Contractor

Once you’ve got a list of possible contractors you can hire, the next step is to call them. It’s always an excellent idea to gather the relevant information on phone before meeting them up. A short phone interview will help you determine whether the contractor is a good fit for your property management business.

Even after you find one who you think is the best, talk to another one. It’s always safe to know there’s another contractor you can rely on in case the primary one is unavailable for some reason.

3. Choosing the Best Contractor

After making phone calls to the ones you think are the best contractors, the next step is to make the final decision. This process is delicate as it determines the results you get in the actual maintenance of your property. In choosing the professional to work with, here are a few essential things to do.

Provide Clear Expectations

Let the contractor know what you expect of them and what the job entails. A detailed job description done in writing will go a long way in preventing future misunderstandings. The description should also indicate the required skills and compensation you’re willing to offer.

It’s also ideal to list the behavioral characteristics you’d like to see in the contractor and his team.

Weigh Their Analytical and Decision-Making Skills

When you hire a contractor, you want a person who’ll represent your company by offering the best customer service. They, therefore, must be able to make critical decisions on their toes. They shouldn’t have to consult you for every little thing during their work.

Their actions should always be in the best interest of your clients. Their ability to make wise and quick decisions in the face of a crisis is what will keep your tenants happy. Ask questions that test their analytical and problem-solving skills.

How Is Their Customer Service Demeanor?

The contractor you hire will work directly with your tenants. They, therefore, should have the ability to articulate matters in a positive and easy-to-understand manner. They also must be able to maintain calmness when dealing with argumentative or troublesome tenants.

If you’re choosing between several of these contractors, one with great skill and the other with excellent customer service, go for the latter. Your decision will save you more in the long run. Remember that keeping your tenants happy should be a top priority in your business.

Are They Loyal?

You don’t want to keep hiring a new contractor every so often. The ideal situation would be to get one who’ll stick with you for as long as possible. To determine their loyalty, check their work history.

Ask questions revolving their length of engagement with other property managers or businesses. Their reasons for terminating the contract will give you a hint into whether they’re loyal and can be trusted. If the contractor has too many currently active contracts, they may not be the best fit for emergency cases.

Watch Out for Red Flags

Before engaging a contractor, check if they’re listed with professional or other relevant bodies. You also need to be wary of contractors, who ask you for upfront payment for entire projects. It’s also a reason to get concerned if they only accept cash payments.

Another red flag is if the contractor asks you to obtain all the required permits. They should be the ones responsible for this task.

4. Closing the Deal

Once you’re satisfied with the outcome in choosing the best contractor, it’s time to close the deal. This is where you need to draw up the contract and agree on the terms and conditions of your working relationship. The document should indicate

• The start and finish dates
• Payment schedule
• Description of materials to be used
• Instructions for dealing with changes
• The person responsible for specific tasks

A solid contract document enhances your chances of ending up with a trustworthy contractor. The chances of your projects turning out right will also be high.

Take Away

Hiring a contractor is a process that calls for a lot of scrutinies. The best contractors are not easy to come by since they’re almost fully engaged throughout the year. Whatever you do, you must ensure house maintenance and repair needs of your clients are met sufficiently.

You can find a contractor by asking for referrals or check with professional bodies. Once you’ve found one you can hire, ask all the relevant questions. The aim is to determine their professionalism, loyalty, and experience.

You also need to check that they’re licensed and have the relevant permits for the job. Once you’re satisfied that they can deliver, agree on payment details and the terms of working. If you get all these factors right, you’ve found a valuable contractor.

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There are many types of homeowners insurance at your disposal. However, getting the ideal policy requires research, attention as well as comparisons. Still, many types of homeowner’s insurance policies can fit your unique lifestyle.

The policies can be adjusted based on your specific needs. Homeowner insurance is different from mortgage insurance. The mortgage insurance is taken when a buyer makes a down payment of less than 20 percent when purchasing a property.

Mortgage Insurance

Mortgage insurance covers the lender for issuing the buyer homeownership loan. Therefore, homeowners insurance protects the owner of the home. Similarly, mortgage insurance shields the lender.

If you request mortgage on a home, you must provide proof of insurance before the lender issues mortgage. Usually, homeowner insurance covers four incidents. The policy covers interior damages, exterior damages, loss of personal belongings, and injuries.

Altogether, your homeowner insurance policy has liability limits. The limits determine the amounts you will get as coverage. The minimum limits are $100,000.

However, you can opt for higher limits. If a claim is made, the liability limits stipulate the amount of money that will be used to offset the repairs and replace personal items. The standard homeowners’ insurance policy does not cover acts of war or acts of God, such as floods.

If you live in a location that is vulnerable to these natural disasters, you may be expected to get special coverage to ensure your property. Sometimes, getting an insurance cover that meets your needs is challenging. However, there are many options out there for you.

What are the types of homeowners insurance and which ones do you need?

Below we have listed the variety of types of homeowners insurance to help you decide.

Basic Form Insurance

This is a basic insurance policy, which is the least expensive. It offers the least amount of coverage. It offers dwelling coverage, which covers structures in your home. The policy covers walls, appliances, and ceilings.

This type of homeowners insurance covers items such as furniture as well as clothing in your home. If an incident occurs, you will receive compensation based on your policy. The insurance also covers personal liability such as body injuries within your property.

Some of the perils covered under the basic form policy include theft, fire, lightning, volcanic eruptions. Sometimes, the policy can cover explosions and damages from riots.

This form of insurance does not cover everything. For this reason, you will need to customize your policy for additional coverage to suit your needs.

Broad Form Insurance

It is a type of homeowners insurance that covers all the peril policies included in the basic form of insurance. The policy also covers other perils such as freezing of household items such as refrigerator and heater.

The policy also covers unforeseen damage from electrical current. It also covers the accidental overflow of steam. Other perils covered by the basic form insurance include the weight of ice and damages caused by falling objects.

It may also cover other hazards depending on your preferred insurance company.

Special Form Insurance

You may ask yourself, how much home insurance do I need?

The special form of insurance is your answer. It is one of the most popular policy. It’s affordable and has more extensive coverage.

Some of the perils covered in this policy include theft, vandalism, damages caused by riots and falling objects, among others. Other perils covered by special form insurance include floods and earthquake. The special form of insurance covers your property, liability, and personal effects.

Tenant’s Form Insurance

It is a type of homeowners insurance that covers your personal belongings and liability as a renter. The owner covers the home if he/she has homeowners insurance. The insurance can also include your living expenses as a tenant.

The tenant insurance may cover perils such as damages to household items such as cooker and water heater. Cincinnati homeowners insurance offers such services at good rates.

Comprehensive Form

It is one of the broadest forms of homeowner’s insurance that is available in the United States. The comprehensive form of insurance is one of the best. It is a homeowner insurance policy that covers more perils than any other policy.

The policy covers all the risks covered by other insurance policies.

All the same, the comprehensive form of insurance is expensive. Some of the common perils covered by this policy include floods. However, the policy does not cover anything that is excluded from this policy by the insurance company.

Condo Form Insurance

If you own a condominium, the condo form insurance is the ideal homeowner insurance for you. It is a form of insurance that protects your liabilities, belongings, and any damages to your condo. There are homeowners insurance claims questions that you should ask if you are a condo owner.

For example, if your wall is damaged, where can you file a claim for repairs to be done?

The condo form of insurance covers perils such as wall damages, damages to the floor, and ceiling. Still, the insurance policy can be adjusted to meet your specific needs as a Condo owner.

Mobile Home Form

You may still ask yourself, how much homeowners insurance do I need?

If you have a mobile home, it is ideal to have a mobile home insurance. It is homeowner insurance that safeguards mobile homes only. The perils covered by this insurance covers fire, flood, or any other artificial damages to your mobile home.

Older Home Form

It is a type of homeowner insurance policy that is engineered to safeguard your older homers. The insurer determines the age of your home. It is a basic policy which covers perils such as theft, vandalism, and fire. Older Home insurance policy is modified according to the needs of the clients. The policy also covers damages to personal property and personal liability such as accidents.

Types of Homeowners Insurance

The homeowners’ insurance will cover your property. It covers losses and damages of your household commodities. The insurance also gives you liability coverage against minor accidents at home or around your property.

Contact us for more details and ideas of how to choose homeowners’ insurance policy.

Temperatures in summer can average 81.1 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of this, there are a couple of things that you may need, especially when it comes to your air conditioning system. You might require AC repair or even AC replacement if your current one is beyond repair.

Let us look at some of the things that may require you to have your air conditioning system replaced.

Bad Smell When the Air Conditioner Is Turned On

First, if your air conditioner smells bad when you turn it on, it is time to replace it. Your air conditioner is not supposed to emit any bad smell whatsoever. If there is a musty smell, it might mean that there is mold in the ductwork or just somewhere in the unit. A pungent smell in the air conditioner shows that the wire insulation that is inside the unit is burned out.

This is not a good thing at all, and it can make you and your family sick. You need to call an expert to come and diagnose the problem as soon as possible.

Problem With The Thermostat Not Working

There can also be a need to replace the air conditioning unit when the thermostat is not working. It is important to know that a thermostat is the command center for your AC.

One thing that may indicate that the thermostat is no longer gauging accurately, whether the unit is working or not, or that it is broken is if your AC refuses to turn on. Since some complex electrical components are involved with the thermostat, you will need a trained HVAC professional to also look at this.

When The AC Is Blowing Warm Air

You got your AC to make sure that your family is kept as comfortable as possible during the long months of summer.

You will need to have a professional technician who deals with HVAC to come and look at your air conditioner if it starts having problems, especially during the hottest months of the year when you see it blowing warm air instead of the refreshingly cold air that you so desperately need. Sometimes, you will even need to get a new air conditioner.

In Case You Hear Unusual Sounds

Normally, an air conditioner is fairly quiet. You should definitely not hear grating sounds, squealing sounds, grinding sounds, or other loud sounds, although you will definitely notice a sound from the motor.

It will be better for you to address these sounds sooner with the help of an expert. Most of the times, this will be a problem that will be resolved quickly.

Do You Need AC Replacement?

AC replacement will be very crucial if your energy bills have been out of proportion. This is because your air conditioner is working too hard to cool you off.

You can be able to reduce your bills for years to come by making sure that you have upgraded to a piece of new equipment.

Visit our blog for more tips and tricks.