Being a homeowner can be an exciting experience. Once you finally have authority over where you live, the possibility for home improvement is limitless. While it’s great to paint your home any color you want or even add rooms to your home, there are a few practical improvements you can make to lower your insurance costs on your home.
A New Roof
It’s easy to take your roof for granted, but a healthy roof can save you a lot of money. In some areas, a new roof can cut home insurance premiums by 10 to 20 percent. This huge cut comes from the expense and time needed to install a new roof, but it’s worth the work. While hurricanes and tornadoes don’t affect Utah as much as they do in other states, we have wind and snow to worry about. These problems make roof damage a common cause of insurance claims, so preventing problems in the future is worth your time now.
Home Security System
It’s always a good idea to take safety precautions with your home. Theft and fires can be serious threats to homeowners and require a lengthy insurance process. When you add smoke detectors, burglar alarms or dead-bolt locks, you can expect a discount of at least 5 percent. Some insurance companies offer 15 to 20 percent for adding a sprinkler system. That said, be sure to get recommendations from your insurance provider before installing a system. Some companies only apply their discount to certain systems.
Remove Old Structures
The age of your home can affect insurance rates in a serious way. Of course, old Victorian houses are charming and regal, but if the plumbing or electricity is faulty, it could be a recipe for disaster. If you have an older home or a house with older structures on the property, they can pose a risk to you, your family or houseguests. Replacing the wiring and old plumbing or removing an old shed on your property makes your home safer and less likely to cause problems for you and your family.
Keep Trees in Check
Utah and the Salt Lake City area is famous for wind and snow. The trees and landscaping on your property can become a liability when bad weather strikes. Every year fallen limbs and branches are the sources of hundreds of insurance claims. That’s why keeping landscaping clean and tidy reduces the risk to your home and your rates low.
