I have to admit, seeing Hurricane Karina in the headlines got my attention.
It’s not every day you wake up to discover a hurricane shares your name.
Fortunately, this Karina is far out over the Pacific and, as of this writing, is not threatening land. But there is something about watching a storm rapidly intensify that serves as a very good reminder:
The best time to prepare your home for extreme weather is when there isn’t a storm headed toward it.
As a Realtor, I tend to look at a house through two lenses: how beautifully it lives today and how well it has been protected for tomorrow.
And preventative maintenance isn’t just about avoiding an expensive repair. A well-maintained home can be safer, easier to insure, less vulnerable to water and wind damage, and ultimately better positioned when it’s time to sell.
Start at the Top: Inspect Your Roof
Your roof is one of your home’s primary defenses against weather.
Look for missing, cracked or loose roofing material, damaged flashing, deteriorating sealant around vents and chimneys, and any evidence of previous leaks.
If you haven’t had your roof professionally inspected in several years, consider doing it before the rainy season rather than after you discover water coming through the ceiling.
For homeowners near the coast, wind and salt air make regular inspections even more important.
Clear Gutters and Check Drainage
Water needs somewhere to go.
Clean gutters and downspouts and make sure water drains away from your foundation, not toward it.
Check exterior drains, patios and low points around the property for areas where water tends to collect.
These are some of the least glamorous home maintenance jobs, and some of the easiest ways to prevent a relatively small problem from becoming an expensive one.
Look at Your Trees Before the Wind Does
Walk your property and look up.
Dead limbs, unstable trees and branches hanging over the roof, driveway or power lines deserve attention before high winds arrive.
A qualified arborist can identify weaknesses that aren’t necessarily obvious from the ground.
Think of landscaping as part of your home’s infrastructure, not simply its curb appeal.
Secure the Things Outside Your House
Outdoor furniture, umbrellas, planters, décor and other loose objects can become projectiles in severe winds.
Know what you would bring inside and what needs to be anchored.
If you live in a particularly wind-prone area, consider whether fencing, gates, sheds and other exterior structures are properly secured as well.
Check Windows, Doors and Garage Doors
Weather stripping and seals deteriorate over time.
Inspect exterior doors and windows for gaps, loose hardware or compromised seals. Garage doors deserve particular attention because of their large surface area.
Depending on where you live and your home’s exposure, impact-resistant windows, storm shutters or other protective upgrades may also be worth discussing with a qualified professional.
Know Where Your Shutoffs Are
This sounds ridiculously simple until there’s an emergency.
Every homeowner should know how to locate and operate the home’s:
- Main water shutoff
- Gas shutoff
- Electrical panel
- Individual appliance shutoffs
Make sure other adults in the household know too.
A five-minute tour today can save precious time later.
Document Your Home
Take photos or video of your home’s interior, exterior and valuable contents and store copies somewhere accessible outside the home or securely in the cloud.
Keep receipts and documentation for major improvements such as a new roof, HVAC system, windows, electrical upgrades and remodeling.
Those records can be useful for insurance purposes and they’re valuable documentation when you eventually sell.
And Please, Review Your Insurance
This may be the most overlooked item on the list.
Don’t assume you know what your homeowners policy covers.
Review your deductibles, exclusions, dwelling coverage and coverage for water, wind and other weather related events with your insurance professional. Ask what isn’t covered just as carefully as you ask what is.
As construction costs and home values change, yesterday’s coverage may not adequately protect today’s house.
A Well Cared For Home Tells a Story
Preventative maintenance rarely gets the attention of a gorgeous kitchen renovation or a beautifully landscaped backyard.
But buyers notice a home that has been cared for.
So do inspectors.
And so does your wallet when the unexpected happens.
Hurricane Karina may be spinning safely out over the Pacific, but I’ll accept the rather dramatic reminder bearing my name:
Take care of the house before the house asks you to.
If you’re considering selling, buying or simply wondering which improvements are worth making to your home before your next move, reach out. I’m always happy to help you look at your property through both a homeowner’s and a Realtor’s eyes.
