Seven Simple Suggestions for Hassle-Free Home Improvements

According to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies’ “A New Decade of Growth for Remodeling,” the US home improvement industry is emerging from its worst downturn since the early 1960s, [and] homeowners who deferred maintenance and improvements during the recession may soon start to spend more freely.

As more homeowners embark on new remodeling projects, remember unless safety comes first,
especially with older homes and do-it-yourself jobs, all your outlay and hard work can literally
go up in smoke.

Here are some simple suggestions that sometimes get overlooked—but that can make a big
impact on the safety and integrity of your home improvement project:

• Before you start any project involving electricity, ask a qualified electrician to make certain
you have enough wattage and that your wiring is up to building code standards.
• Before you install appliances, consider accessibility to outlets. If you plan accordingly, you
can cut down on exposed wires and extension cords, which will reduce the possibility of fire.
It’s also a good idea to consider adding outlets near your new appliances.
• Consider installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)—in the event of a short, these
circuits turn electricity off before severe injuries or electrocution can occur.
• Consider upgrading your safety devices. Smoke alarms, fire detectors, carbon monoxide
detectors, and home burglary alarms can protect your investment and keep your home
beautiful for years to come.
• Take a look at the caulking around your windows. Proper caulking around your windows
can help prevent water damage and lower heating bills.
• In the kitchen, ask a qualified plumber to check the condition of your pipes. Also, if you
have small children, consider installing kid-safe features such as oven door surface warning
lights, out of reach burner knobs, and stove knob covers.
• If you have a fireplace, consider upgrading its energy efficiency. Installing air circulation
devices or a pellet stove can help with energy conservation and safety.

Once you’ve completed your improvements, be sure that you’ve protected your investment
adequately. Improvements can increase the amount it will cost to rebuild your home. Check with
your insurance agent to ensure that the amount of insurance protection on your property is
adequate. Also, check if any of your improvements qualify you for insurance discounts or
credits.

Reiner Insurance has over 70 experience in the insurance industry. For additional information
on home improvements, visit at 384 Morris Avenue Springfield, NJ 07081 for a free brochure
on “Homeowner’s Insurance.”