As a homeowner, you're aware of how expensive it can be to own a home. Besides paying your mortgage, you most likely have other expenses as well, including property taxes and utilities. One more expense to add to the list is homeowners insurance. You can't very well go without this important insurance, but you can try to pay the least amount possible. In order to do this, you may have to spend money in order to save it down the road.
This is the exactly case when it comes to making the following improvements to your home. In order to do them, you will have to pay money, but you can save money in the future, including how much you pay for homeowners insurance.
1. Adding A Fence Around the Swimming Pool
In most instances when a homeowner has a swimming pool, they end up paying more for homeowners insurance. Because swimming pools pose a safety hazard, it is recommended that homeowners with a pool increase the liability amount on their insurance to at least $300,000.
One way to decrease this number is to make your pool as safe as possible. This means keeping children and unwanted visitors away from your pool by adding a fence around it.
2. Making Improvements to Your Roof
The roof on your home is vital for protecting it against the elements including wind, rain, hail, and snow. If the roof on your home is not up to par, it might mean your home is at risk for getting damaged during the next weather event. This of course means paying a higher homeowners insurance premium.
In order to reduce the amount you pay, here are some upgrades that can improve your roof:
- Replace missing or damaged shingles right away
- Keep leaks at bay by patching holes
- Wash the roof with a mixture of water and bleach
- Clear the gutters of leaves and debris
- Remove overhanging branches from nearby trees
If your roof is too old or damaged beyond repair, it's a good idea to get it replaced.
3. Replacing Your HVAC System
If your HVAC system is out of date or is not working as it should, it could pose a danger to your home. Furnaces and air conditioning systems that are outdated often have old electrical systems that have the potential to cause fires and other types of damage.
For this reason, replacing your HVAC system can reduce your homeowners insurance. In order to increase your chances of decreasing your insurance premium, your HVAC system should be replaced by a licensed and reputable contractor.