Your mortgage lender will normally require that you at least have buildings insurance, but you would need full home insurance including contents insurance to cover your belongings as well as the actual structure of your house. However, if you do not maintain your home to an appropriate standard then you run the risk of invalidating your insurance policy, leaving you to pay for any damage caused by problems basic maintenance could have prevented.
Here are some simple steps you can take to maintain your home to prevent problems from happening in the first place. These will help you to comply with the terms of your home insurance policy, and to avoid the hassle of any damage to your property and having to then make a claim.
To prevent water causing dampness by seeping into walls, check that gutters are not clogged by leaves and debris. The damp course should be checked to make sure it is not blocked, as this can also lead to dampness which can be messy and expensive to repair.
Check the roof regularly for missing or damaged tiles. Missing or damaged roof tiles could not only cause leaks, but could also fall or blow off the roof onto people and cars below. Check your chimney for blockages to avoid chimney fires and to prevent dampness which can occur if materials build up trapping moisture against your walls.
Look over the exterior paintwork on your house. This paint protects your walls and wooden window frames from the wind and rain, and it is much easier and cheaper to repair if you catch it early before any water has gotten in and caused damage.
You should be aware that any trees near your property can cause a lot of damage, for example if the roots get into your foundations. Look for any damaged or rotten branches that could blow down in high winds and cause injury or damage your home. If a damaged tree comes down in a storm, and your insurer thinks that you ought to have had the tree cut down or otherwise treated, they might refuse to pay you for the cost of any repairs. It is up to you to make sure that any trees on your property are properly maintained. If you think any of your neighbours trees could damage your property then do let them know because they could be liable.
Within the house, fit smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and repair any worn or damaged electrical cables. Do not overload plugs and sockets. These are all cheap ways to maintain your home that could save you a lot of time, trouble and money in the long run.
Finally, remember to advise your insurance company of any major improvements you make to your home, such as an extension. If these are damaged and your insurers were not informed of the changes, your policy may not include the costs of rebuilding or repairing the improved aspects of your home.
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