Safety First: Home improvement projects you shouldn’t attempt on your own

Taking on home improvement projects by yourself can be a great way to save money. However, it’s vital to identify which projects are better handled by professionals. Minor mistakes in your work can have terrible consequences, potentially resulting in voided warranties, severe damage to your home, or even injuries to yourself. 

Here are some home improvement projects you may want to leave for professionals:

• Plumbing. When it comes to plumbing repairs and installations, it’s always advisable to rely on the expertise of professionals. While replacing sinks or toilets are projects sometimes taken on by DIYers, it’s highly recommended to consult a professional when these installations require changes in the pipelines and you’re not used to dismantling and reassembling them. A small error in plumbing work can result in leaks, water damage, the need for more extensive repairs down the line, or even toxic odors or a potential mold problem. The cost to hire a plumber can be anywhere between $75-$150 an hour.

• Roofing repairs. The roof is an expensive part of your home. Not completing necessary repairs properly can result in hefty expenses and potential issues with your insurance. Whether fixing a simple leak or mending cracked flashing, it’s best left to those who know what they’re doing. A roofer can see other possible damage that a DIYer might not and understand the best possible fix for the problem. Most roofers charge $35 to $90 per hour for minor repairs and $50 to $120 for installation of new shingles.
  
• Electrical work. Any mistake in home electrical work can have severe consequences, posing risks to your home’s safety and well-being. While tasks like installing a dimmer switch or replacing a ceiling light can seem relatively straightforward and safe, not taking the necessary precautions can lead to much bigger problems. The risk of getting shocked or starting a fire is high if you’re not professionally trained. Hiring an electrician typically ranges between $40 and $120 an hour for most electrical jobs. 
  
• Removing walls. There’s much more to removing a wall than just swinging a sledgehammer at it. It’s highly advised to refrain from attempting this as a DIY project. Damaging a load-bearing wall can have detrimental effects on the structural integrity of your home. It can severely damage the construction itself and pose significant risks to your safety. You could also even hit electrical wires you didn’t know existed. The average labor cost to remove a wall can be between $60 and $125 per hour.
  
• HVAC installations and repairs. Hiring an HVAC professional to install your heating and cooling system is highly recommended to ensure optimal energy efficiency and safety. Attempting the repair or installation yourself could result in significant damage to the equipment, voiding the warranty. Some HVAC systems can leak freon, which can be highly hazardous, posing risks such as dizziness or asphyxia. The cost of these installations varies depending on the type of system and location, but for example, most AC installers charge $75 to $250 per hour.
  
• Removing old insulation. Old insulation may contain asbestos, a hazardous material with significant health risks. Specialized tools and knowledge are required to remove the insulation safely. Hiring a professional protects your health and ensures a safe living environment. The cost to remove the insulation varies between $1 and $3 a square foot, depending on the type and where it’s located. 
  
• Installing a gas appliance. Many gas accidents happen because gas appliances are incorrectly assembled, connected, or installed. For example, installing a gas cooktop or a water heater requires both electricity and gas to work correctly, and it can require the work of two professionals. Hence, hiring licensed contractors to connect the appliance safely is important.

When should you not DIY a home improvement project? Even if you have a passion for DIY, it’s essential to avoid tackling a project when you lack the proper tools, equipment, knowledge, skills, or necessary time. The absence of these elements can lead to voided warranties, increased costs, and potential injuries to yourself or your loved ones.

Posted by Scott Stueber on Aug 22, 2023 4:41:50 PM

https://www.thesilverlining.com/westbendcares/blog/safety-first-home-improvement-projects-you-shouldnt-attempt-on-your-own

Essential tips for renting a storage unit like a pro

Whether you’re downsizing, decluttering, or moving your college student into a new apartment, finding the proper storage unit is essential.

Here are some tips that’ll help you find the right one.

1. Ask questions regarding unit and property safety. Questions may include:

• Is the property under 24-hour video surveillance?
• Is a security guard onsite?
• Does the property have gated access?
• Does the business or customer provide the lock?
• Is the property well lit?

Adequate security measures will help minimize the risk of theft or damage to your property and bodily harm to you when you visit your storage unit. 

2. Read the rental agreement. Before signing any contract or agreement, it’s essential to understand the terms and conditions. For example, you’ll want to be familiar with:

• The rental duration
• Payment terms and fees
• Insurance requirements
• Storage restrictions

3. Determine if you need a climate-controlled unit. In the past, I’ve rented both types of units. It depends on what you plan on storing. Overflow from your garage, such as shovels, rakes, and bicycles, can be stored in a regular unit. Items like furniture, clothes, or appliances should be kept in a climate-controlled environment where temperature and humidity levels are monitored throughout the year.

4. Estimate the size of the storage unit you’ll need. Storage units come in a variety of sizes. Standard sizes in square feet include:

• 5×10
• 10×10
• 10×15
• 10×20
• 10×30

What you want to store will determine the size you’ll need. It’s better to overestimate the space size than to pick a unit that’s too small. Click here to learn more.

5. Visit the storage unit in person. I truly believe in going with your gut instinct. By visiting in person, you’ll be able to determine if the units are clean and maintained. You’ll also be able to speak with the staff and ask questions. If everything checks out, then you can sign a contract. 

6. Contact your insurance agent. Reviewing your insurance policy with your agent yearly is always a good idea. This can help uncover life changes that can affect your policy. If you recently rented a storage unit, let your agent know so they can add the appropriate coverage to your insurance policy. The last thing you want is to find out you don’t have insurance coverage after a loss occurs.

Posted by Scott Stueber on Aug 15, 2023 9:00:00 AM

https://www.thesilverlining.com/westbendcares/blog/essential-tips-for-renting-a-storage-unit-like-a-pro

Understanding the impact and aftermath of hail damage

A severe thunderstorm can roll through your neighborhood, bringing lightning and damaging wind, while nearby there could be hail damage. Regarding unpredictable weather, hail and the damage it creates fits the bill.

So, how is hail created? Hailstones are created when raindrops are forced upward by thunderstorm updrafts into the cold atmosphere. As hailstones collide with water, they grow. Eventually, they fall back to earth damaging homes, cars, and trees. They can even cause injury to people, pets, and livestock. The size of the hailstone and the speed at which it falls can cause minor or extreme damage. Check out this list to help gain perspective regarding the size of hailstones which are measured by their diameter.

• Pea = 1/4-inch
• Mothball = 1/2-inch
• Penny = 3/4-inch
• Nickel = 7/8 inch
• Quarter = 1 inch
• Ping-pong ball = 1 1/2 inch
• Golf ball = 1 3/4 inch
• Tennis ball = 2 1/2 inch
• Baseball = 2 3/4 inch
• Teacup = 3 inch
• Softball = 4 inch
• Grapefruit = 4 1/2 inch

Here are some claim scenarios to help you understand how your insurance policy may provide coverage.

Claim scenario number one.

It’s a beautiful summer day, and you’re enjoying lemonade on your patio. As time passes, the sky gets darker. Suddenly, you receive an alert on your smartphone that your area is under a severe thunderstorm warning. You safely get inside, and the sky opens, sending down heaving rain and hailstones. After the storm passes, you begin hearing reports that your area received hail. Because you’re not sure if your home is damaged, you decide to call your insurance company. Your insurance company sends out an adjuster, and they determine that your roof is damaged. To learn more about the claim process click here.

Claim scenario number two.

Because of hail in your area, you decided to call your insurance company. Your insurance company sends out an adjuster, and they determine there’s no damage to your roof. You talk to your neighbor a few days later and learn their roof was damaged and will be replaced because they have replacement cost coverage. This is a common scenario that many neighborhoods face. Hail is highly unpredictable. It can strike your neighbor’s home but not yours. Here are some factors that affect roof damage.

• Roof age and condition
• Density of hail
• Size of hail
• The pitch of the roof
• Overhanging trees
• Direction of hail
• Duration of hail

Claim scenario number three.

It’s a beautiful, warm, sunny afternoon, so you decide to wash your car. You notice that the sky is dark in the distance, and you can see lightning flashes. Suddenly, you receive an alert on your smartphone that your area is under a severe thunderstorm warning. You rush into your home to close all the windows. Instantaneously the sky opens, sending down heavy rain and hailstones. Unfortunately, this prevents you from parking your car in your garage. When the sun appears, you go outside to find your vehicle significantly damaged. If you purchased comprehensive coverage on your car insurance policy, you’ll have coverage to repair or replace your car. You’ll have to pay the deductible. If you only have collision or liability insurance, no coverage will be available to repair or replace your car. You’ll have to pay for the damage out of your pocket.

Claim scenario number four.

The same storm that damaged your roof and car also damaged your shed and fence. In this scenario, figuring out if your policy provides coverage can be confusing. Click here for an in-depth analysis of how coverage may apply. 

After a severe storm that produced hail passes through and damages your neighborhood, contractors will likely start knocking on your door. Click here for some valuable information that can help you.

Posted by Scott Stueber on Aug 8, 2023 10:27:42 AM

https://www.thesilverlining.com/westbendcares/blog/understanding-the-impact-and-aftermath-of-hail-damage