To get a mortgage you will normally at least need buildings insurance to protect you from financial losses if the house itself is destroyed or damaged, but you would need full home insurance including contents insurance to cover your belongings as well.
Even if you do have full home insurance however, you may not be aware that if your home is not properly maintained then your insurance policy could be invalidated. This could mean you are left with the bill for any repairs, or in the worst case scenario, rebuilding your house if the problems were due to a lack of basic maintenance.
There are some simple steps you can take to look after 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, make sure that gutters are free of leaves and debris.
The damp course should be checked to make sure it is not clogged, as this can also lead to dampness which can be troublesome and expensive to repair. Regularly check your roof for missing or damaged tiles. These could not only cause leaks, but may also fall or blow off the roof in high winds causing injury to passers by or damaging property such as cars.
Check your chimney for blockages to prevent chimney fires and to avoid dampness which can occur if materials build up trapping moisture against your walls. Check over the exterior paintwork on your house.
This protects your walls and wooden window frames from the elements, and it is much quicker and cheaper to repair if you catch it early before any water can get in and cause 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 an unhealthy tree comes down in a storm, and your insurer considers that you should have had the tree cut down or otherwise treated, your insurer may refuse to pay you for the cost of any repairs.
Remember that it is your responsibility to keep any trees on your property well maintained. If you have concerns about your neighbours trees then talk to them because they could be liable for damage to your home.
Within the home, replace any worn or damaged electrical cables, and install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. All of these steps are inexpensive but could save you a lot of time, trouble and expense in the long run.
Finally, remember to inform your insurance company if you make any major home improvements, otherwise if these are damaged you may not be covered for rebuilding or repairs for the improved aspects of your home.
