Thinking of adding a furry friend to your family? Or maybe your relatives are bringing their four-legged companion for a visit? Either way, ensuring your home is safe and welcoming for pets is important. From curious kittens to energetic pups exploring every corner, pet-proofing your space is essential to prevent mishaps. With a few simple tweaks, you can create a cozy and secure environment that’s perfect for both pets and people. Here’s a room-by-room guide.
Family Room/Living Room
Furnishings: Pets love to jump, even if you don’t allow them on your furniture. Make sure it’s safe in case they get up there. Remove furniture that moves when jumped on (rocking chairs and chairs with wheels), and don’t leave reclining chairs open. They can close from the momentum of the jump, entrapping your pet. Add anti-scratch tape to the couch and other furniture to discourage scratching.
Cords and wires: Pets love to play with dangling wires. Make sure cords from lamps, TVs, and other appliances are out of reach or taped down. You can use a pet-safe bitter apple spray to deter chewing. Cover electric cords or put them away when not in use. Follow guidelines for extension cord safety.
Knickknacks and toys: Be prepared for décor and knickknacks to be knocked over. Keep them out of reach of curious pets. Remove children’s toys to avoid damage and potential choking hazards.
House plants: Many plants can be poisonous to pets. Move them out of reach, possibly to a room where the door is closed so pets have no access. Fortunately, there are many pet-friendly plants that you and your fur baby can both enjoy.
Fireplace and heaters: Place dog beds and blankets away from fireplaces or heaters. Block off access to the fireplace for pets just as you would for young children.
Windows: Pets love to look out the window. Make sure your windows are closed. Install window guards so curious pets don’t accidentally fall through.
Kitchen
Cabinets: Pets can pry open cabinets. Add childproof latches to cabinets within their reach so curious paws and noses can’t get in.
Stove: Put up a stove guard to keep cats from jumping on a hot surface. Always supervise cooking. Don’t leave your stove unattended with pets in the house.
Dishwasher: Close the dishwasher when not in use. Dishwasher detergent has chemicals that can cause severe irritation to the mouth and well as gastrointestinal upset. Plus, sharp objects like knives with food residue can be enticing for pets, and cause injury.
Counters: Food can entice pets to jump up on counters. Even if the food is safe for them to eat, you don’t want them there. Store food in containers with tightly closed lids or in the fridge. Layering aluminum foil can keep cats from jumping on counters.
Trash cans: Keep garbage in pet-safe trash containers. Some are heavy enough so they can’t easily be knocked over and others come with locks. You can also tuck trash cans away in a closet or cabinet.
Bathroom
Cleaners: Store cleaning products and other hazardous chemicals out of reach to keep curious pets safe. Consider using cabinet latches to secure lower cabinets, and for dogs, placing items on high shelves can provide extra protection.
Medication: Always store medications in a secure cabinet or drawer. Even small amounts of medications can be toxic to pets if ingested.
Toilet: Keep the toilet lid closed to prevent pets from drinking water that may contain harmful chemicals. Use a toilet roll protector to keep playful pets from making a mess.
Accessories and bath items: Keep small items like hair accessories, loofahs, and razors out of reach. These items can pose choking or ingestion risks and laceration hazards.
Hair-styling heat tools: Always unplug and store curling irons, straighteners, and other heat tools immediately after use to prevent burns or accidents.
Bedroom
Closets: Keep closet doors closed to prevent pets from accessing laundry or shoes. Items like drawstrings, buttons, or small accessories can be dangerous if chewed or swallowed. Don’t forget to check under the bed for loose socks or undergarments and store them safely out of reach.
Curtain Cords: Dangling cords can be irresistibly tempting for pets but pose serious risks of entanglement or injury. Tie them up securely or opt for cordless window treatments to eliminate the hazard.
Bedside Table: Store medications, lotions, and cosmetics in drawers or on higher shelves, away from curious noses and paws. These items can be harmful if ingested.
Charging Cables and Electrical Cords: Keep electrical cords out of reach to prevent chewing, which can lead to electric shocks or burns. Charge devices on a high shelf, and tuck away charging cables when not in use.
Other Spaces
General: Use pet gates to section off certain areas for dogs. Keep in mind that gates are less effective for cats, as they can climb or jump over them.
Laundry Room: Always keep washer and dryer doors closed. Before starting the dryer, ensure no pets, especially cats, have climbed inside. Block small spaces behind washer and dryer units to prevent pets from getting stuck. Store dryer sheets in a sealed container on a high shelf; they contain chemicals that can cause gastrointestinal upset, skin irritation, and other serious health issues.
Garage: Store chemicals like antifreeze, paints, and cleaners on high shelves or behind locked doors. Clean any antifreeze spills immediately—just a small amount can be lethal if ingested. Keep sharp tools and objects safely stored and remove any mouse or insect traps that could harm pets.
Yard: Avoid letting pets into the yard immediately after applying pest control chemicals. Check that all outdoor plants are safe and non-toxic for pets. Repair holes in fences to prevent pets from escaping. Store lawn and gardening tools securely when not in use. Keep pets away from compost piles, mulch, and fertilizers, which can be harmful if ingested. Choose a pet-safe ice melt for your property during the winter months.
Balconies and Swimming Pools: Block access to balconies or use barriers to prevent falls, especially for small pets. Restrict access to swimming pools when not supervised to prevent drowning accidents.
Finally, don’t forget to protect your fur baby with pet insurance for added peace of mind, and to save on your vet bill. Remember, you can easily add pet insurance from Pet’s Best to your California Casualty auto or home policy. Find out more about what pet insurance can cover by talking with a California Casualty customer service representative today.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
As the temperature drops, uninvited guests may view your home as the perfect winter retreat. Small critters like mice, squirrels, bats, and raccoons are experts at finding cozy nooks to ride out the chill. But don’t worry—keeping your home critter-free this winter is easier than you think. With a few simple steps, you can secure your space against these furry invaders and avoid the damage and mess they can bring.
Ready to critter-proof your home? Let’s get started!
Steps to Take Outside
Animals live outside and you would expect them to be there. However, you don’t want them nesting so close to your home that they may be tempted to venture inside.
Trim landscaping. Keep shrubs close to the house well-trimmed so there are not places for them to build a home. Trim your trees so squirrels won’t be able to easily jump from there to your roof. Avoid using wood chips as mulch, as these make wonderful nesting material.
Store firewood safely. Firewood can be a cozy hideout. Place logs at least 20 feet away from your house. Not only will that keep critters farther away, but the distance will also help protect against a fire risk. Keep the wood at least 18 inches off the ground to reduce the chance of rodents seeking shelter there.
Remove food sources. Food is a major draw for animals. Place bird feeders away from your home and use squirrel guards to keep unwanted visitors out. Store food in sealed containers, and ensure garbage cans are securely closed and inaccessible.
Secure decks and porches. The spaces beneath decks and porches are prime nesting spots. Look for signs of activity like gnawed wood, droppings, or burrow holes. Animals prefer dark, quiet areas, so deter them with a combination of radios, flashing lights, and apple cider vinegar-soaked rags. Once the critters leave, block openings with decorative lattice, burying the bottom edge to prevent reentry.
A note: Groundhogs who burrow under concrete slab, deck, porch are hibernators. You do not need to worry about them in the winter. They will not bother anything. However, during the springtime, you can use some of the above actions to get them to leave. Mylar windmills that move with the wind also will frighten them away.
Steps to Take in the Garage
Your garage is the midpoint between the outside and your house. Due to its proximity to your home, and the amount of stuff you probably store there, it could be inviting for critters.
Seal openings. Garages offer shelter that is relatively warm, dry and protected from the elements. It’s no wonder critters want to be there. They don’t need a lot of space to get inside. Mice can enter in a ¼ inch gap. Check your garage for any openings. Caulk and fill in any cracks. Install a garage weather seal to close the gaps at the bottom of the doors.
Clear the clutter. Critters do not like being out in the open. They are seeking cozy spaces where they can hide. This includes behind boxes, under shelves, beneath insulation, inside old tires, and so on. Remove any unnecessary boxes. Use plastic bins with tight lids so they can’t get inside. Raise items off the floor as a further deterrent.
Eliminate food sources. Don’t keep trash or store food in your garage. Animals can smell a food source. If you must keep food in your garage, seal it in a container that will help prevent the scent from being detected.
Insulate cavity walls. If your garage has cavity walls, you may find them make great homes for smaller animals such as mice. Consider filling them with a spray foam insulation. Not only will it help prevent critters from nesting there, but it will keep your garage warmer. Pro Tip: Choose a foam that includes rodent repellent.
Steps to Take in the Attic and Chimney
Both attics and chimneys are popular places for critters to nest. They are often easily accessible to the outside, and like garages, they offer protection from the outside elements. They also are generally dark and quiet, something critters enjoy.
Check for signs of critters. Listen for noises. Look for droppings or urine stains and for damage such as chewed wood or ripped ventilation ducts. If you suspect that there are animals, take steps to remove them safely. Your local wildlife organization or a professional exterminator are good resources.
Seal entry points. Animals enter your attic through small openings. The easiest way to check is to look during daylight, and see the places where light is coming in. Common spots are by attic vents, and openings in your roof soffits or eaves. Take steps to seal those openings. For attic vents, put a screen to cover the entire vent using ½ inch mesh. Use gutter guards on your roof to keep critters from settling there.
Install chimney covers. These mesh screens allow airflow while blocking access to birds, squirrels, bats and other animals. In addition, make sure your chimney damper is properly closed when you’re not using your fireplace.
Steps to Take Inside
Your home is a warm, comfortable sanctuary for you, but it can also be an inviting retreat for unwelcome critters. With countless hiding spots, from behind your walls to under your cabinets, pests can easily find cozy nooks. The key to keeping them out is vigilance and preparation.
Inspect every room. Conduct a room-by-room inspection to identify potential entry points. Focus on areas where gaps might exist along your floors, under cabinets, or around doors. Pay close attention to places where wires, pipes, or vents penetrate walls; even a tiny ¼-inch gap is enough for a mouse to slip through. Use caulk or sealant to close these gaps and consider plugging larger holes with steel wool, as rodents find it difficult to chew through.
Secure doors and windows. Install or upgrade weather stripping around your doors and windows to seal off any openings. For exterior doors, consider adding a sweep or brush strip to block even the smallest gaps at the bottom. These simple steps help keep pests—and drafts—out.
Examine vents and exhausts. Check your dryer vent, stove exhaust vent, and other external openings. Birds and small animals often see these as perfect nesting spots. Install vent covers or screens to prevent intrusions while maintaining proper airflow.
Store food properly. Avoid leaving food out in the open, including pet food. Store all pantry items in sealed, airtight containers. This not only deters pests but also keeps your food fresher for longer.
Try natural deterrents. Use the power of scent to repel pests naturally. Peppermint oil, for instance, is a proven deterrent for mice. Soak cotton balls in essential oil and place them near suspected entry points or in areas prone to critter activity. Replace them regularly to maintain their potency.
Your home is your greatest investment. Keep up with winter home maintenance and protect your home with the right insurance for added peace of mind.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Those beautiful autumn leaves you’ve been admiring are not so pretty when they’re clogging your gutters. Acorns, leaves, branches, and other debris have a way of piling up, leading to blockages that can cause water damage and costly repairs. Enter gutter guards—a practical solution that keeps debris out while letting rainwater flow freely. Here’s a quick guide to gutter guards, including why autumn is the best time to check and clean your own gutters.
What exactly are gutters?
Gutters are channels along the edge of your roof that direct water away from your home. They include downspouts that bring water down to the ground, moving it at least 5-10 feet away from the foundation. When gutters get clogged, they no longer work the way they should. Water could stay pooled in the channels or move in ways that negatively affect your home. Clogged gutters can lead to expensive problems: soil erosion, basement flooding, structural damage, roof damage, siding damage, and foundation issues. A buildup of debris could also increase the risk of a fire. Luckily, there is an easy way to protect your gutters from getting clogged – gutter guards.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are many different types of gutter guards. Some can be self-installed, and others require a professional. Below is a brief description of the main kinds along with their pros and cons. (Check the warranty on your shingles before you install a gutter guard that requires attaching directly to shingles with screws or nails as that could potentially void it.)
Screen Guards
This is like a window screen for your gutters. The screen keeps out debris while the holes let the water pass through.
Pros: These guards are affordable and can be self-installed.
Cons: Dirt and small debris can still pass through the screen and get in your gutter. These guards need to be removed and cleaned at least once a year.
Micro-mesh Guards
Micro-mesh guards are like screen guards, but with holes that are much tinier. They are particularly good at keeping out pine needles and dirt, which can slip through larger openings. These guards are usually made of stainless steel and other durable materials.
Pros: Micro-mesh guards are low maintenance, and long lasting. They are easy to clean and should be cleaned every 3-12 months.
Cons: They require professional installation.
Reverse-Curve Guards (Surface Tension Guards)
These guards are attached beneath the shingles, and they go over the gutter and curve back a little. The curve creates a hood, so debris doesn’t get into the gutter, but the unique design lets the water seep through.
Pros: These are long-lasting and low maintenance guards.
Cons: Reverse-curve guards require professional installation. They also are highly visible and could affect your home’s aesthetic.
Brush Guards
These guards are made of stiff brushes that point up inside your gutters. The bristles catch debris as the water passes through.
Pros: They are easy to install and remove for cleaning.
Cons: These guards require frequent cleaning. Small debris can get caught in the brushes’ bristles, and these guards can be tough to clean as a result.
Foam Guards
This triangular-shaped foam fits inside your gutter to prevent leaves and other debris from lodging there. It’s usually made from polyurethane and has a spongy texture that allows water to flow through. Some foam guards restrict water flow more than others.
Pros: These are affordable and easy to install. They are good at blocking large debris.
Cons: Small debris can enter through gaps between the foam and gutter walls. The foam also can break and is susceptible to mold due to dampness. These need to be replaced every 1-2 years, depending on weather conditions in your area.
DIY vs. Professional
Should you install your own gutter guards or hire a professional? Here are some things to consider.
Choose DIY gutter guards and install them yourself if:
You want or need to save money.
You’re generally handy and comfortable on a ladder.
Your roof is easy to access.
You like the choices available for DIY. You can find most at your local home improvement store.
Hire a professional to install your gutter guards if:
You have the budget for professional installation, and you prefer the convenience.
You want a warranty to show the installation was done correctly and that will address potential future issues.
You want a higher quality gutter guard than is available DIY.
Your roof is unusually steep or is difficult to access.
You have concerns about doing it yourself.
Before the Installation
The best time to install gutter guards is late summer and early fall. This helps prepare for the large volume of leaves that start coming down during the season. Before the installation, you will want to clean and check your gutters.
Cleaning your gutters is part of fall home maintenance. It helps to ensure that your home is ready for winter storm season and severe weather. Here’s a quick overview of how the process is done.
Gather your supplies: a bucket for debris, trowel or gutter scoop, garden hose with spray nozzle, latex or waterproof gloves to protect your hands from wet debris, safety eyewear, and a sturdy ladder.
Start at the downspout. Use your gloved hand or a trowel to remove leaves, twigs and packed material.
Then go up to roof level on your ladder. Use your gloved hand to clear large debris like leaves or twigs. Use the trowel for compacted debris.
Remove and clean the downspout strainer.
Flush the downspout and the gutter with water from your hose.
Look for leaks, making sure water flows freely through the downspout. You will want to repair any issues before you add gutter guards.
Inspect your gutter for rust spots or peeling paint which could show signs of deterioration. Again you will want to address any issues and potentially replace those parts before adding the guards.
Look for mold or mildew near the foundation which could mean water is getting in there. That could signal a larger problem.
Ready to start the project?
Once you have clean gutters without any issues, you are ready to protect them with gutter guards. Measure your gutters so that you will be able to purchase the right length of gutter guards. If you’re doing a DYI installation, make sure to fully read and understand the instructions. Watch tutorials and online customer reviews for a heads up on potential mistakes. Know that installing gutter guards can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days. If you’re choosing a professional installation, make sure to get several estimates and ask for references to avoid scams.
Your home is your greatest investment. Keep it fully protected for added peace of mind.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Flooding is one of the costliest natural disasters in the United States, with the potential to impact millions of homes and communities. While FEMA and other agencies provide flood maps to help homeowners understand their risk levels, many of these maps are outdated, leading to a false sense of security for people who live in areas not designated as high-risk. Floods, however, aren’t limited to high-risk zones; even areas classified as low-risk are vulnerable under certain conditions. For these reasons, it’s vital to consider flood insurance no matter where you live.
Outdated Flood Maps and the Misleading Risk of Flooding
Flood maps are designed to inform residents and local authorities about the likelihood of flooding based on historical data, topography, and other factors. FEMA’s maps, for instance, divide areas into high, moderate, and low-risk zones, which guide flood insurance requirements and building regulations. However, some flood maps haven’t been updated for years and many don’t accurately reflect changes in land use, climate patterns, or new developments, which can significantly alter flood risks.
Changes to flood risks include:
Urban Expansion: As cities and towns expand, natural land is replaced with pavement and buildings, which leads to increased runoff and reduced soil absorption. Areas previously considered low risk might become more prone to flooding as water has fewer places to go.
Climate Change and Extreme Weather: Flood maps are based on historical data and often don’t account for the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events that can result in both droughts and unprecedented rainstorms, often within the same year. In areas affected by wildfires where vegetation loss reduces soil stability, runoff increases. Outdated flood maps may fail to reflect these climate driven impacts, leading many property owners to underestimate their exposure.
Erosion and Infrastructure Changes: Natural factors like erosion, as well as human-made infrastructure changes, can impact flood patterns over time. Rivers shift, drainage systems get updated, and dams or levees are added or removed—all of which can alter the flow of water and increase the risk in areas thought to be safe.
The Risks of Flooding in “Low-Risk” Areas
Approximately 40% of flood insurance claims in the U.S. come from properties located outside designated high-risk flood zones. Many low-risk or moderate-risk areas are prone to what is known as “flash flooding” from sudden, heavy rainfall or overflowing drainage systems that cannot keep up. Recent flooding incidents in areas far from coastlines or rivers illustrate how floodwaters can impact anyone, anywhere.
Causes of flooding in low-risk areas include:
Heavy Rainfall: Even a few hours of intense rain can lead to flash flooding, especially in areas with inadequate drainage or impermeable surfaces like concrete. Low-risk flood zones can still see significant flooding from strong, localized storms.
Snow Melt and Frozen Ground: In colder climates, rapid snowmelt or rain on frozen ground can lead to significant runoff, overwhelming waterways and drainage systems even in low-risk flood areas.
Infrastructure Failures: Overflowing sewer systems, clogged drainage, or burst water mains can also lead to localized flooding, impacting areas that flood maps don’t highlight.
Because low-risk zones are not usually required to have flood insurance, many homeowners assume they’re safe. Unfortunately, without a flood-specific insurance policy, any flood damage may need to be covered out-of-pocket, which can lead to devastating financial loss.
Why Flood Insurance Is Essential, Even Outside High-Risk Areas
Given the limitations of flood maps and the growing risk of unexpected flooding, flood insurance is a wise investment for all homeowners. Standard homeowner insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage, so without flood insurance, homeowners face the full financial impact of repairs, replacement of belongings, and sometimes even temporary housing costs.
Here are several reasons to consider flood insurance regardless of risk classification:
Affordable Coverage in Low-Risk Areas: In areas considered low- to moderate-risk, flood insurance premiums are often lower than in high-risk zones. This makes it possible to secure essential coverage without significant cost.
Financial Protection: The cost of even minor flooding can add up quickly. Carpets, drywall, and flooring may need to be replaced, and waterlogged appliances or furniture might be beyond repair. Flood insurance helps cover these costs, sparing you from paying out of pocket.
Home Value and Mortgage Requirements: While most mortgage lenders don’t require flood insurance in low-risk areas, opting for coverage can help protect your home’s value by making it easier to get it back to pre-flood condition.
Adaptability to Climate Change: As weather patterns continue to change, so does the risk of flooding. Flood insurance ensures that you are protected no matter what nature brings, providing adaptable protection in an unpredictable environment.
Taking a Proactive Approach to Flood Protection
Beyond purchasing flood insurance, you can take steps to protect your property from potential flooding:
Upgrade Drainage Systems: Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear and well-maintained to help direct rainwater away from your home.
Install Sump Pumps or Flood Barriers: For homes with basements, sump pumps can be a lifesaver in the event of heavy rain. Flood barriers can also be installed around doors and windows for additional protection.
Regular Property Checks: Monitoring your property for pooling water and ensuring nearby storm drains are clear can help reduce localized flooding.
Outdated flood maps and assumptions about risk can lead to costly surprises for homeowners. While flood insurance may seem unnecessary in low-risk areas, recent floods across unexpected locations show that no one is entirely safe from flood risks. By securing flood insurance and taking proactive protective measures, you can shield your finances and assets from unforeseen disasters – and be prepared no matter what the flood maps say.
If you’re interested in learning more or getting a flood insurance quote, the California Casualty Agency Services team can help. Call 1.877.652.2638 or visit https://www.calcas.com/flood-insurance.
Picture a living room where soft throws, flickering candles, and calming neutral tones create a haven of warmth and relaxation. That’s the idea behind Hygge, the Danish art of coziness. Whether you’re unwinding with a cup of tea or enjoying a quiet moment, a hygge-inspired space wraps you in comfort and serenity. Ready to embrace the cozy life? Let’s explore how to turn your living room into the ultimate snug retreat.
What exactly is Hygge?
Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) is a Norwegian word that means coziness. It’s a Danish concept characterized by simplicity that embodies a feeling of comfort and contentment. At its core, hygge is about slowing down and savoring moments that bring joy and relaxation, helping to create a sense of well-being and balance in everyday life.
Elements of Hygge Design
Hygge design is all about simplicity and functionality. Here are some easy ways to incorporate hygge elements into your living room.
Space
Hygge spaces are uncluttered, light and airy spaces with distinct areas.
Clutter is stressful. The first step is to declutter your room. This gives you the blank canvas to thoughtfully consider what belongs here.
If you’re ready for a painting project, paint your walls in a light earth tone such as white, off-white or cream.
Add sheer drapes or window coverings in shades of those same colors.
Plan out cozy places within the room to gather, such as a reading corner and conversation nook.
Furnishings
When considering your furniture, look for modern, minimalistic designs.
Draw inspiration from Scandinavian furniture with clean lines, rounded edges and tapered legs.
Avoid stiff furnishings. Instead choose a chair with overstuffed arms or super soft upholstery.
Blend old and new. You can incorporate vintage furniture next to modern.
Arrange seating for conversation and interaction, rather than around the television.
Less is more but make sure you have ample seating for everyone.
Calming Neutrals
The neutral color palette used in hygge design draws inspiration from nature.
Choose calming tones such as creams, grays and browns. Think of the colors that you find in natural shades of wood.
Select patterns with similar colors that will not disrupt the harmony.
Avoid bright pops of color. Instead, go deeper with earth tones.
Everything you add should create a peaceful atmosphere.
Tactile Textiles
A neutral palette allows the textures to really stand out.
Choose materials that invite you to touch them, such as fluffy pillows, thick knits, boucle blankets, and items made of linen, cashmere, and fuzzy mohair.
Add a deep pile area rug that invites your toes to sink in.
Layer your textures. Group together throws and cushions of different textures.
Pile blankets high in a wicker basket within easy reach of your seating area.
Soft Lighting
Lighting creates the right ambiance for relaxation.
Just as you layer fabrics, you can layer lighting. Choose an overall dimmer switch for full room lighting that can be adjusted to fit your mood. Then add pockets of lighting in areas within your space.
Use a floor lap or table lamp in your reading nook. Choose light bulbs with a warm color temperature. Lamps with frosted shades offer beautiful, filtered light.
Candles provide a flickering glow. Choose flameless varieties that are safe around kids and pets, for increased fire safety.
Twinkling lights give off a softer light than your overhead light. Choose tiny white or clear lights that work with hygge décor.
Natural Elements
Hygge is inspired by a connection to nature. Bring those natural elements inside.
Add potted plants, fresh or dried flowers, for some natural inspiration.
Incorporate organic materials like wood and stone in furniture and décor.
Consider wood floors, wooden bookcases and shiplap paneling on walls.
Display artwork depicting scenes in nature or using natural items or themes.
Décor
Hygge is about minimalism. You’ll want to keep your décor simple and meaningful.
Display your treasures—the things that are meaningful to you. That includes children’s artwork, DIY crafts and family photos.
Avoid overcrowding shelves and tables with knickknacks.
Less is more when it comes to décor. Start with a blank slate and add one or two pieces to create that cozy, welcoming feel.
Your home is one of your greatest investments. Make sure to protect it – and your valuables – with the right insurance.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
When it comes to house hunting, preparation is key. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced one, the right tools can make all the difference. From capturing details to measuring spaces, here’s the gear you need to ensure a smooth and successful search for your new home.
Tape Measure
While you can use an app on your phone to measure a space, it will be less accurate than using a traditional metal tape measure. You can buy one at any hardware or big box store. Before you go house hunting, make sure to measure your furniture so you’ll know whether it will be right for the homes you are touring. For your potential new home, here are some considerations.
How wide are the door openings? Will your furniture fit through?
Measure the rooms where you will be bringing furniture. Do you have sufficient space to arrange them the way you’d like?
Measure the appliance spaces if you are bringing your own washer-dryer, refrigerator, etc. to ensure they will fit.
Camera/Phone and Notepad
You don’t want to rely on photos from the listing. Those are staged. Speak to your agent and ask if you can take photos. You also don’t want to rely on your memory. Use your phone or a notepad to take notes. You also can make quick sketches.
Jot down things you like and don’t like about each home.
Sketch out floorplans. Mark locations of windows and doors for future reference.
Take photos of the house and rooms from different angles.
Pro tip: Bring along printouts of online listings so you won’t have to write everything down.
A Level
Homes are never completely level. They settle over time. However, you shouldn’t find sloping floors, warped walls or cabinets that do not appear straight. You can buy a pocket level, a measuring tool that shows whether a surface is perfectly parallel.
These tools typically have a bubble of air suspended in a vial of liquid. When a surface is level, the bubble will be within the guidelines. There are digital and laser levels, too, which are more expensive.
Place your pocket level along the floor, on counters, or anywhere else that should be a horizontal surface.
Look for the space between the doors and the floor as they swing out. Is the gap wider at any point?
Floors that are not level could signal larger structural problems. Do your due diligence if you are buying a home in that condition.
Moisture Meter
Moisture problems aren’t always obvious and can be hidden. Bring along a moisture meter and you can measure the amount within the home. You can buy these meters at a hardware or big box home store. Choose one without pins so that you won’t put holes into a home you might not be buying.
Moisture meters usually go from 1 (dry) to 100 (wet). Anything at 17 or above is a cause for concern. It could indicate water damage and leaks.
The moisture meter must contact the surface to provide an accurate reading. There should be no visible moisture on the surface being tested.
Place your meter flat against a surface such as wood or drywall. Try it in different places as you may find varying moisture levels.
Pro Tip: Go house hunting after it rains. You’ll see where water collects around the house and in the gutters, and you may observe moisture or leaks inside.
Outlet Tester
This handy tool checks that each contact in the outlet is connected to the correct wire. It can identify several common wiring errors. You can buy a standard receptacle tester that plugs into an outlet or a non-contact voltage tester. Always be careful when performing tests on a live outlet.
Plug your tester into an outlet. Repeat for several outlets throughout the home.
A series of lights on your outlet tester will light up. Read the key code to determine what the lights mean. In some cases, an alarm will sound.
If you do get a concerning reading, that means there are likely issues with the wiring in the house.
You can use that additional anticipated expense to bring the price down, or you may choose to walk away from the potential problem.
Water Pressure Gauge
With low water pressure, showers and laundry will be longer and more frustrating. Low pressure also could signify a problem with the plumbing. Bring along a water pressure gauge to check out whether this is an issue in your potential purchase.
If the water comes from a municipal utility, you can use an outdoor hose spigot near where water enters the house. If water is from a well, use a faucet close to the tank.
For the most accurate reading, make sure water isn’t being used elsewhere in the house, such as with laundry or dishwashers.
Do not test from a hose. Make sure your pressure gauge screws directly onto the spigot or faucet and that the seal is tight.
Turn the water on all the way and read the gauge. A normal reading is from 40-80. Anything outside that range is cause for concern.
Flashlight
Even well-lit homes have dark corners and areas that aren’t easily seen. If you’re considering a purchase, you want to see everything—the good and the bad. Bring a pocket-sized flashlight or use the light on your phone to peek into dark areas.
Look under appliances, in corners, dark basements, etc.
Look for spiders, mold and any potential problem areas.
A mirror can help you peek around corners.
Pro Tip: Bring a UV flashlight and shine it on carpets to reveal places where pets have made messes.
Looking for a new home is an exciting time. Should you have questions about protecting your new investment, don’t hesitate to reach out to an agent for the right policy.
Happy house hunting!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
