It’s Time to Increase Your Curb Appeal

by California Casualty | Homeowners Insurance Info | 0 comments

Updated landscaping touches can make your address more appealing to you, your neighbors and/or your potential new buyers. In fact, real estate experts say that nice curb appeal can add 14% resell value and help your home sell six times faster. 

As the saying goes, “You only have one chance to make a first impression.” So whether you’re selling your house or simply ready to add value to your current home, we suggest you get out the shovel and think outside the box. 

Here are some slow but steady changes you can make to make a beautiful space outside your front door.

Start by Mapping Out Your Space

Careful planning will keep you on-task and on-budget throughout the landscaping process. First, sketch a rough design of your yard, drawing in what you think might work well, like paths, gardens, and trees. You could also use a tool like Gardena Garden Planner to visualize your space online.

This is a great time to gather ideas on how you get the most out of your outdoor areas. Can you capitalize on great views, sunrises/sunsets, or extend your current indoor space to the great outdoors? Bonus points for creative solutions that provide options for more outdoor living.

Deck, Concrete, or Pavers

A large outdoor space for extra seating, eating, or entertaining is on the wishlist of many homeowners. How you approach the construction of such a feature depends on the slope of your yard, the weather in your area, the size of your space, your preference for certain materials, and your budget. You will want to include the space on your plan and then heavily research your options to get the most bang for your buck.

Choosing the Right Path

Paths that help you, your family (including your fur babies), friends, and neighbors navigate your new outdoor oasis are also a must. Consider how people will enter the area (back door, side gate, etc.) and meander through the space as you decide where your paths should go. And as you choose the materials for your pathways, remember crushed gravel sticks to paws and little ones often trip or stub their toes on uneven pavers. 

Time to Revisit Your Budget

Now that you have a plan in place, it’s time to cross-reference your wish list with your determined project budget. Hardscapes such as pavers, stones, and rocks are more expensive, so get a feel for how much you can allocate to these areas as indicated on your plan. Trees are another element that can quickly use up your earmarked funds. Here’s when you prioritize your needs, wants, and must-haves, and then refine your design to make your money go further. 

Love Your Lawn, Don’t Just Live With It

You will want a lawn that takes less maintenance to thrive; giving you more time to enjoy the space you’re creating. Not every kind of grass will work in your climate. Do some research, and plan accordingly. If you live in a hot area, a drought-resistant variety like Bermuda grass would be better than Kentucky bluegrass, which does better in the cold. 

How Will Your Garden Grow

Most importantly, know your planting zone. You will save a lot of money, time, and headache if you choose plants that are hardy for your area based on your planting zone. Then create six to eight-foot deeps garden beds that follow a general rule of 50% evergreens, 25% deciduous (or flowering) shrubs, and 25% perennials. Include a mix of plants that bloom at different times and there will always be something to admire! Sufficient spacing between each plant will also ensure that your garden continues to grow beautifully for years to come. 

Be sure to plant your garden far enough away from the exterior your home to give room for upkeep, protect the façade and keep unwanted pests from using the garden as a highway into your home.

Laying down a two to four-inch layer of mulch can help combat weeds and keep your plants’ roots warm and well-fed. Avoid mulch around shrubbery or other plants with roots close to the surface, or they will be smothered rather than provided for.

Trees 

Trees provide great shade, beauty, and curb appeal. Plan their placement carefully. Root systems, preference for particular soil conditions, and size at maturity must be top of mind when deciding on trees in your landscape. Study the impact your chosen specimens will have on the areas you intend to plant them before you buy. For instance, pine trees will shed needles, change the acidity of the soil around them (impacting any plants nearby) and not allow for grass to grow under their branches. 

With your space mapped, your budget itemized and your plantings identified, doing a landscape update yourself can be really rewarding now and for years to come. If you’re not the DIY type or still unsure as to how to tackle your curb appeal, hiring landscape professionals is another viable option. Either way, an updated curb appeal could lift your spirits and your home’s value. So dig in!

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.

What to Do When Your House Floods

by California Casualty | Homeowners Insurance Info | 0 comments

For some areas of the U.S., spring showers mean rising water, and rising water means the potential for flooding. While many mortgage companies require flood insurance in certain flood-prone areas, Mother Nature’s fear tactics remind us of the benefits and peace of mind this special coverage provides.

Floods are one of the most common and dangerous natural disasters in the US. You know that your home is protected thanks to Flood Insurance, but if you live in a flood-prone zone, you also need to have a plan in place for the safety of you and your family.

Here’s a quick list of what you can do should your home floods:

Take a Moment

Seeing your home underwater and your belongings saturated is an overwhelming and stressful event. You have to breathe and grieve as you assess the situation. The road ahead will be hard, but you will make it through.

Think Safety First

If you’ve left and returned, before setting foot in your home, walk around the outside of your building and inspect for damage to the exterior to make sure you aren’t at risk of a collapse while you’re inside.

Immediately call you’re the utility company if they are not in the area and you suspect damage has occurred that needs their attention.

Water and electricity don’t mix. Turn your main breaker off and flip the individual fuse switches into the off position. You may need a qualified electrician to inspect, clean, and dry the box before power can be turned back on again.

Get the Right Gear

Stagnant water can carry bacteria along with more obvious chemical contaminants, sewage, garbage, and debris. Plus, water-logged areas can have mold already starting to form. Use rubber boots and waders with water-tight gloves to make sure you aren’t exposed to these potential dangers. And don’t touch your face once you’ve started to clean up.

Call Your Insurance Company

Call your flood insurance provider. They will begin the claims process and schedule an adjuster to visit your home. Depending on your situation, FEMA (1.800.621.3362)  may also have free help available.

Document Everything

Collect video evidence of how your home was hit. Go into each room, capturing full images of any and all damage. Pay special attention to the walls, flooring, appliances, and other expensive items that may have been made unusable.

Collect any paperwork that you need to share with the adjuster/insurance agent. Use your phone to take pictures of any paperwork if you don’t have a way to make photocopies. Be sure to keep a file with the date, times, names, and details of any conversations.

Tackle Cleanup

• Ventilate the area by opening all doors, windows, cabinets, and drawers
• Don’t plug anything in unless it has been deemed safe by an electrician
• Check with your insurance provider if you can begin repairs.
• If you’ve got the all-clear, begin by removing any standing water.
• Use a dehumidifier and fans to remove as much moisture as possible.
• Move any furniture and rugs that weren’t too badly damaged to your yard and let them sit under the sun directly.
• Remove drywall and insulation, carpets and padding, upholstered furniture, window coverings, and any other household items that cannot be adequately cleaned/sanitized.
• Throw out any unsealed food and/or any food exposed to floodwater

Be Sure to Document All Items Before Discarding Them

You could also use a third-party cleanup crew, allowing a team of professionals to do the hardest work for you. Check and see if your insurance provider will cover the costs of this.

Mitigate the Mold

Mold can develop in a very short time, and exposure to it can be dangerous in the long term. If you come across any while inspecting your home, it needs to be treated immediately. This can be done by mixing a cup of bleach with a gallon of water and scrubbing any spores. While disinfecting, wipe down any countertops and appliances that were exposed to water.

Start the Rebuilding Process

Before you determine which contractor to choose, get multiple bids. You will want to work with a contractor you can trust. Check their online reviews. Research their experience and project history. Check if they are licensed and bonded.

Be Sure to Keep All of Your Receipts.

Flooding can be a terrible tragedy to experience. With these tools and knowledge, you can be prepared to keep your home and family safe when disaster strikes.

For more tips on what to do after a natural disaster, or how to prepare for a flood, click here.

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.

Insurance 101: What is Personal Property Coverage?

by California Casualty | Homeowners Insurance Info | 0 comments

Personal Property, also referred to as “contents coverage,” is the term insurance companies use to collectively define the things you own inside your home. Imagine picking up your house, turning it over, and giving it a good shake.  What would fall out? Furniture, electronics, clothing? The possessions that “make your house a home” are considered your personal property.

Should something insurance-related (like damage or theft from a covered peril) happen to your home, you’d likely have many personal property items to replace. Both homeowners and renters insurance policies typically include Personal Property Coverage, but in order to for your insurance coverage to help replace your items, you need to know how much personal property coverage you really need. That’s when a home inventory comes in handy.

Most people know a good ballpark for the dollar amount/coverage limit they need to cover the exterior of their home, known as Dwelling Coverage, but they rarely know the value of their personal items inside their home. Having the right amount of coverage to replace these personal items will make your life so much easier if/when you have a covered claim.

Plus, most insurers offer optional scheduled personal property coverage, or rider, for more special and/or expensive items such as jewelry, watches, and furs that have values above your personal property coverage limits.

Here are some things to consider when it comes to protecting your belongings.

• • For homeowners policies, personal property coverage is usually a percentage (ranging from 20-50%) of your homeowners’ Coverage A (Dwelling Coverage) on your policy. However, you can purchase more coverage if needed.
  • Renters are able to choose their personal property amount for their policies.
  • There are two types of personal property coverage: replacement cost and actual cash value.
    • An actual cash value policy factors in depreciation (use and age) to provide reimbursement based on the current value of an item, not what it would cost to replace it.
    • A replacement cost value policy typically pays the dollar amount it takes to replace your item following a covered claim. Replacement cost value usually has a slightly higher premium cost than actual cash value, and some insurance companies will give you the option to choose replacement cost value if you’re willing to pay a little more premium.
  • It’s also important to know that personal property coverage usually has certain limits on what it will pay to replace an item or category of items. Be sure that the coverage (or amount of anticipated compensation in the event of a covered claim) you actually need is within these limits or you may want to add coverage to better protect your cherished possessions.
  • There are exclusions to personal property coverage! Items in your home like pets, property of roommates, boarders, or tenants (for homeowner’s policies), and vehicles are not covered.
  • Sometimes if the event that caused the damage (peril) is not “named” on the policy, there is no coverage for that cause of loss.

It’s a good idea to take inventory of your personal property, complete with pictures and the purchase price of each item. As an easy reminder, and to stay on top of all of your new possessions, mark your calendar to do your home inventory every six months- once in the middle of the year and again at the end of the year. In the event of a loss, your up-to-date home inventory will help simplify the process of filing a claim.

A conversation with an insurance advisor will be helpful as you consider your coverage limits. Knowing what you own and understanding how your personal property coverage works can give you more confidence as you navigate through the quoting process and comfort in the event of a loss.

DISCLAIMER: These general industry descriptions are not representative of your individual insurance policy. Please be sure to review your policy at least once yearly with your insurance representative and mention any home improvements to ensure your coverage is complete.

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.

Give Your Apartment Balcony an Upgrade

by California Casualty | Homeowners Insurance Info | 0 comments

One of the best parts about renting? Almost all apartments these days have balconies! Don’t pass up the chance to jazz it up this spring, as the weather warms up, you’ll be glad you did. Even balconies that seem cramped or uninspiring can transform into sanctuaries of serenity with a few easy pieces. 

Looking for the perfect balcony inspo? You’ve come to the right place. These 15 easy and cheap ideas are guaranteed to upgrade your space. 

1. Start with the basics: a table and chairs. A small dining set is perfect for morning coffee, intimate dinners, cocktail hour, and quick lunchtime breaks. Go for something small and space-efficient or even furniture that can be folded up and easily leaned or stored. 

2. Showcase your view. Situate your seating or furniture so as to make the most of your view.  

3. Use color. Color is a quick way to add personality and mood to your area. Do you want it to feel festive? Think oranges, reds, and other bright colors (look up “complementary colors” or check out Pinterest for palettes). Or would you rather make the mood quiet and relaxing? — then go with subtler, neutral, or more muted tones. You can always mix it up too, going for a muted palette but with bright accents. Get creative and make it your own!

4. Create a garden. A balcony filled with planters, climbing vines and other foliage creates a lush garden scene. You’ve got a million choices to choose from. Want plants that are fragrant, such as flowering citrus? Or ones that attract hummingbirds and pollinators? Adding herbs (cooking or decorative) will also add some lovely scents. Make sure all pots have saucers to prevent water damage.

5. Add flowers for instant color appeal. Flowers and blooming plants add a sunny vibe to any balcony. Trailing blooms (think Tuscan verandas) add an extra touch of luxury. 

6. Check out floor pillows. If you’re on a tight budget or don’t intend to stay in your rental long, you can still dress up your outside digs. Instead of investing in furniture, look into floor pillows – usually inflatable and outdoor-friendly, these will let you enjoy your place for as long as you’re there.  

7. A place to park your drink. Remember to add little side tables or even stools to hold your book, drink, sunglasses, phone, or anything else you’ll want to set down while relaxing outside. 

8. Throw down a rug. A patterned rug will open up the space visually and add a decorative dimension. Check out indoor/outdoor options. 

9. Make an accent wall. Painting or hanging a decorative piece on the outdoor exterior walls will add a sophisticated design element. This could be an art-type piece, lights, or even a “living wall” add-on of ferns or other plants. 

10. Add lighting. Outdoor lights will immediately up-level your balcony and give it evening ambiance. Options include strung lights (for that fairy light effect), LED candles in lanterns, and hanging or standing lights. 

11. Consider bench seating. Bench seating is a bit more of a commitment than moveable chairs. It usually saves space and sometimes doubles as a storage element. 

12. Hang a swing or hammock. Lazy swing-time isn’t just for vacation. If you have a lot of space, consider a hammock or swinging bench. This may even nudge you to do more of that self-care relaxing that we all know is so important!    

13. Create privacy. Using a room divider or a row of tall bamboo can create a nice illusion of privacy if your balcony directly abuts another. 

14. Go full recline mode. If space allows, think of getting a lounge chair. Perfect for curling up with a book, working on your laptop, or soaking up the sun, you can make it even comfier with outdoor pillows. 

15. Throw shade. If your balcony gets a ton of light (maybe sometimes too much?), look at shading options. This could mean a standing umbrella, shade sail, or a more involved retractable awning. 

Before you start on your balcony transformation project, be sure to check in with your roommate and your landlord about anything that might affect your plans. Then design around those and create your own little outdoor oasis – as spring rolls into summer and the warm weather beckons you outside, you’ll be so glad you did!

For more ideas to transform your balcony or outdoor space check out our Pinterest Board “Apartment Balcony Inspiration“

Don’t forget to give us a follow at California Casualty to stay up to date on every fun balcony inspiration we discover! Scan our Pincode with your Pinterest camera to follow: