Tips for preparing a home for changes in climate

By Published On: February 29th, 2016Categories: News, Training0 Comments

Changes in climate can wreak havoc on an unprepared home. Help your clients ready their homes for natural disasters — or even just save energy — by offering these simple suggestions from “Tips to Prepare Your Home for Climate Change,” an article published online by The Bloomer Advance, based in Wisconsin.

Tips for dealing with natural disasters

• Get rid of unnecessary debris, branches, dead trees or anything around the house that can be hazardous when winds increase.

• Suggest clients keep supplies on hand to board windows if necessary.

• Immediately shut off the utilities following a disaster to prevent gas leaks and electrical fires.

• Have a home inspector or someone check the foundation of your home if you live in an area prone to earthquakes.

• Every household should have an emergency plan that includes an emergency kit containing a flashlight, first aid supplies, spare keys, cash, a change of clothing, sleeping bag, a three day supply of bottled water and copies of important documents and forms of ID.

• Keep gutters clean so they can direct rainwater away from the home’s foundation and basement.

• Electrical components such as sockets, wiring and circuits, should be placed above anticipated flood levels to prevent damage to the electrical system and potential short circuit fires.

• In the event your client’s property suffers damage, suggest they consider hiring a contractor who specializes in disaster recovery to help streamline the claims process, which can sometimes be quite complex.

Tips for saving energy

• Thermostats account for almost half of a home’s energy bill, according to the article. Install a programmable thermostat to help optimize heating and cooling.

• Change air filters frequently.

• Reduce air leaks and stop drafts with sealant, weather stripping and insulation.

• Make sure your ductwork is properly sealed.

• Maintain your heating and cooling equipment through annual inspections by a licensed contractor.

In addition to these steps, theBloomer Advance article suggested homeowners have a home inspection done every five to 10 years.

“Home inspections are not just for people buying and selling homes,” Dan Steward, president of Pillar To Post Home Inspectors, a franchised company, said in the article. “Periodic inspections ensure everything is operating efficiently and there are no major structural weaknesses.”

About the Author: Kristin Warner

Kristin is the Marketing Director at AHIT. She has authored content for numerous real estate brands, and managed corporate communications for a public real estate company. She is passionate about the home inspection and real estate industries, and loves digging into research to provide insights that empower home inspectors and real estate agents in their businesses.