Thousands of decks have either been built by do-it-yourselfers or by contractors who aren’t aware of the latest deck building codes or are looking to cut costs. In fact, most deck codes have changed in recent decades; if you own or are planning to buy a home that is over 10 years old, there could...
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It happens every year. The weather gets warmer, more people use outdoor grills – and the number of injuries involving grills goes up. In 2017-2021, an average of 22,155 patients per year went to emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Regardless of the type of grill you...
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Want an outdoor space to entertain friends and family when the nicer weather comes? Before starting construction, you may want to consider whether a deck or patio is best for your home. Here are some of the factors you’ll want to carefully weigh before making your decision. What is the difference between a deck and...
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You don’t have to live near a canyon or forest for your property to be threatened by wildfire. Nearly 1/3 of U.S. homes are in wildfire-prone areas, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). The impact of a wildfire can be tragic and expensive. For instance, the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Department of the Interior spend a staggering $3.5 billion a year combating the fires. Key to lessening the damage to homes and businesses is knowledge and preparation.
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Home maintenance is an ongoing process. From raking leaves and replacing shingles to cleaning disposals and replacing batteries in smoke detectors, there’s always something to do around the house. The following home maintenance checklist has items you can tackle now and throughout the year to keep your home running smoothly. Monthly home maintenance checklist Owning...
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If winter weather catches you off guard and your home is not prepared for heavy snow and cold, you can experience damage ranging from burst pipes to a collapsed roof. Costs for repairs of this scale add up quickly, so prepare in autumn to protect your house during the colder months. Follow these winterizing tips...
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While many people think tornadoes impact only the Midwest, every state in the country is vulnerable to tornadoes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Approximately 1,200 tornadoes hit the U.S. each year, causing an average of $24,000 in home damage and $4,000 in auto damage Strong winds from tornadoes can seriously damage the structural...
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The safety of a home largely depends on the materials it is made of — high-quality materials can help protect you and your loved ones from whatever weather comes your way. What is a FORTIFIED home? The FORTIFIED Home™ program, also known as IBHS FORTIFIED, uses retrofit techniques to strengthen new and existing homes, making...
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Sometimes, there’s nothing better than splashing in your backyard pool, sipping lemonade and enjoying the sunshine. And by landscaping around the pool, you have the potential to enhance or completely transform the atmosphere into something that’s even more welcoming and beautiful. Whether you add a protective fence or plant decorative shrubs, there are many pool...
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Hagerty Classic Car Transporter Tips: Picking the Right Hauler If your classic car has suffered weather- or flood-related damage that’s made extensive repair necessary, or if you need to move it to higher ground to avoid such damage, you may have recently found yourself in need of vehicle transportation for your classic car. Choosing a...
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When it comes to owning a personal watercraft, or PWC, there’s a lot to consider. First, you have to learn the skills, and then invest in the right safety equipment. But what about keeping your PWC running smoothly? Like any other vehicle, a personal watercraft needs regular maintenance and upkeep. Review this guide to get...
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