6 Ways To Protect Your Home From Unexpected Dangers

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1. Look for structural damage: It's important to have your home inspected for any structural damage that may have occurred as well as other issues that may be present. Keep a close eye on your heating and cooling systems, roof, foundation, insulation, and windows.
2. Take care of plumbing systems: Water damage can be very devastating, causing problems such as mold, mildew, bacteria, and viruses. Any water or moisture in your home including in the basement or from a running toilet should be checked out and taken care of. Make sure that sewer lines, faucets, and water lines are working properly and it's a good idea to have a plumber come out once a year to check on these things to prevent future problems from occurring. 
3. Get rid of pests: Termites can be a major problem and can eat away at the foundation of a home for years without being detected. Other pests such as ants, birds, and mice can cause significant damage to a home as well and can pose a health hazard. If any signs of pests are noticed, have a terminator check it out and take preventative measures such as keeping wood piles away from the foundation of a home and ensure that water basins are draining properly.
4. Check wiring and install smoke detectors: Make sure the electrical system is up to code and have a licensed technician come out and inspect it and make any necessary changes. Install smoke and fire alarms throughout the home and have each major appliance and fireplace inspected for any potential dangers. 
5. Invest in secure locks: An alarm system can be a great investment and can offer peace of mind and the installation of security windows and doors as well as theft proof locks can go a long way in preventing a burglary. Keep your home lit up at night as well. 
6. Insurance policies: Shop around for an adequate insurance policy to cover your home in the case of a disaster taking place.

Happy Friday!

5 Reasons To Replace Your Home's Insulation

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1. High utility bills:  A rise in your utility bill can mean that the insulation in your home has worn down and is doing a poor job of keeping your home warm or cool, depending on the season.  Replacing the insulation can regulate the temperature in your home and save you money on your utility bill.
2. Varying room temperatures: If rooms in your home differ significantly in temperature, such as an extremely cold living room and very warm bedroom, chances are there are insulation problems and it should be replaced.
3. Aging insulation: Insulation that was installed in older homes is usually of lower quality than what is available today. A good test to use to determine the quality of the insulation is to put on a glove and feel the insulation in the attic; if it crumbles when touched it's time to replace. Also, there are green options for insulation for older homes as well.
4. Pests: Pests usually like to make their homes in the insulation present in basements and attics. If you have ever had a problem with pests, it's best to replace the insulation to avoid future issues.
5. Water damage: Heavy rains and flooding can cause water to soak through the roof or walls and that water gets into the insulation and soaks in. If the insulation is not dried out completely, mold will grow and cause a large problem. If your home has been through flooding or had any issues with heavy rain, there is a good chance that the insulation does need to be replaced.

*The national average for replacing insulation is between $1,400 and $1,800. It's best to replace the insulation before the extreme heat of summer or cold of winter.

Illinois Fun Facts

Reboot Illinois

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• Each Illinois farmer feeds 156 people.
• More than 3/4 of all pumpkins harvested for processing in the U.S. come from Illinois.
• Charles Lindbergh crashed two planes in Illinois in 1926; one in Rutland Township and the other in Covell.
• The Australian Lungfish named Granddad came to the Shedd Aquarium during the 1933 World's Fair and is the oldest fish living in any aquarium or zoo in the world.
• In Mount Pulaski, IL, it is illegal for boys to throw snowballs at trees (girls can).
• The world's first farm silo was invented in Spring Grove, IL.
• The official state dance of Illinois is square dancing.
• In Galesburg, IL, "fancy bike riding" is illegal on any city street.
• The first U.S. blood bank was at Cook County Hospital in 1937.
• Jane Addams was born in Cedarville, IL and was the first American woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize.
• Belleville, IL banned anyone older than 12 years old from Trick-Or-Treating.
• "Wild Bill" Hickok was born in Troy Grove, IL.
• The wind power in Illinois reduces 5,550,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually which is equal to taking 980,000 cars off the road.
• Peoria is the oldest community in Illinois, holds the country's oldest community theater, and has the country's oldest Santa Claus parade.
• Olney, IL has squirrel protection laws that can carry up to $750 in fines for an offense.

Fall Lawn Care Tips

houselogic

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1. Aeration: This is an important step in caring for your lawn because it allows new grass to grow by pulling up sections of grass, creating small holes in the lawn which allows water, nutrients, and oxygen to reach the roots. If your lawn is played on regularly by kids or pets, plan to aerate your lawn twice a year, during the fall and spring. If you lawn is more just for show, aerate once a year or even every other year. This process can be done with a hand-aerating tool, which costs around $20, and is meant for small sections of grass. In order to do an entire lawn, you can rent a gas-powered aerating machine for about $20 per hour. If you want the aerating done professionally, it can cost around $150 depending on the size of the lawn.
2. Seeding: During the fall when the soil temperature is about 55 degrees is the best time to seed your lawn since turf roots grow rapidly during the fall and winter. Once your lawn is seeded, water it everyday for the first 10-20 days until it germinates. 
3. Fertilizing: Fertilizing the lawn during late fall, before the first frost, helps the grass to survive the winter and encourages it to grow back green and lush during the spring.
4. Mulching: Instead of always raking leaves and removing them from the lawn, try mowing over them with the lawnmower to grind them into mulch. The shredded leaves actually help to protect the lawn from the harsh winter and they also decompose into organic matter to feed grass roots.

Designing The Heart Of The Home

Consumer Reports

Freerangestock.com

Today's kitchens are being built as 'social kitchens' and are being designed to accommodate more than just cooking. Electronics are finding special nooks and the heart of the home is now being used for parties, homework, more than one cook....you get the picture. Here are some tips for creating a functional hub of the home:

• Carefully open up the space: Opening up too many walls and allowing too many entrances to the kitchen can create a sense of chaos instead of openness. Half walls and arched openings are a great way to really open up the space visually while still controlling traffic. It's also important to merge the kitchen with the rest of the home. A great way to do this is by utilizing the repetition of color such as by having artwork in the kitchen the same color hue as the walls of the adjacent room.
• Create zones: Keep guests and kids away from the work zone of the kitchen (the triangle between the refrigerator, stove, dishwasher and sink) by installing a beverage and snack station near the public facing edge of the kitchen. Ideas for a drink/snack station include a wet bar with a wine fridge, or a coffee area with a coffee maker, some snacks, and a cabinet for cups and mugs. Another cool idea is a baking station for the homeowner that loves to bake; have this near the stove with space for baking supplies and equipment and a marble surface for dough rolling.
• Hide the mess: Some homeowners are opposed to an open kitchen because they don't want the mess in the kitchen visible to guests. To avoid this, put in a raised bar on the public side of the island so that guests have a place to sit while the meal is being prepared and then the dinner mess can be hidden from view once the meal starts. Island bars can also be used for casual seating as well.
• Drop zone: Since the kitchen is the hub of most homes, that can mean lots of clutter such as paperwork, backpacks, jackets, etc. Create an area for these things such as a mudroom with durable flooring and shelving with baskets assigned for each family member or for homes short on space, try using a hallway closet as a makeshift drop zone.
• Eat in: Casual dining is an important feature of a social kitchen and is also great for resale value, ranking as one of the most desired features in a 2013 home buyer survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors. Built in banquettes are also great, providing a cozy place to eat, pay bills, do homework, etc. The base of a banquette can also have built in storage for items such as napkins or other tablescape accessories.
• Include an island: Islands are great because more counterspace is always good and they provide seating while meal prep is taking place and a place to sit for casual meals. Bigger isn't always better though-there should be 42-48 inches of clearance on all sides. Islands are awesome for entertaining, as they can serve as a buffet area, or an in-island sink can be filled with ice to create a raw bar or to hold beverages. 
• Charging stations: For many of us, our electronics spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so charging stations are an option that makes sense. They can be installed in a cabinet or drawer equipped with docks and outlets. Electrical outlets with built in USB ports are also available so your phone can charge while the toaster is plugged in. 

Single Family Home Or Condo?

Freerangestock.com

Freerangestock.com

When purchasing a new home, it can be tough to decide between a house and a condo. There are several different factors that you should keep in mind when making the decision:

• Location: Where do you want to be? Are there options for both single family homes and condos in your target area?
• Privacy: Do you want privacy and lots of space between you and your neighbors, or do you prefer to be close to others and see close neighbors as a comfort?
• Responsibility: Do you desire full control over decisions affecting your home and property or do you like the idea of shared responsibility between neighbors?
• Maintenance: Do you have a green thumb or love getting dirty in your yard? Or do you dislike the idea of having to mow the grass, pull weeds, etc?
• Budget: What is your budget like? Sometimes condos are the more affordable option in your area.

Consider these factors when making your decision and if your needs or lifestyle change in the coming years, you can always make a move to adapt to your life.

What Your Contractor Doesn't Want You To Know

House Logic

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• He's not going to do the majority of the work: General contractors often times don't do the physical labor themselves. Normally their main role is to gain clients, manage the budget, and schedule subcontractors. Be sure to ask who will be in charge of the job site and go and meet them on the job if possible to see who you will be dealing with.
• A large deposit is not necessary: If a business is financially sound and the contractor has good relationships with his suppliers, he shouldn't be required to pay anything up front. A small deposit should be fine to start a job and your payment plan should be based around a specified amount of work being done. With this arrangement, if the work is not going according to schedule, then the payments will be delayed.  The Federal Trade Commission suggests using a credit card to pay for home improvement work so that a homeowner is protected if the project falls through.
• Both labor AND materials will be marked up: If you are able to buy your own items such as cabinets, countertops, etc. have the contractor take those items out of the bid price. Make sure to agree on specific numbers of items to purchase and ensure they are on the job site when needed. Purchasing some items on your own could save you 10%-20% off the entire project cost.

What Is The Best Flooring Choice?

Consumer Reports

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• Solid wood: Costs about $5-$10 per square foot. Solid wood is nice because it has a timeless, natural look and it can be refinished many times. On the downside, it does dent easily and it is not easy to install. Solid wood floors can change color due to UV light and can be water damaged easily as well. Bamboo is more costly than solid wood but it does seem to hold up better to wear and tear.
• Engineered wood: Costs about $4-$9 per square foot. The great thing about this flooring is that it does cost less than solid wood but it still looks natural and adds warmth to the home. Using wide planks provides a modern look and it also can make a room look larger. Another positive is that many times, this material can be floated without glue or fasteners. Cons include the fact that engineered wood  still dents fairly easily and can also be damaged by flooding. Also, they usually can't be refinished since they are composed of a veneer over substrate. 
• Laminate: $3-$7 per square foot. Laminate is a very durable flooring option and can appear to be a variety of natural materials. Often times laminate can be floated as well. Many laminate options are stain resistant and also resist UV damage. Cons for laminate: most laminates dent easily and this flooring can't be refinished. 
• Vinyl: $2-$6 per square foot. Vinyl is durable yet still comfortable to walk on. Some vinyls can float and many of them look similar to real wood or stone. If you are installing vinyl yourself, try to choose planks or tiles instead of sheets that need to be precisely cut. Keep in mind that off-gassing may be a concern for homes with young kids and even the best vinyl products still look like vinyl up close.
• Linoleum: $4-$8 per square foot. Linoleum is made to look like stone and other natural flooring and it's made of tree bark and linseed oil. The best linoleum products are very scratch, stain, and fade resistant. Although linoleum is a great option, some vinyl products wear better and can be installed easier for the same price as linoleum. 
• Ceramic tile: $8-$15 per square foot; $5-$8 for products that can be floated. Ceramic tile is a great authentic flooring option and is composed of minerals. Using ceramic tile that can be floated is easier to install and more cost effective. Although ceramic tile can create a very sleek look, it can be cracked easily from dropped items.

Happy Friday

10 Home Projects That Can Increase Value

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• New front door: Replacing a front door with a new steel door costs about $1,162 with a 96.6% return
• Kitchen updates: A minor kitchen remodel costs about $18,856 with an 82.7% return
• Bathroom remodel: The average remodel costs around $16,128 with a 75.2% return. If a remodel is not in the budget, simply replacing fixtures with new brushed chrome ones makes a big difference as does replacing all of the caulking around tubs, sinks, toilets, etc.
• Replace windows: Replacing 10 existing 3 ft by 5 ft double hung windows with insulated, low-E windows runs about $16,798 for wood frames with an expected return of 74%.
• Fresh paint on both the interior and exterior if needed
• Updating hardware-especially in the kitchen and bathrooms
• Add landscaping: Landscaping is a great way to showcase your lawn. Cut down any overgrown bushes and plant a border of small, neutral colored flowers instead.
• Service the systems: Taking care of your furnace, air conditioner, etc will show a potential buyer that you take pride in your home and that it is well taken care of.
• Thoroughly clean appliances, especially the oven and the stove.
• Declutter: Remove any belongings that are not necessary and strive to keep counter tops, vanities, top of the fridge, etc, clear.

4 Elements Of Moving Quotes

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1. Non-binding VS. binding: Some companies offer rates that are based on a pre-estimated weight, also known as a non-binding estimate. You could end up paying less in the event that the move weighs less than the estimate stated. Other moving companies may offer a rate based on an estimate, however the estimate is firm and the price quoted is what you will pay no matter what the weight of the move turns out to be; this is a binding estimate.
2. Weight: When comparing moving companies, find out what each one charges per pound. Although it's important to know what a company charges per pound, that is not the only thing to factor into price. Some companies may charge more per pound, but they may include more services such as long distances. Look at the entire picture and find out cost per pound as well as what services may or may not be included in the price.
3. Distance: Find out how much the mover charges per mile (linehaul charges) and keep in mind that this charge is in addition to the price per pound. Use a mapping tool such as Google Maps to determine the true distance of your move and make sure that the distance you calculate matches what the company calculates. If your move is local, such as moving neighborhoods, distance may not factor into your decision as much as price per pound does. 
4. Extra service fees: If your move is simple and you aren't moving very far, you probably don't need to worry about any extra service fees. If you have any items that require special care and handling, such as a piano, there may be extra fees applied. If your move requires additional insurance or if you are moving to a new home that can't be moved into right away, check into what fees may apply. You may be charged for storage-in-transit, or other fees.

9 Things To Buy Secondhand For Your First Home

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1. Silverware
2. Dishes
3. Glasses and cups
4. Toaster or toaster oven
5. Dining table
6. Side table
7. Lamps
8. Bedframes 
9. Decor

Staging Your Home On A Dime

Freedigitalphotos.net 

Staging your home doesn't have to be a costly venture; using what you already have or borrowing pieces here and there can dramatically improve your home's style and appeal to potential buyers.

• De-clutter: Clutter in your home decreases equity. You want buyers to come in and admire your organizational skills and plentiful amount of storage space. You may want to consider removing items that are smaller than a breadbasket as well as personal photos. Ensure that you do not have furniture cluttered together or wall decor cluttered on the wall. 
• Think space and flow: You are selling space in your home, not furniture, so apply the "rule of three". You really only need three pieces of furniture to stage a room and those pieces should be appropriate to the room itself (such as not putting yard furniture in a living room). The same rule applies to decor items-you only need about three items to stage a mantle, dresser, etc.). Once you have staged your furniture and decor, make sure that there is plenty of space to move around the furniture.
• Warmth and comfort: Now that your home is staged and free of clutter, focus on making your house a home. Try and stick to neutral or light paint colors; if you do need to re-paint it can be done cheaply. You can find 'mistake paint' at home improvement stores for only $5 a gallon. Adding floor and table lamps where needed creates a warm glow and helps the buyer feel at home.
• Freshen up: Keep your home very clean and think about not using the kitchen right before a showing if possible. You want your home to shine and be free of any strong odors.

4 Tips For Selling Your Home In The Winter

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• Make sure your home is easily accessible: Make sure that your driveway, sidewalks, and pathways are all clear including any back steps if you have any. 
• Keep the heat on: Keep the heat going in your home, especially if you know you have an upcoming showing. Having a warm and cozy home helps to give buyers a good first impression.
• Show off winter assets: If you have a fireplace in your home, now is the perfect time to show if off. Having a fireplace going during a showing really adds to the ambiance. If you haven't had your fireplace cleaned in awhile, make sure you have it serviced beforehand.
• Don't forget about your outdoor features: During the warmer months it's common for buyers to go outside to check out the yard, etc. Make sure that during these colder months you clear off a deck or patio, etc. as much as you can to make sure it's visible. If it's too much to clear things off out back, be sure that these outdoor assets are listed in the marketing materials so that buyers can get the whole picture.

Happy Friday

Homes That Keep You Healthy

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Wellness properties, a branch of the sustainable housing movement, are made to keep the occupants healthy. Health conscious homeowners can now live in homes that actively work to keep the home clean and keep the homeowner healthy. So far these homes are exclusive to a company called Delos Living out of New York City, but look for them to trend everywhere in the future.  What exactly makes these homes so healthy? Here are some cutting edge pieces of technology that are incorporated into these state of the art homes:

• Air purifying system: These sterilize airborne cooties such as viruses, dust mites, bacteria, and mold spores while also controlling humidity in order to prevent fungal and microbial growth.
• Healthy entrance technology: A doorway walk system traps both dirt and moisture from shoes and other objects that enter the home.
• UV water sanitizer: This uses ultra-violet germicidal irradiation to get rid of microorganisms without any chemical filtration. 
• Healthy surfaces: Nonporous kitchen surfaces that stop bacteria growth are used along with photo-catalytic coated walls that break down viruses, bacteria, and VOCs when exposed to light.
• Comfy floors: Flooring with a cork underlay is easier on your feet and back.
• Acoustic damping elements: Extremely quiet appliances and windows that shut out outside noise are key elements of these healthy homes.

Ways To Quickly Raise Your Credit Score

Forbes

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The first step to improving your credit score is to know what your score is. The three major credit bureaus are required to provide a free copy of your report every year, so go to www.AnnualCreditReport.com to request a free report every 4 months.

• Correct errors: Go over your report and look for any mistakes that there may be and remedy those online with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. 
• Negotiation: Maybe you missed some payments on your credit card while unemployed-that fact can't be disputed but you can attempt to negotiate. Try offering to pay the remaining balance on the delinquent account in exchange for the late payments being removed from your report or that account marked as "paid as agreed". Just be sure to get that agreement in writing before you pay off the balance! 
• Know your limits: Ensure that your current credit card limits are reflected accurately on your report. Perhaps the lender forgot to update your newly increased limit; if that's the case, request that the limit information is updated.
• Don't max out: Using all of the available credit on your plastic will lower your score; ideally only 30% of available credit should be used.
• Increase your credit limit: Try contacting your credit card lender and asking for your limit to be increased. Be careful not to go on a spending spree after that is done- using 30% or less of your available credit is best.
• Don't close out accounts: You may be tempted to close out a credit card once the balance is paid, however, that will lower your available credit and can result in your credit score dropping. 
• Switch it up: Using different types of credit can increase your score. Try putting a large purchase on an installment or taking out a small loan from your credit union. Only do this though if you are sure you can make the payments on time.
• Pay on time: Paying your bills on time is hugely important and late or missed payments definitely put a ding in your score. Payment history makes up 35% of your FICO score so strive to be on time. If you frequently forget payments, try making them automated so you don't need to sweat it.

Kitchens For All Budgets

Consumer Reports

Freerangestock.com

Around 1.5 million homeowners will redo their kitchen this year; here is a quick look at what various remodel budgets will get you:

• Do it yourself: Costs around $5,000 and takes around 1 month to complete. This would mainly include painting the cabinets and walls yourself, installing a vinyl floor, laminate countertop, basic appliances, top mount sink and a two-handled faucet. The return on this investment would vary upon what your time is worth.
• Minor midrange: $19,000 and takes about 3 months. This job would consist of professionally installed wall oven and cooktop, vinyl floors, laminate counters, median priced sink and faucet, refaced cabinets and painted walls. ROI is about 83%.
• Major midrange: Investment of about $55,000 and would take approximately 6 months. This remodel would include professionally installed semi-custom cabinets, standard appliances, vinyl floors, laminate counters, stainless steel double tub sink, single-lever faucet, and painted walls.  ROI=73%
• Major upscale: Costs about $110,000 and can take 6 months or more to complete. This remodel would include professionally installed custom cabinets, stone countertops, professional appliances, cork flooring, backsplash, undermount sink complete with a designer faucet, and new lighting. The approximate ROI for this project would be 64%.

Benefits Of Owning A Home

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• Tax deductions: Mortgage interest and property taxes are actually a huge benefit to a homeowner when April 15th comes along. 
• Appreciation
• Equity: The portion of the home that is actually owned rises over time. Equity and appreciation often leads to the purchase of a better second home. According to the National Association of Realtors, the average down payment for first time home buyers is 3% while repeat buyers put down an average of 22%.
• Increased borrowing power: Benefits are to be had by homeowners that choose to stay put as well. The equity that is built over time gives homeowners increased power to secure loans and lines of credit to make improvements to the home or to purchase big ticket items.
• Stability: When renting, you really don't know how much you will be paying in the coming months or years but with a fixed rate mortgage, you know what you will be paying each month for the life of the loan.

6 Ideas On How To Cut Moving Costs

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    Moving costs can add up, but there are simple ways to reduce your moving related expenses:

1. Make the move on your own: Instead of hiring a professional moving service, it is more cost effective to rent a truck and move things yourself instead. If you aren't up for doing that, you can still move some things on your own and get professional help with only a portion of your move.
2. Get quotes: If you are using a moving company, be sure to get cost estimates from at least three different companies. Be prepared to let the companies know the number of miles that you are moving, how many possessions you are moving, etc. This way they can give you the most accurate estimate possible. It's a good idea to check out sites such as The Better Business Bureau to become informed about any complaints or issues related to the company, if there are any.
3. Moving day: Schedule your moving day on an off peak day, such as mid week. Many people move on the weekends so if your schedule allows, you may be able to find better deals if you move on a Tuesday for example rather than a Saturday or Sunday.
4. Don't over-insure: Many moving companies offer insurance to protect your belongings during a move but that may not be necessary. Many renter and homeowner insurance policies have this type of insurance built into them so you may not need to purchase extra.
5. Don't pay for moving boxes: Instead of going to a home improvement store to purchase moving boxes, be resourceful and find free ones instead. Ask your local grocery store for left over boxes, ask friends and family, or check with big box stores.
6. Tax deductions: If you are moving for your job, you may be able to deduct some of your moving expenses from your taxes.

Fun Family Fall Activities

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• Take the family Christmas card photo
• Make baked apples-yum! (See recipe below)
• Have breakfast in bed
• Camp indoors
• Watch the geese fly south for the winter
• Make your own scarecrow
• Go for a neighborhood flashlight walk-see if your kids can spot animals that come out at night
• Make your own pumpkin spice latte
• Visit a local pumpkin patch (See a post from a couple weeks ago about local ones to check out)
• Help your kids to make Thanksgiving cards and hand them out to people you appreciate
• Make puppets out of mittens
• Bake a pumpkin pie
• Fly a kite
• Pick pine cones
• Bake chocolate chip cookies
• Go for a long drive and enjoy the fall colors
• Plan a winter escape
• Jump in a big pile of leaves
• Create leaf rubbings
• Walk through your favorite park
• Collect items for your local food bank

Delicious Cinnamon Baked Apples allrecipes

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 teaspoons vanilla sugar
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 6 large apples-peeled, cored and sliced
• 3 1/2 tablespoons water

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a large baking dish with the butter.
2. Mix brown sugar, vanilla sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl. Layer approximately 1/3 of the apples in the prepared baking dish and and sprinkle with 1/3 of the sugar mixture. Repeat the layers twice more.
3. Bake the apples in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Pour water over the apples and continue baking until tender, about another 15 minutes.

Happy Friday

Filling In The Gaps

Freerangestock.com

Caulk and insulation do two very important things for your home; they stop outside air from coming in and they keep expensive heart and air conditioning from escaping.

• Look for holes, gaps, and cracks, especially around where different surfaces come together or where pipes, vents and wiring goes through the wall. Any spaces or gaps should be fixed.
• Seek out any areas where the old caulk has cracked or come away from the surface. These problem areas should be repaired since all of these spots may be leaking heat and air conditioning. 

6 Ways To Protect Your Home From Unexpected Dangers

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1. Look for structural damage: It's important to have your home inspected for any structural damage that may have occurred as well as other issues that may be present. Keep a close eye on your heating and cooling systems, roof, foundation, insulation, and windows.
2. Take care of plumbing systems: Water damage can be very devastating, causing problems such as mold, mildew, bacteria, and viruses. Any water or moisture in your home including in the basement or from a running toilet should be checked out and taken care of. Make sure that sewer lines, faucets, and water lines are working properly and it's a good idea to have a plumber come out once a year to check on these things to prevent future problems from occurring. 
3. Get rid of pests: Termites can be a major problem and can eat away at the foundation of a home for years without being detected. Other pests such as ants, birds, and mice can cause significant damage to a home as well and can pose a health hazard. If any signs of pests are noticed, have a terminator check it out and take preventative measures such as keeping wood piles away from the foundation of a home and ensure that water basins are draining properly.
4. Check wiring and install smoke detectors: Make sure the electrical system is up to code and have a licensed technician come out and inspect it and make any necessary changes. Install smoke and fire alarms throughout the home and have each major appliance and fireplace inspected for any potential dangers. 
5. Invest in secure locks: An alarm system can be a great investment and can offer peace of mind and the installation of security windows and doors as well as theft proof locks can go a long way in preventing a burglary. Keep your home lit up at night as well. 
6. Insurance policies: Shop around for an adequate insurance policy to cover your home in the case of a disaster taking place.