Simple Suggestions for Hassle-Free Home Improvements

(Metro) -- With interest rates at attractive lows and a return to warmer weather, millions of people are busy making home improvements and starting renovation projects. While budget and aesthetic considerations are important, MetLife Auto & Home's vice president of claims, Tom McHugh, warns that safety should also be at the top of any "to do" list.

"Home-improvement projects can offer years of enjoyment and make great investments, which is why consumers collectively spend $177 billion on them each year," says McHugh. "But unless safety comes first, especially with older homes and do-it-yourself jobs, all your outlay and hard work can literally go up in smoke."

MetLife Auto & Home offers some simple suggestions that sometimes get overlooked -- but that can make a big impact on the safety and integrity of your home-improvement project:

Before you start any project involving electricity, ask a qualified electrician to make certain you have enough wattage and that your wiring is up to building-code standards.
Before you install appliances, consider accessibility to outlets. If you plan accordingly, you can cut down on exposed wires and extension cords, which will reduce the possibility of fire. It's also a good idea to consider adding outlets near your new appliances.
Consider installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) -- in the event of a short, these circuits turn electricity off before severe injuries or electrocution can occur.
Think about upgrading your safety devices. Smoke alarms, fire detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and home burglary alarms can protect your investment and keep your home beautiful for years to come.
Take a look at the caulking around your windows. Proper caulking around your windows can help prevent water damage and lower heating bills.
In the kitchen, ask a qualified plumber to check the condition of your pipes. Also, if you have small children, look into installing kid-safe features such as oven door surface warning lights, out of reach burner knobs and stove knob covers.
In the bathroom, owners of older homes should consider replacing their shower pans with a more leak-resistant shower system in order to avoid leaks and water damage.
If you have a fireplace, upgrading its energy efficiency may be helpful. Installing air circulation devices or a pellet stove can help with energy conservation and safety, while also keeping romance alive on a cold winter evening.

Once you've completed your home- improvement project, it's also important to make certain that your investment is adequately protected. "Improvements increase the value of a home," says McHugh. "A quick call to your insurance agent, making sure the coverage you have is adequate, will help you avoid an unpleasant surprise in the event of a significant loss. Also, check whether your homeowners' policy offers what's called 'guaranteed replacement cost coverage.'" This coverage ensures that damage to your house or dwelling will be covered, subject to your deductible, even if the existing coverage limit is inadequate. This can be important in the event that your house is destroyed and needs to be completely rebuilt."

To assist in home-improvement preparation, MetLife provides additional information through its award-winning "Life Advice" series, which covers topics such as "Home Improvement" and "Keeping Your Home Safe," available at www.lifeadvice.com.

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