Tag Archives: texas home insurance

DIY: Slab Leak Prevention for Texas Homeowners

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As a Texas homeowner, you are probably well aware of slab leak issues. For those who are not: a slab is a leaking pipe inside or underneath the concrete of a foundation. While these leaks may happen unexpectedly and unknowingly, homeowners will eventually find out; whether he or she notices a wet spot on their floor or even feel a shift in the foundation.

If you are worried about a slab leak costing you hundreds of dollars, have no fear! Your Texas home insurance can be designed to cover the damages. However, we have even better news for you: there are ways you can prevent slab leaks in your home!

Here are a few options:

#1: Watch your water pressure. If your water pressure is too high, a pip

e may accidently burst. Your water pressure doesn’t have to be painfully low- as long as you find a balance!

#2: Monitor the water’s pH level. Again, find a balance when it comes to your waters pH level. Levels that are too high or too low will have a corrosive effect on your pipes.

#3: Have a professional come in. Having a professional plumber come in and check your pipes every few years may be a good idea. This way, you will be able to monitor its status and track any changes or damages.

#4: Watch your use of chemicals. You may need that Drano to unclog your shower but be careful! Too many chemicals may have a negative effect on your pipes.

Maintaining your home’s plumbing is crucial in order to prevent slab leaks from happening. However, these prevention tips are not always going to stop Mother Nature. It is best to play it safe and make sure your Texas home insurance covers these types of damages!

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How to Keep Your Family & Property Safe with the Perfect BBQ

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With summer in full swing and 4th of July just a few weeks away it’s time to get serious about your summer barbeque plans! Whether your summer festivities evolve into a more elaborate affair or are a simple, laid-back cookout, it’s important that you make safety a top priority.

From the transportation of your food, protecting the little ones running around the grill and safeguarding your home against an unfortunate summer accident, there’s a lot you need to consider. Take a look at our tips for planning a safe, fun Texas summer BBQ:

  • Accurately store your foods. Keep your food in a cooler that can maintain a temperature of at 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Try to separate your drinks into a separate cooler since it will continuously be opened and closed more often.
  • Never leave your grill unattended. Keep children and pets away from the grill area. Your grill, if possible, should always be placed well away from your home, deck railing and away from overhanging branches or nearby shrubbery.
  • Keep your grill clean by removing grease build up from the grill itself and the trays below.
  • Using a charcoal grill? When you’re finished grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container.

Did you know that on average annually gas grills have been involved in 6,200 home fires, and charcoal grills have been associated with 1,300 home damages? Besides taking proactive safety measures the day of your big BBQ, make sure you have protected your home with comprehensive, effective home insurance, Katy TX and residents all across our great state, can count on Dagley Insurance and Financial Services to find the perfect policy for you and your unique home!

Have further questions about your homeowners policy and what it does or does not cover? Visit our Virtual Insurance Office to learn more!

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Preventing Spring Water Damage

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After a hectic winter many of us have been eagerly awaiting that perfect spring day. But those warm sunny days will also bring with them the onset of hurricane season—a wet, rainy season which includes a slew of problems all on its own.

The last thing you want to deal with this spring is household water damage, so what can you do to prepare?

Recognizing the first signs of water damage is the best way to prevent further problems— precisely why we at Dagley Insurance and Financial Services have put together a helpful list of signs you should be aware of and common causes of water damage:

1. Surface water running down primary foundation walls.

2. Broken pipes & hoses—check for burst water mains, old pipes or even ice makers that fail—all can lead to significant water damage if not remedied.

3. Common household accidents—this includes overflowing bathtubs, broken toilets, etc.

4. Flash flooding or excessive rain

5. Sewer back up—commonly results from tree roots and debris that clogs drain lines.

6. Notorious Texas hailstorms can also cause leaky roofs and windows

7. This time of the year, air conditioning systems in the attic may leak as well; now that they have been turned on and are running at full capacity, be sure to check for any inefficiencies

Being aware and proactively checking for these typical causes of water damage and leaking can help you prevent damages to not only your home but also your electronics and personal possessions.

As a Texas homeowner, there are many things you can do to combat household water damage. Always remember to keep your gutters free of leaves and other seasonal debris. Create a maintenance plan for yourself to ensure that you keep up-to-date on your landscaping—trimming surrounding shrubbery can help to eliminate clogged gutters and drain lines. Also be sure to periodically check your appliances—your shower, sink, toilet and refrigerator are all common violators that can cause water damage.

Already fell victim to water damage? Need help cleaning up after significant water issues? Why not check out our Preferred Partners Page for great local deals on home restoration and clean-up services.

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Critical Wildfire Conditions Expected: Protect Your Texas Home Now

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Although the recent cooler weather has helped to ease the threat of fire danger across the state— local news source, KHOU.com, reported that hotter, dryer conditions are expected to make their way through Texas by this weekend.

The Texas Forest Service reported on Wednesday that “critical fire weather conditions are likely Saturday and Sunday as winds begin to pick up during hot, dry conditions”.  They added that currently, 180 of the state’s 254 counties now have burn bans in place.

Image via MSNBC.com

So as a Texas homeowner, how can you protect your home and property from wildfire risks? The Texas Forest Service has generated a list of tips designed to help you properly prepare your home and lessen the threat of wildfire damage to you and your property:

1. LPG tanks should be far enough away from buildings for valves to be shut off in case of fire. Keep the area around the tank clear of any flammable debris or vegetation.

2. Store gasoline in an approved safety can away from occupied buildings.

3. All combustibles such as firewood, wooden picnic tables, boats, stacked lumber, etc. should be kept away from all structures.

4. Clear roof surfaces and gutters regularly to avoid build-up of flammable materials such as leaves and other debris.

5. Remove branches from trees to a height of 15 feet or more.

6. In rural areas, clear a fuel break of at least 3 times the fuel length around all structures.

7. Have fire tools handy such as: a ladder long enough to reach your roof, shovel, rake and a bucket or two of water.

8. Place connected garden hoses at all sides of your home for emergency use.

9. Assure that you and your family know all emergency exits from your home.

10. Assure that you and your family know all emergency exits from your neighborhood.

Most importantly, securing a customized Texas home insurance policy can help you better manage the aftermath of a serious wildfire. If you have any questions at all about your current homeowners insurance – and whether or not your home is effectively protected from wild fire risks – contact Dagley Insurance and Financial Services today; we’d be happy to help!

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First-Time Texas Homebuyers Not Looking for “Starter Homes”

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Purchasing a home is a significant achievement and milestone in one’s life. With that comes an enormous amount of risk and responsibility—from securing yourself comprehensive Texas home insurance to managing your mortgage payments—it certainly is a lot to think about.

Firt-Time Texas Homeowners

However, an article from Only Katy happens to prove that new homeowners are starting to think—rather than start of slow, many first-time homeowners are taking the plunge and jumping head first into the housing market.

According to Only Katy, “first-time homebuyers are steering clear of the traditional entry-level home. These homes are usually priced lower and may include new construction without the ‘bells and whistles’ or houses that need fixing up”.

Recently the National Association Realtors (NAR) released statistics that stated,  87% of first-time homebuyers said they want to purchase a home that is move-in ready—it’s believe that this is a result of the 2010 first-time homebuyers $8,000 tax credit—studies show that first-time homebuyers made up half of the market in 2010.

Location is also critical to first-time homebuyers who, in Katy, want to secure themselves – and their children – within the Katy Independent School District, “nationwide, first-time homebuyers cited schools as a determining location factor,” the NAR revealed.  

The NAR article goes on to say, “Many first-time homebuyers said the current real estate market offered them more opportunity than they had expected. For example, half of new buyers said they found a home in a more desirable neighborhood than they expected; 61% were able to get the home at a better price; and, 40% got more space than expected”.

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a move-up buyer, Katy sure does have a lot to offer! Have questions about the Texas homeowners insurance needed to protect your new property? Contact Dagley Insurance and Financial Services—we’d be happy to help!

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