A Home Warranty May Be On Your "To Do " List

Winter approaches! Already we have had wind and heavy rain and leaves are piling up. It’s time for winterization. It’s time to have your furnace checked for proper operation. No family kudos if you lose your furnace when temperatures plunge. Have you closed the air vents, which are part of the crawl spaces? Have you wrapped pipes and attached “Mae Wests” to your outdoor faucets? Be sure to check around your foundation and siding for cracks that can let water in. Then caulk where needed. A small amount of money for caulk may save you thousands in repairs. On the inside check your water hoses connecting to the washer and dishwasher for wear or cracks.

Now you can relax, right? Maybe! You buy home insurance for protection from hazards like wind, earthquakes, floods and fire. You properly maintain your appliances and mechanical systems, but things still breakdown, sometimes at the most inconvenient times. Have you considered a home warranty from companies such as Choice Home Warranty to protect against costly repairs? Various lending institutions, such as Directors Credit Union and LendingTree.com, agree, placing maintenance costs at 1% to 3% of initial house price. That means owners of a $200,000 house should plan to budget $2,000 to $6,000 per year for ongoing upkeep and replacements. A home warranty may be available for as little as $1 a day. If something covered in your home breaks down due to normal wear and tear, a claims center is ready 24/7, 365 days a year to respond to your crisis.

"What's that? Yes, honey, I'll get to it right after the game. What? You want it done now? Yes, honey!"