You’ve got the beautiful home, now you want to keep it safe from the forces of nature. Here’s a vital checklist for keeping your home protected from fire, storms, pests and wear-and-tear.
Prevention of wear-and-tear
Regular wear-and-tear is normal in any home, but acreage homes may need a little extra attention if there are plenty of large trees around, or your home isn’t connected to town facilities.
Weatherproofing is also important, especially in storm-prone areas. Doing small but regular maintenance can keep your home safe when rain, wind and hail hit.
So, to prevent more damage down the track, make sure to check, clean and maintain:
- Water and septic tanks. Check that the systems are working correctly.
- Regularly clean gutters of leaves.
- Exterior walls. Look for cracks, mould and pest damage.
- Check for leaks and fallen tree branches.
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Protection from forces of nature
‘Acts of God’ are an unpredictable part of life, particularly in Australia’s subtropical areas. Here are the most common forces of nature and how to be prepared.
Storms
One strategy many semi-rural and rural homeowners use is a storm preparedness plan. A preparedness plan is a checklist of things to do when a severe storm cell hits. For instance, a plan might include:
- Securing outdoor furniture such as tables, chairs and trampolines
- Removing debris and refuse from your land
- Having hail shelter ready for cars
Doing due diligence before a storm hits
It can be a good idea to sign up for storm warning alerts, so you have time to put your prevention plan into action.
You can also check your home and contents insurance to make sure you’re adequately covered for storm and fire damage. It pays to read the terms and conditions to see exactly what you’re covered for, including tree removal and repairs.
Landscaping for storms
Fallen trees are a huge risk to any homeowner. Trees and large branches can topple during storms, or because the tree is weak or diseased. Tree branches can become projectiles that damage homes, cars, sheds and yards.
It’s a good idea to schedule a certified arborist to visit your property once or twice a year to check and prune your trees.
You can also maintain the trees yourself, by following this checklist:
- Identify trees that are too close to your home (your home insurance is likely to be higher if there are large trees within 20m of the building).
- Look for trees that pose a risk due to their size or poor health.
- Prune back or remove trees that are too close to power lines or structures.
- Consider removing trees with roots close to water tanks or septic systems.
One more note on trees: you can use storm-resilient landscaping designs to reduce the possibility of damage to your home. For instance, you can plant wind-resistant trees and bushes around your property, and use erosion control elements to prevent soil displacement during heavy rain.
Bushfires
We all know how wild Australia’s bushfires can be. If you live in a bushland area, there are a few things you can do to safeguard your home against damage.
And of course, no home is immune to fires caused by faulty wiring, candles, or poor cooking skills.
To stay safe from fire, consider:
- Creating a firebreak, if possible, that prevents bushfires from coming close to your home
- Having a fire safety plan for exiting the house and getting to safety
- Ensuring your smoke alarms are functioning
- Having a working fire extinguisher somewhere easy to reach
Pest-free living
Wide open spaces attract wildlife, which can be beautiful to watch from your back deck. But, some wildlife – especially rodents, termites and insects – can cause significant damage to homes.
Here’s what you can do:
- Keep rubbish contained in bins with heavy lids, especially if you don’t have a council bin service.
- Remove rubbish that might attract wildlife and rodents from your home regularly.
- Trim back branches and bushes that touch your home and act as bridges for insects.
- If mosquitos are a problem, consider removing any ‘standing water’ such as bird feeders or water fountains.
- Get annual pest inspections to check for any invaders.
Having said all that, many semi-rural homes will stand for decades without ever having a run-in with rodents or pests. But, it always pays to be safe!
Modern acreage homes are solid structures
As a final thought, just remember that modern homes, built by quality builders, are much more resilient to damage caused by debris and pests than previous styles of homes. At Belvedere Living, we only use the highest quality materials to keep your home as safe as possible.
If you’re considering building a home on acreage, we’re able to help you create a home that’s more than just a building; it’s a lifestyle that lasts generations, withstands the elements and gives you and your family a place to call home for many years.
To explore the possibilities without any obligation, you can contact us or explore our luxury home designs. We’d be glad to help.
