Sunday, December 28, 2008
Category:
Home Improvements
The Norwich Union recently reported key diary dates for the year ahead. The dates target homes and cars and are based on claims data from 1998 – 2007.
Supposedly, January 2nd is the pits when it comes to household water leaks. Washing machines, baths and showers are typical offenders. Car accident claims also increase in the month of January, with an average increase of 25%.
Once spring starts to arrive, evenings become lighter and so garden thefts rise. Once the clocks go forward, thefts outside homes rise by over 25%. Thieves typically target bikes, lawnmowers, garden tools and children’s toys and the average claim totals around £850. May Day bank holiday brings its share of troubles with accidental damage in and around the house increasing. Children are the main culprits spilling drinks, slipping on toys and damaging computers.
During summer months, fire claims increase as the sunshine comes out and people get into the spirit of barbecuing. Bike owners are encouraged not to leave expensive cycles on the lawn as thefts increase during the light evenings.
As for dangers inside the home, the likelihood of water leaks increases over the summer months. Increased use of showers, baths and air conditioning units put pressure on leaky hot spots. Furthermore, plastic pipes are increasingly likely to break as the temperature rises.
Later on in the year, as the clocks go back, burglary rates by 5% in the week after the clocks go back compared to the week before. The worst day of the year for malicious damage to homes is Halloween. As for burglary, November 5th is the worst day of the year.
Homeowners who are considering carrying out home improvements to increase security in their home, such as fitting new windows and outer doors, and who are looking for the finances to do this, could consider taking out a secured loan. A secured loan could not only help pay for new windows and doors, but could also be used to improve security outside your actual house. For example securing sheds and fences may also be considered as part of a household security overhaul.
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A secured loan could also be considered for homeowners wanting to take advantage of the good summer weather in order to carry out vital
home improvements such as redoing plumbing and heating ready for the colder winter months. Secured loans can usually be repaid over a term to suit the borrower from 5 to 25 years, it is however important to remember that repaying borrowing over a longer term may increase overall interest charges.
