Quiz: Does Your House Need Repairs?

By theadmin

The long days of summer are a great time for projects around the house. Does your home need any work? Take this quiz to find out.

Question 1.

Improper drainage during rain and storms can lead to unexpected water damage. Look up: How are your gutters?

a) Cluttered with leaves and debris.
b) Rickety and damaged.
c) Apparently our house does not have gutters.
d) Shipshape and clean.

Question 2.

A home starts with the proverbial roof over your head. And the actual roof over your head. While you’re looking at your gutters, check out up top. What do you see?

a) Some debris, and — yep — that’s a Frisbee.
b) Missing shingles.
c) Broken shingles.
d) A picture-perfect rooftop.

Question 3.

Your air conditioner is basically the difference between your house being tolerable to live in and you melting into a puddle. Is it up to the task?

a) It’s stuffed with leaves on the outside grilles and underneath.
b) It’s struggling with old or dirty air filters.
c) It sounds like we have a pet rhinoceros.
d) It’s quiet and efficient.

Question 4.

Kid-proofing your house can be a constant battle. Do you notice any of these?

a) A half-built tree house.
b) Old or rusted play equipment.
c) Swings that aren’t up to code.
d) Kids playing safely and happily.

Question 5.

Maybe you’re a lucky pool owner and have your own personal swimming hole to get you through heatwaves. Do you have any safety concerns?

a) Pool pump leaks and isn’t functioning smoothly.
b) Pool area is not completely fenced with a locking gate.
c) Crumbling or weathered concrete is begging to be tripped on.
d) Pool is looking five-star out there.

Question 6.

Take a walk around the house and look in through your windows. What do you see?

a) Loose weather stripping.
b) New cracks and chips in the glass.
c) Torn or broken screens.
d) Your windows look good, although you suddenly hate your couch cushions.

Question 7.

Take another walk around the house, this time checking out your fence. How’s it looking?

a) Posts are loose.
b) It’s missing slats.
c) It’s missing sections.
d) The neighbor’s dog will never get through it.

Question 8.

Plumbing rarely suffers summer stress, so now is an optimal time to check out the pipes. How are they faring?

a) Leaking in either sinks, toilets, or garden hoses.
b) Insufficiently insulated.
c) Where’s the Drano?
d) As efficient as the ancient Roman aqueducts. Only, you know, modern.

Question 9.

House fire incidents decrease in the summer, now that Christmas lights are packed away (hopefully) and the heat’s turned off. Now’s a good time to check your smoke alarms. What are they doing?

a) Emitting that weird, high-pitched beep because the batteries are low.
b) Emitting that weird, high-pitched beep for no reason.
c) Hiding. Where are the smoke alarms?
d) Testing appropriately for alarm sound.

Question 10.

If your home has a security system, you should check that periodically as well. How’s it working?

a) It isn’t activating correctly.
b) When activated, it isn’t transmitting correctly to the right people.
c) It might be working but we forget the code.
d) We all know how to use and set the alarm, and feel “safe as houses.”

Results

Mostly A’s.
A little light upkeep here and there may be in order. Nothing a little DIY can’t fix! Roll up your sleeves and you’ll get everything in perfect working order in no time.

Mostly B’s.
The normal wear and tear of the year may be showing in a few places, but this is the perfect time to do something about it. Figure out what you can fix on your own and what might need the help of a professional. It’s all in a day’s work.

Mostly C’s.
Call in the professionals if you notice anything that’s a safety concern in or outside of your home. In the meantime, review safety and upkeep measures with your family so you can stay protected throughout the year.

Mostly D’s.
You’re in good shape! Set up a time to meet with your Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent to make sure your policy’s shipshape too.