Having a comprehensive home inventory is one of the most important home safety and security measures you can take.  It provides you with peace of mind that you can more easily recover from a loss.  It also means that you are far more likely to get the settlement you deserve from the claim because you can prove ownership of all items with pictures and details.

We believe so strongly in the value of a home inventory, that we will even consult with you on how to do it yourself if you don't wish to engage a third party.  However, it has been our experience that homeowners fail to start, or much-less complete, the inventory when they do it themselves.  The process can be daunting, and there is a likelihood that objects and belongings will be missed or omitted.

For that reason, I wanted to offer you some tips on items to capture that you probably wouldn't even think to catalog if you were to perform your own home inventory.

1. First edition and autographed books:  Writing down the title or taking a picture of the cover will only get you a replacement for a newer version and non-autographed copy.  It is important to take a picture of the autograph and if a first edition, the copyright page.

2. Under the sinks:  Those cleaning supplies, laundry detergents, paper towels and even the garbage can have value.  Take pictures of the objects in every cabinet, including the ones under the kitchen sink and  bathroom vanities.

3. The pantry:  This one is almost always missed by homeowners in a self performed inventory.  Food must be replaced after a fire, even if it is not physically damaged.  You may have higher value, all organic spices or special cuisine that carries a higher value.  You will need to prove that the food you claim is special so that you are not offered a lesser replacement value.

4. Under the bed:  Don't forget to photograph those items you store under the bed.

5. Drawers: Perhaps the one place in the home that most confounds homeowners in their self performed inventory is what exactly to document in the drawers.  The answer is simple:  absolutely everything.  Open each drawer and take a high resolution picture.  If you ever have to file a claim, you will want to show proof of every pen, pencil, gem clip and envelope you own.  Again, they all require money to replace, and that is the purpose of your homeowners insurance.

6. Attic: We store items in the attic and often forget about them.  Make sure they are documented in your inventory.

7. Garage: We keep tons of items in our garages and they all need to be accounted for in an inventory.  Often overlooked is photographic evidence of valuables such as hand held tools, electric and gas powered tools, riding lawnmowers and that collection of nails, screws, washers, tacks and picture hangers that you likely have.  Very importantly, take the time to photograph the antique or vintage tools in more detail.  They are more expensive to replace.

8. Closets:  Wardrobes are often missed in an inventory.  It is very important that capture details on articles of clothing or accessories that carry above-average value.  For example, designer clothing, shoes, belts, scarves and ties are all expensive to replace.  If you can't prove you owned a Chanel suit or a pair of Loubitin shoes, you may not be able to get the full replacement value of those items.

9. The yard:  You will need to document landscaping materials that carry special value.  A great example if all of the plants and trees added after a curbside makeover.  In the event of a fire, the fire fighting equipment will likely damage plantings, or in the case of a flood, the entire yard may be destroyed.  Pictures will prove that you owned multiple Japanese Maples that carry a higher replacement value than a standard maple tree.

10. Storage:  We all have containers of storage, from antique silver and wedding china to clothing and accessories.  Make sure these are photographed.  Out of sight is out of mind, and in a claim, you are less likely to recall the contents in storage.

We are always happy to help guide you if you prefer to do your own inventory.  Just give us a call at (404) 835-7700 to discuss.  If an unbiased, third-party, comprehensive inventory better suits your need, we would be honored to serve as your home inventory company of choice.

Almost every 15 seconds at least one home in America becomes the victim of a burglary according to the US Department of Justice.  In these tough economic times, crime, including home burglary, has been on the rise. Once-safe neighborhoods have become targets of home break-ins, especially due to the increase in empty homes as a result of the sharp increase in foreclosures.  That means every home owner should take extra precautions to ensure they don’t fall prey to a burglar.  Check out the tips below and consider if your home is burglar resistant!

Make your house unappealing
• Keep your trees, bushes, and hedges trimmed to thieves can't hide out
• Add lighting to all outside entrances around your house so burglars can’t easily hide
• Keep your window coverings closed when you’re not home.  That way they can’t see hot items such as TVs, blu-rays, 
  etc.
• When you buy new items, such as a new TV, don’t leave the empty box where anyone can see it.  Keep it inside until 
  garbage day.
• If you park your car in your drive way, don’t leave your garage door opener inside the car.

Make it difficult for even a skilled burglar to get in
• Install an alarm system.  With so many alarm companies around, make sure to check with the Better Business Bureau 
  before making your final decision.
• Install window film on all vulnerable windows, such as those next to door handles.
• Get to know your neighbors!  Helpful neighbors are a great defense if they see something suspicious at your house
  while you are not at home.

Don’t make their job any easier if they break in
• Keep valuables, such as jewelry and family heirlooms, in a secure place, not lying around.  
• Take a personal home inventory. By keeping a record of all the items in your home, you're prepared should you have  
  to file a homeowners claim.  And if you include serial numbers in your report, you actually make it harder for thieves to 
   sell stolen goods on the black market.  

Since the launch of the iPhone and hundreds of other smart phones, our phones, and the apps we download to them, have certainly changed the way we do so many things in our lives.  Whether you want to know how to say something in German, you need a flashlight, or you want to try a new recipe for dinner, there’s an app for that! 

This also holds true for the task of taking a home inventory.  There are a variety of iPhone and Android apps available to assist you in taking an inventory of all the possessions in your home.  But is creating a home inventory using a cell phone app going to create the inventory you need?  Well, that depends.

Are you confident an app can properly classify the unique, high-valued items in your home?
Home inventory apps usually include pre-set categories that allow you to select a category and then type into the phone what you own and where it is located.  If you own a collection of antique glass bottles, is it okay to classify them as a glass vase in the event the app doesn’t off the correct category?  Unfortunately, classifying an antique bottle as a glass vase could mean a difference in value of hundreds or even thousands of dollars.  If you own antiques, paintings, special wines or other specific items of value, a home inventory app may not provide you the detail or accuracy you need.

Do you have hours, or maybe even a day or two, to use your app to create your home inventory?
Recording all of your possessions, from your kitchen appliances to your shoes and belts, can be a daunting task.  Are you going to take the time to use the downloaded app?  Walking through your house and recording each item on your phone could take hours you might not be willing to give up. 

Are you confident in the security of the app’s server?
Home inventory apps often allow the user to upload the information they enter into the app to the app’s server where it is stored in the event it is needed in the future.  Storing your inventory in a secure place is essential in the event the file is lost due to fire, burglary or it is simply misplaced. But how secure are the servers where your information is to be stored?  What kind of security systems do they have in place? 

If you answered “no” to one or more of the answers above, you probably need more than just an app.  Hiring a certified Home Inventory Professional (HIP) offers a personalized, secure service that can be completed in a few hours.  What’s Under Your Roof?’s HIPs are trained to pay special attention to any and all high-valued and unique items in each home to ensure everything is properly recorded, classified, and valued.  Additionally, because our HIPs specialize in home inventories, they can create your personalized home inventory after spending a few hours in your home.  And in the event of a claim, providing an inventory created by a third-party may help substantiate your claim.  Finally, we maintain the utmost integrity and have taken specific measures to ensure the safety of your home inventory portfolio. 

However you decide to take your home inventory, don’t wait another day.  You never know when you might need it!

~Mika Moris, Marketing Director, What's Under Your Roof? 

Spring is in full swing, warm weather has arrived, children are restlessly awaiting the last day of school...it must be May!  The month of May has been named Home Inventory Awareness Month by The Inventory Institute.  

A recent study by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) revealed that 59% of consumers have not made a list or taken an inventory of their possessions.  The study also stated that “of those individuals with a home inventory, 48 percent do not have receipts; 27 percent do not have photos of their property; and 28 percent do not have a back-up copy of the inventory outside the home. Additionally, 59 percent of people with inventories have not updated their inventories in more than a year, meaning new purchases and gifts may not be covered.”

This study proves just how important Home Inventory Awareness Month is for consumers!  “All renters and homeowners should develop a home inventory, and this is especially important for established families with years' worth of family possessions,” said Kevin M. McCarty, NAIC President and Florida Insurance Commissioner. “Whether it is electronics, furnishings, collectibles, jewelry or clothing, families need to know what they own and how much it's worth.” 

Top Reasons You Need a Home Inventory

1. It’s one of the best ways to ensure you have the right amount of homeowners or renters insurance for your family and your small business.
2. In the event of a disaster or burglary, your insurance company will ask you to provide a list of everything you lost.  A complete and accurate home inventory can cut the time required to complete your claim from months down to as little as 36 hours!  A third-party inventory can also save you thousands of dollars on your claim by ensuring everything is included.
   

May is the perfect time to take inventory of your home or contact us to take care of it for you. Make sure you, your family, and your small business have the protection you need.

As I was flipping through the channels a few months ago, I happened across a show called “Storage Wars”.  I was quickly intrigued by this real-life show that follows buyers of repossessed storage units.  Each episode reveals that while many units filled with items of little value, other are filled with items valued at thousands, and even tens of thousands, of dollars. 

According to the Self Storage Association, nearly 1 in 10 households in America currently rent a storage unit, an increase of 65% in the last 15 years.  That’s a lot of stuff in storage!  But I wonder how many households can actually remember all of the items in their storage unit.  As the saying goes, “out of sight, out of mind”. 

However, should your unit be hit by a disaster such as a flood, tornado, or fire, or should a burglary occur, it would be very difficult to recover anything you are unable to list for the insurance claim.  For this reason, anyone planning to rent a storage unit should take a full inventory of the items prior to storing the items.  If you already rent a storage unit, head over to your unit and take a full inventory or your stored items right away.  The inventory should include a list of each item as well as pictures of the items, warranty information, serial numbers, and receipts when possible. 

If making a detailed list seems overwhelming or if you just don’t have the time, let one of our home inventory professionals help you out! 

~Mika Moris, Marketing Director, What's Under Your Roof?

Have  you ever considered just how many towels and sets of sheets you have in your linen closet.  Have you calculated how much it would cost to replace them? Have you ever documented the antiques or artwork in your home?  We all accumulate possessions and it can be surprising how much “stuff” we have.  Should something happen to your home, such as a natural disaster, a fire, or a burglary, can you make a list of everything that is missing?

That’s where a home inventory comes in.  A home inventory is a detailed list, most frequently including photographs, of all of the personal property in and around your home.  The more details, including purchase price, warranty information, and serial numbers, your home inventory captures, the better!  Home inventories should also include pictures of landscaping and any possessions not in your home, such as the contents of your storage unit. 

Now that you understand what a home inventory is, you may be asking yourself whether or not you need one.  If you are a homeowner, renter, or small business owner, you definitely need one!  There are a variety of reasons you should have a home inventory.

1.      To be prepared in the event of a disaster

Should you have to file an insurance claim as a result of a disaster or burglary, your insurance company will ask you to provide a list of everything you lost.  Can you remember everything in your home, or even a portion of your home, without looking?  Having a complete and comprehensive home inventory report prepared by a third party will save you thousands of dollars, hundreds of hours, and immeasurable anxiety should you ever need to file an insurance claim.  Whether the cause is burglary, natural disaster or fire, our home inventory service will provide you with confidence and peace of mind that your insurance policy will work for you.

Home inventories are also a great measuring stick for your insurance coverage.  With a home inventory in hand, you and your insurance agent can review your current coverage and make sure you have not only enough coverage, but also the correct coverage, for your home and its contents.

2.      For estate planning purposes

Taking inventory while dealing with a personal loss can be overwhelming.  Planning ahead and preparing a complete inventory makes estate planning easier and helps to make certain that the estate owner’s wishes are fulfilled during a settlement and makes the distribution of assets, especially those with sentimental value, much less difficult.  

3.      For pre-nuptial or divorce settlements

Whether you are beginning or ending a marriage, a home and/or small business inventory helps provide the physical asset value of your possessions. An inventory also provides peace of mind to adult children of parents who remarry to help ensure their inheritance is protected.

4.      When preparing for a move

Items are often damaged or lost during a move, whether you are moving down the street or across the country.  How can you prove to your moving company that you owned a set of golf clubs that didn’t show up at your new house? Completing a full inventory prior to a move can be a great asset should you need to file a claim with your moving company. 

If you identified with one of the items above, don’t wait any longer!  Contact us today for a free consultation. 

This is probably one of the first questions that goes through your mind after learning what a home inventory is and realizing that you need one!  Although there are a variety of ways inventory professionals charge for their service, the most common method, which we use, is by the square foot. 

We offer two different packages, both with a different price per square foot as each offers a different level of detail.  Our Basic Package includes a photographic documentation of your home and the items in your home and two years of free online storage for your home inventory.  Our Comprehensive Package includes photography, detailed descriptions including serial numbers, warranty information, etc, a printed inventory portfolio, and two years of free online storage. 

As with any professional service, pricing and pricing methods will vary.  Whatever the price may be, it is important to fully discuss the entire process with your local home inventory professional.  A good home inventory profession will be transparent about pricing from the beginning so that there is absolutely no confusion.

We would be happy to provide you with a no obligation, free consultation to review your needs and provide you with a price for your specific home.

You might be asking yourself, “is Valentine’s Day here again already?” Well, yes, it is almost here, and if you are asking yourself that question then you probably aren’t yet prepared.  But don’t worry—we’re here to help ensure that you conquer Valentine’s Day, and your special someone’s heart, this year.

Let’s face it. To women, Valentine’s Day is a big deal.  So whether you like it or not, if there is a special woman in your life, it needs to be a big deal to you, too!  Below are a few tips to help you be a hero on this very special day.

Send Flowers
Yes, it’s cliché.  But women love flowers.  So go ahead and try an old faithful, but make sure you put your heart into it.  Running by the grocery store on your way home from work on Valentine’s Day will not suffice.  Pick up the phone or hop online and order a fantastic, beautiful bouquet of roses in a fabulous color that match your significant other’s personality.  On a tight budget?  Purchase a number of flowers that are significant to you as a couple.  For example, if you have been married three years, buy her three roses.  Or choose one of a variety of flower that reminds you of a specific characteristic of her that you find enchanting.  If you put some thought into choosing the flowers she will notice.  Trust me.

Make a Plan
Women love to know that you took the time to think about what they like and plan something special for them.  If your special someone loves the symphony, take her to the best show in town.  If she prefers to be at home, be daring and cook her a fabulous meal or order take out from her favorite restaurant, and serve it by candle light.  Other great ideas include a couples massage, taking her to try something she has always wanted to try (like ice skating), dining at the restaurant where you had your first date, or sweep  her away on a weekend escape to the mountains.  Whatever you choose, just remember that making her feel special by planning every detail just for her is essential.  

Focus on Her
This one may be the hardest, but while celebrating Valentine’s Day maker her your focus, not your phone.  Don’t just turn it on vibrate!  Turn it off so that no emails, phone calls, or text messages can distract you from focusing on her. 

No matter what your budget or how extreme you choose to go, following these simple steps will be sure to please.  Remember that it is all for her, the one you love.  Enjoy your Valentine’s Day!

Not everything you think or have heard about home inventories may be true. In fact, you may believe several of the many myths about home inventories, which might be putting your personal possessions at risk.  Check out our list of the five top home inventory myths and learn the truth about each one from a home inventory professional. 

1.My insurance company will take care of me.  If you have homeowners or renters insurance on your house, you will likely be reimbursed for what was lost or destroyed...to an extent.  If you cannot prove exactly what was lost or destroyed you may be reimbursed for substantially less or nothing at all.

2. I'll remember what I lost. Sure, you'll remember some of the items you lost such as TVs, large furniture, or jewelry, but there are likely thousands of dollars in other belongings that might never cross your mind.

3. There's an app for that. In today’s electronic culture, there seems to be an “app” for everything.  However, an “app” can never replace a qualified inventory professional trained to create a personalized, complete inventory tailored to your specific needs.  For something as important as a home inventory, you need something much more substantial than an app on a phone.

4. Home inventories are expensive. As with any quality service, there is a cost associated with a home inventory.  However, the cost of a home inventory is only a fraction of what you could potentially lose if you are unable to properly file a complete claim. A home inventory is insurance for your insurance—an investment you cannot afford to overlook in order to properly protect your home and your family.   

5. I can just do it myself. If you have a piece of paper, a digital camera, and a video camera, you can certainly go from room to room writing down information and taking pictures and video of everything you see. Unfortunately, there are items within your house that you may never think to inventory. Did you check the pantry stocked with $100 worth of canned goods?  What about the utensils in kitchen drawers or the cleaning supplies under the bathroom sink? Hiring a professional will not only save you the hassle of figuring out what to inventory; it will also give you peace of mind knowing that you are in the hands of a qualified third-party professional who will vouch for you if you need to file a claim.



Source: Martin, Patrick. "Top Five Home Inventory Myths." steadfasthomeinventory.com. 17 June 2011. http://www.steadfasthomeinventory.com/home-inventory-blog/bid/57383/Top-Five-Home-Inventory-Myths

The holidays are a time to celebrate the joys of the season with families and friends and are often filled with parties and travel.  Yet it is also a time when home dangers are amplified due to burglaries and fires, among others.  As you plan and prepare your holiday festivities, don’t forget to take time to make sure your home is safe.  Here’s how:    

Burglaries
Police confirm that the number of burglaries increase over the holidays because of the presents typically sitting under a tree or around the home.  The FBI reports that almost 400,000 burglaries occur during November and December a number that is sure to increase this year due to the current state of our economy.  You can take some specific steps to make sure your home doesn’t fall victim this holiday season.  

• Double-check that your doors and windows are locked anytime you are gone, whether for a few minutes or several days. 
• Don’t display large holiday gifts where they are viewable through windows or doors.
• Don’t post your travels on social media such as Facebook or Twitter until after your return.
• Ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway while you are away.
• Stop your mail and newspaper delivery or arrange for a neighbor to pick them up for you.
• Set an automatic timer for indoor and outdoor lights when traveling.

Fires
Heating and cooking are the leading causes of home fires during the month of December, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).  The occurrences of cooking fires routinely begin to increase around Thanksgiving and reach their peak in December.  In fact, most cooking fires occur on Christmas Day.  However, there are other potential hazards that should be avoided relating to decorations and other holiday season activities.  The USFA suggests that following precautionary, and perhaps life-saving, tips to help you greatly reduce your chance of becoming a holiday fire casualty.

Preventing Christmas Tree Fires

• Christmas Tree Fire Hazards
  Christmas trees account for hundreds of fires each year. Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live tree in the house. A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly gases.
• Selecting a Tree for the Holiday
  Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
• Caring for Your Tree
  Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
• Disposing of Your Tree
  Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

Holiday Lights

• Maintain Your Holiday Lights
  Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
• Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets
  Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch.
• Do Not Leave Holiday Lights On Unattended

Holiday Decorations

• Use Only Nonflammable Decorations
  All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
• Never Put Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace
  It can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers and may result in a chimney fire.
• Artificial Christmas Trees
  If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.

Candle Care

• Avoid Using Lit Candles
  If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.
• Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree
  Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame - candles, lighters or matches.

Of course, as with any time of year, make sure you have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home.  Now is a great time to test them, clean them, and replace the batteries.  And remember to practice your home escape plan or create one for your family if you do not already have one. 

Be safe and enjoy this holiday season!