How to Choose the Right Window Replacement for Your Home

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If a window is broken or cracked, it’s important to replace it quickly. This will prevent water damage, mold and pests from entering your home, as well as save you money on future repairs.

Window Replacement

Your budget will also influence what type of window you choose. The most popular option is pocket replacement windows, which fit inside the existing frames without modifying your house’s structure. Reach out to Window Replacement Foxboro MA for expert assistance.

Cost

According to the Department of Energy, a typical home loses 30 percent of its heating and cooling energy through windows. Replacing old, inefficient windows with new Energy Star-certified replacements can drastically cut utility bills and add value to a home. However, the cost of window replacement can vary considerably, depending on the style, size and features selected.

The most obvious factor that impacts the cost of window replacement is the chosen frame material. Vinyl, aluminum and fiberglass frames are less expensive than wood and composite frames, but may not insulate as well.

If a homeowner wants to retain the existing window casing and trim, they can choose insert windows. Also known as frame-in-frame replacement or pocket windows, this option allows the new window to be installed without removing the existing interior and exterior casings. However, the existing sash, operating hardware and covers are removed and replaced with new components. This type of installation is less costly than a full-frame replacement, but the resulting windows cannot be as efficient as those with a new frame.

Another important factor that affects the cost of window replacement is the chosen type of window. New construction windows, which are attached to the studs in the wall rather than a casing, provide the best insulation and strongest seal. They also offer the widest selection of design options. However, they are generally more expensive than replacement windows.

A final factor that influences the cost of window replacement is whether a building permit is required. Many counties require permits and minimum energy efficiency standards for window installation, which can add to project costs.

Once the frame and sash are replaced, the finishing touches such as trim, shutters and doorknobs will need to be added. While these finishing touches are not essential to the function of a window, they can improve its appearance and increase the home’s resale value.

Many companies offering window replacement offer financing, which can help offset the cost of a window upgrade. If homeowners have enough equity in their homes, they can also consider a home equity loan to pay for the project.

Energy Efficiency

Many window replacement companies make it sound like you can recoup the costs of your new windows through energy savings. This is a legitimate argument, but it’s important to consider other factors as well. For instance, the cost of energy efficient windows will vary depending on the type of windows and their specific features.

The best way to determine the energy efficiency of your windows is by looking at their performance ratings. Energy Star offers a rating system for windows that can help you compare products and determine which ones are the most efficient. A window’s glass package is the most important factor in determining its energy efficiency. Look for low emissivity coatings and double- or triple-paned glass. Additionally, argon or krypton gas may be injected between the panes to help reduce heat transfer and conserve energy.

Another factor that can influence the energy efficiency of a window is its frame material. Aluminum frames conduct hot and cold air easily, whereas vinyl or fiberglass frames are better insulators. Additionally, some window manufacturers offer a wide range of insulated frames to help increase the energy efficiency of your home.

Aside from reducing your heating and cooling bills, replacing old windows can improve your home’s comfort, curb appeal, and value. If your windows are old and drafty, or have visible damage or rot, it’s likely that they’re not providing adequate insulation. In addition, windows that don’t open and close properly can let in water, dirt, and snow, which can lead to rotting wood and mildew.

While installing new windows can be a major investment, it’s worth it in the long run. In fact, a window-replacement project was one of the top eight projects that homeowners can do to add the most to their homes’ resale value.

Moreover, you can usually save money by replacing multiple windows at once. Installers typically charge a lower rate per window when they’re doing full-frame replacement, and matching window sets are more appealing to potential buyers. You can also explore your state’s energy incentives, which can further reduce the upfront cost of the project.

Style

When choosing replacement windows, it is important to consider the style that best fits your home’s design. There are many options available, including single or double-hung windows, sliding windows, awning windows, bay and bow windows, and more. In addition to style, it’s important to choose a window frame material that will be durable and withstand years of use. Vinyl, fiberglass, and wood are all common frame materials. Each offers unique benefits. Vinyl is affordable, low maintenance, and energy efficient, while wood frames are more aesthetically pleasing and offer greater durability.

If your existing window is in poor condition, full-frame replacement may be the right option. The underlying frame, trim, siding, and interior drywall are all susceptible to damage from rot and insects. This type of repair can be expensive, but it is often the best solution when the frame itself is compromised.

Another consideration is whether to replace the entire window or add an extension. For example, an older single-hung window can be replaced with a new double-hung window that allows the lower sash to open and tilts out for easy cleaning. The same can be done with a picture window that becomes a bay or bow window.

The installation process for either option will depend on the shape and size of the existing window frame. An insert replacement is ideal if you are happy with the size, shape, and operating style of the existing window, and it is still structurally sound.

New construction windows are installed in new homes or when an addition is added to a house. They come with a nail fin frame and are nailed into the studs of your home. This type of installation requires the removal of exterior siding, touch-up painting of interior drywall around the window, and sometimes wider trim installation.

A hybrid window, which is a mixture of aluminum-extrusion cladding and wood details, is an alternative to full-frame windows in new construction and additions. It gives the look of wood on the inside, which is a popular style choice in newer homes, and it has the resilience and durability of aluminum on the outside.

Warranty

When buying a replacement window, the warranty is an important factor to consider. A strong warranty offers reassurance that the product will last for a long time and protects you from unexpected repairs. However, not all warranties are created equal. There are different lengths of coverage, as well as specific types of defects that are covered by each warranty type. This makes it essential to read a window warranty carefully, as some may have exclusions that will limit your coverage or make it invalid.

Generally, window warranties are divided into lifetime warranties, limited lifetime warranties, and timeframe warranties. A lifetime warranty will cover windows for as long as the manufacturer determines they can be maintained at maximum quality, while a limited warranty will only offer coverage for certain parts or specific defects. A timeframe warranty will usually expire after a specified number of years, meaning you’ll have to pay out of pocket for any repairs after that point.

Another thing to look for is whether or not the warranty includes labor costs for any future repairs or replacements. If you’re replacing your windows, a good warranty will also guarantee that the installation is done right. This is especially important if you’re opting for more energy-efficient windows that require installation and additional materials to function properly.

Additionally, it’s important to ensure the window warranty is transferable to any subsequent homeowners. If you plan on selling your home in the future, having a transferable warranty will attract potential buyers and ensure that anyone who buys your house will be protected by the same warranty terms you did.

A final tip when shopping for replacement windows is to always check the company’s reputation and reliability. Choosing an established and trustworthy company will allow you to trust that your windows will be installed correctly, and if any issues arise, they’ll be taken care of quickly and efficiently. A great way to do this is by reading online reviews of the company and checking out their website. A reputable company will be proud of their work and will have plenty of positive customer feedback to share.

Important Estate Planning Documents For Your Family

by Posted in Financial Advisor Tagged , , , , ,

The Estate Planning process can seem daunting, but it is necessary for all families. Without a plan, family members can easily get into arguments after your death over the assets you leave behind, from cash to sentimental objects.

Even for those with small estates, a good plan helps avoid probate, which can be costly and public. It also ensures that beneficiary designations on insurance policies and retirement accounts reflect your wishes.

Powers of attorney are an important part of estate planning. They allow you to give a trusted individual the power to act on your behalf in financial, legal, and healthcare matters when you are not able to do so yourself. The person you choose is your agent or attorney-in-fact, and they will have the authority to do almost anything with your money, property, and assets. They can invest your money, buy and sell property, hire and fire employees, and make health care decisions on your behalf. However, you can limit their powers if you want to protect yourself from the possibility of a conflict of interest.

One common type of POA is called a “springing POA.” It only grants your agent power to act on your behalf if a specific condition is met, typically that you have lost capacity. It is a popular option amongst people going through the estate-planning process because it allows you to have a document in place, but it only goes into effect when needed.

The other type of POA is a durable POA, which automatically gives your agent the power to act on your behalf even if you become incapacitated. Most states presume that a power of attorney is a durable POA unless you specifically state otherwise.

When choosing an agent, it is important to select someone who is trustworthy and will be able to handle your finances responsibly. Many people choose a family member or close friend, but this is not always a good idea depending on your circumstances. Family members can be tempted to use their power in self-serving ways and can cause disputes within the family. It is better to select an independent, trustworthy, longtime friend to serve as your agent.

Once your power of attorney is drafted and executed, it should be kept in a safe place with all your other estate planning documents. You should review it regularly to ensure that the document remains current. It is also a good idea to have your agent sign the document again at least every few years.

Health Care Directives

A health care directive is a written document that explains an individual’s medical preferences and indicates who will make healthcare decisions for them when they cannot speak for themselves. Also known as an advance healthcare directive, healthcare declaration or directive to physicians, this is one of the most important estate planning documents you can complete.

While it may seem like a difficult subject to discuss, talking about and preparing your healthcare directive is an essential part of your overall estate plan. It can save your family the emotional burden of making these critical decisions for you and help ensure that your medical treatment preferences are honored.

Depending on your state, an advance healthcare directive can include a living will, durable power of attorney for health care or a do not resuscitate (DNR) order. While you are free to use any type of health care directive form you wish, many people choose to create a combination of documents that best suit their specific needs and circumstances.

In addition to appointing a health care agent, a health care directive will generally list your medical treatment preferences, such as being kept alive on machines or being given nutrition through a tube, and specify which types of life-sustaining treatments you do and do not want. It will also typically note which relatives you would prefer your doctors to contact in the event of an emergency, along with a brief statement of your religious beliefs.

It is important to keep in mind that your healthcare directive will only take effect if you are unable to communicate your own wishes due to illness or injury. It is a good idea to review your documents from time to time, and to keep them with you in case of unexpected events. You can also revoke your health care directive or change the person you have designated as your healthcare agent at any time.

While a lawyer is not required to create advance healthcare directives, you should consult with someone familiar with these issues. Your financial advisor and an estate planning attorney are both good resources. They will be able to provide you with information about the different forms and documents available in your state, as well as referrals to local attorneys who can assist you.

Trusts

Trusts might sound intimidating and conjure visions of contentious family gatherings in oak-paneled attorney’s offices after the death of a patriarch or matriarch. But they’re useful estate planning tools for families of all sizes and income levels. In fact, they can help you avoid probate—a time-consuming and expensive process—and they may reduce your taxes, too.

Essentially, trusts are fiduciary arrangements that specify how financial assets and real property will be distributed. They can be arranged in a variety of ways to accomplish many different goals, including avoiding probate, providing for special needs or simply minimizing estate taxes. They can also provide greater flexibility and control over the distribution of your assets, such as giving them to specific individuals, spreading them out over time or allowing them to be used for certain purposes, like education, without incurring gift or estate taxes.

There are a couple of general types of trusts: revocable and irrevocable. A revocable trust can be amended and revoked during your lifetime, while an irrevocable trust cannot. While there are pros and cons to both, revocable trusts are the more popular option for most people. They can be less costly, easier to set up and can preserve your privacy. They can also help you qualify for Medicaid in your later years and provide protection from creditors and lawsuits.

However, they don’t necessarily offer the same protection from lawsuits as an irrevocable trust does. Moreover, revocable trusts may expose your assets to tax liabilities—and while there are ways to minimize the impact of these liabilities, they can require more careful planning.

Once you decide which assets you want to put in a trust, your trusted advisor can work with you to transfer and retitle them. The cost of this can vary based on the type and value of the assets, as well as state law. In addition, you’ll need to change the beneficiary designations on those assets. While this can be done yourself, it’s usually best to leave this task to an experienced professional to avoid potential mistakes that could cost your loved ones dearly down the road.

Beneficiary Designation

Beneficiary designation is a process used on specific financial accounts and assets, such as life insurance policies and transferable on death (POD) or payable on death (TOD) bank and brokerage accounts, to designate who will inherit those assets upon the owner’s death. It bypasses probate and allows owners to specify who will receive their assets, independently of the terms of a will or other estate planning documents.

Assets with designated beneficiaries can generally be distributed much faster than those governed by a will, which must pass through the probate process. This can help reduce legal fees and time spent settling an estate, which can save heirs money. Additionally, certain designations can provide tax benefits that may benefit the heirs.

While beneficiary designations are not the only estate planning tool, they can be an important part of a comprehensive plan. It is important to review the beneficiary designations for all your accounts, especially after major life events like divorce, remarriage and the birth of children or grandchildren.

It is also important to consider whether your estate planning goals are best served by including a trust or other entity as the beneficiary of certain assets. This can help minimize taxes and protect heirs from creditors.

Although some people choose to name their spouse, children, parents and other loved ones as their beneficiaries, it is important to consult with a knowledgeable attorney to ensure that the proper precautions are taken. This is particularly true when naming minors as beneficiaries, as the laws regarding this can be quite complex and must be followed strictly.

Another common mistake is failing to update beneficiary designations as circumstances change. This can cause delays or result in assets being allocated to unintended recipients. This is why it is important to keep beneficiary designations updated, preferably on a regular basis.

It is also important to understand the criteria for contesting a beneficiary designation. In order to successfully challenge a beneficiary designation, there must be some form of wrongdoing that can be proved, such as fraud or undue influence.

The Link Between Poor Sanitation and Pest Infestations

by Posted in Pest Control Tagged , , , ,

Pests are organisms that damage or disrupt natural or artificial environments. Control methods aim to reduce their numbers below damaging levels.

Signs of a pest problem include seeing the pests themselves or finding rice-grain-sized droppings in places like cupboards and drawers. They also leave distinctive musky odors and gnaw on wires, wood, food, and clothing. Contact Pest Control Malibu now!

Identifying pests is the first step to determining the need for pest control. This can be done by examining the pest itself, monitoring for damage caused by the pest, or looking at environmental conditions that may affect the population of the pest.

Insects and rodents are expert at hiding, so it can be difficult to spot the signs of a problem until it’s too lallows oneecked, pests can cause serious damage to your home or business and pose a health hazard for the people living inside it. By learning to recognize the top ten warning signs of a pest infestation, you can act quickly to prevent or eradicate them.

The early detection of pests can save you time and money. The most obvious signs of a pest problem are droppings, gnaw marks, and chewed wood. In addition, pests can leave behind odors and stains that you may be able to detect by sniffing. Rodents, for example, leave a urine odor that can be easily detected in areas such as kitchens and basements. Moreover, they leave smear marks and smudges on surfaces as they move through an area.

Other common signs of a pest problem include soiled carpeting, contaminated food, and greasy marks on walls or baseboards. Many pests also cause structural damage by chewing through wires and causing holes in walls and floors.

Some pests can be identified by observing the physical appearance of the pest itself or by comparing its characteristics to those in a pest identification guide. Using these guides can help you determine which pest control method is best for the situation.

The Museums Victoria Pest Identification Service provides a free service to help identify pests. You can send pictures or actual specimens to the service and an entomologist will analyze them and contact you with a pest identification result and suggestions for treatment. This service can be used to identify insects, insect-like organisms, mollusks, and vertebrates. In addition, the entomologists can also identify weeds by analyzing samples of them. Identifying a weed is important because it helps you determine which cultural practices or invasive species management methods to employ for its control.

Prevention

The first step in pest control is prevention, which means keeping pests from becoming a problem. This can be accomplished by preventing them from entering the environment and/or removing them before they cause damage. Prevention is also about minimizing the amount of pesticide used. Pesticides are designed to kill pests, but they can also harm other organisms such as birds, bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. To avoid this, it is important to select and use the correct type and application of pesticide for each situation.

Prevention is usually a combination of tactics, including exclusion, repulsion, physical removal and sanitation. Sanitation practices help prevent pests by reducing their access to food, water and shelter. This includes proper garbage disposal, frequent recycling and trash pickup, and eliminating harborage areas. Sanitation also helps reduce the spread of pests between locations, for example by ensuring that soil is free of debris and crop residue before moving equipment or seeds to another field.

Physical controls include traps, screens, barriers, fences, and nets. Other mechanical methods, such as heat and radiation, may be used to alter the environment and discourage pests. In some cases, natural enemies of the pest, such as predators, parasitoids and disease pathogens, can be introduced to suppress them.

A number of plant species, such as dill, cilantro and mint, are naturally pest-repelling and can be used to repel pests from gardens and culinary uses. Some woody plants, such as juniper and arborvitae, are also naturally pest-repelling and can be planted around structures to provide shade and deter pests.

Many pests are cyclical and require regular or periodic control. It is often not cost effective to control a cyclical pest that can be prevented or controlled by other means. The decision to control a pest should always be based on the economic value of the damage caused by the pest and the cost of controlling the pest population to an acceptable level. For instance, the presence of a single cockroach or mouse in a home should not be considered a pest if the damage is minimal and can be tolerated.

Suppression

A pest is a plant or animal that spoils crops, food, or living spaces. Pests also spread diseases and damage buildings and other structures. Pest control attempts to reduce their numbers and harm by using exclusion, isolation, quarantine, repulsion, physical removal, or chemicals. It is important to note that it is only reasonable to try to control a pest when its numbers or harm exceed an acceptable level. Ideally, the pests should be controlled in ways that do not damage anything else.

There are a number of things that can be done to discourage pests from coming into homes or businesses, especially in NYC. Keeping things clean can help to deter them, as well as making sure that all foods are kept in sealed containers and not exposed at all times. It is also a good idea to keep garbage bins properly closed and to remove them frequently. Sealing cracks and caulking windows can also be helpful to prevent pests from entering.

The weather can have an impact on pests as well. Rain, freezing temperatures, and drought can affect their populations. In some cases, plants can help to suppress the numbers of insect pests by producing their own natural defenses. This is called self-regulation and can be an effective way to manage pests without the use of pesticides.

In the case of plant-eating pests, weather conditions also influence their ability to reproduce. If the weather is too hot or dry, they may not be able to grow as fast. This can result in lower numbers of pests, or even a complete absence of them.

Some other factors that can impact pest populations include their natural enemies, the availability of shelter, food, and water sources. These can all cause pests to rise and fall in numbers, or may make them more or less harmful. Plants, animals, and materials that are resistant to certain pests can help to keep their numbers low, as well. This is usually achieved through the use of resistant varieties or by implementing planting strategies that provide some natural barriers to pests.

Treatment

When pests are detected, treatment is required to eliminate them and prevent their return. Treatment may involve the use of baits, traps, or chemical sprays. Chemicals are usually diluted and applied to individual spots where the pests are a problem, such as under leaves, along walls, or at bait stations.

The amount of pesticide needed to kill pests depends on the concentration, frequency and duration of application. The toxicity of chemicals also depends on how the pesticide is used. Proper application is important to reduce potential exposure and to avoid environmental damage.

Pesticides that are formulated to minimize the risk of human health problems or environmental damage are called non-toxic or low-hazard pesticides. These pesticides are less toxic than conventional chemical pesticides, but they can still cause a variety of health problems if people come into contact with them or if the spray drifts into areas where people live, work or play.

Control measures that do not involve the use of pesticides are called physical or mechanical controls. These include devices, screens, fences, barriers and other structural modifications. Physical controls can also alter the environment of pests, for example, by increasing or decreasing temperature, humidity, light, water or food availability.

Other pest control methods focus on eliminating the conditions that attract or sustain them. Sanitation practices can decrease pest populations by improving cleanliness and removing food sources, such as trash and debris, from the environment. Sanitation can also include reducing the carrying over of pests from one area to another by decontaminating equipment and vehicles between fields or preventing contamination of crops.

Some pests, such as mosquitoes and other insects that reproduce quickly, can be controlled by routinely inspecting for and destroying eggs. Monitoring can be done using visual inspection, traps or scouting. For weed pests, monitoring can be done by looking for damaged or weedy areas of plants. In some situations, it is necessary to monitor for pests even when an infestation has not been observed; for example, in operating rooms and other sterile areas of health care facilities, where the presence of bacteria is intolerable.

What You Should Know About RV Storage

by Posted in Rent Storage Unit Tagged , , , , ,

Storage is essential for RV owners who don’t have space at home or live in an area with HOA regulations. Luckily, there are many options for RV storage in the form of fully enclosed structures, overhead canopy units, and large parking spaces.

RV Storage

Regardless of which option you choose, it’s important to inquire about insurance coverage for your stored vehicle. This is one investment that’s well worth it! Find your perfect home with RV Storage Tulsa offering convenient storage solutions for all your needs.

Outdoor RV storage can offer some protection, but the best solution is to use a professional facility. This option gives you the choice of indoor, covered, or outdoor storage to balance your budget with your need for protection. The climate in your area also plays a role in the type of protection you need.

For instance, cold weather can cause problems like freezing water lines and plumbing damage. This is why it’s important to winterize your RV before storing it for a long time. Proper preparation will include draining and flushing water systems, adding fuel stabilizers to the gas tank, and removing items that could attract pests. It’s also a good idea to check the tires for proper pressure and consider using tire covers to prevent deterioration during storage. You should also make sure to completely empty the water heater and remove all appliances.

An indoor RV storage facility offers the ultimate in protection for your vehicle. It provides a roof over your RV and is generally heated during the winter, which helps keep the temperature stable. It also has a controlled environment with cameras, security alarms, and fences. Some facilities even have on-site caretakers who monitor the property and protect your RV from theft.

For a less expensive option, consider using a covered RV storage facility. It’s the middle ground between indoor and outdoor storage, protecting your RV from direct sunlight and precipitation. If you choose this option, be sure to add an RV cover to help minimize sun damage. You should also check the tires for proper pressure and consider using wheel chocks to prevent the RV from rolling during storage. In addition, use moisture-absorbing products and dehumidifiers to fight mold and mildew growth in your RV.

Keep Your Vehicle in Top Shape

There are a lot of factors to keep in mind when storing an RV. You need to ensure the engine is in good condition, there are no openings for pests, the tanks and lines have been drained, the battery is in great shape and more. This is why many people choose to store their RV at a specialized facility. They get the peace of mind that comes from knowing their vehicle is being well-cared for and won’t be damaged while it’s not in use.

In addition to ensuring the vehicle is in top condition, the right preparations can help prevent damage and save money when it’s time to hit the road again. For example, using a breathable cover protects the vehicle from dust and UV damage while maintaining proper airflow. Moisture-prevention measures, such as using dehumidifiers or moisture absorbers, can also help avoid mold and mildew growth. Finally, checking the wheels and tires regularly will ensure that they’re in good condition and not leaking or damaged by the elements.

Other tips for RV storage include draining and plugging any open lines or tanks to reduce the risk of pipes freezing, adding antifreeze to water tanks and more. It’s also a good idea to check the vehicle’s exterior for signs of rust or other damage. Finally, a regular inspection can help identify problems, such as a foul smell or water penetration, so that they can be addressed before the problem gets worse.

Storage facilities offer a range of options to fit the needs of every owner. They can be located in convenient locations, have state-of-the-art security and surveillance systems and offer next-level convenience, often with 24/7 access.

Save Money

When you store your RV at a professional storage facility, it saves you the time and expense of having to manage it on your own. This includes things like calculating your monthly rent payments, keeping track of your utilities, and managing your property to its highest and best use.

Alternatively, you can choose to store your RV at home—but this option may not be ideal for everyone. The bulky nature of most RVs makes them too big to fit in standard residential garages, and it’s important to measure your rig before considering a home storage solution. You’ll also need a sizable suburban plot of land to park your RV safely at home.

Most people opt for outdoor or covered RV storage. The latter offers a nice middle ground between uncovered outdoor storage and indoor storage, protecting your vehicle from the elements—including direct sunlight and precipitation. It’s typically more expensive than uncovered outdoor storage, but it’s often worth the extra investment.

You’ll also want to consider the climate of where you live. Extreme sunlight and heavy rainfall can take their toll on your RV, causing fading, corrosion, and even mold and mildew. A quality RV storage facility can shield your rig from these harsh conditions, saving you the hassle of having to de-winterize and recondition it when you need to use it again.

Another thing to consider is whether you’ll need access to your RV on a regular basis. If you’re an avid road-tripper, you’ll probably prefer to go with a facility that’s located close to your favorite natural attractions. This way, you can easily hit the open road whenever you’re feeling adventurous. You can also find facilities with 24/7 access, making it easy to pull into your RV at any time of day or night.

Easy Access to Your Vehicle

Whether you own or rent an RV, it’s important to keep it maintained. Regular inspections of the interior and exterior are necessary to prevent damage, pest infestation, and mildew. Additionally, it’s a good idea to remove food items and any perishables from your RV before storing it for an extended period of time. This also helps prevent mold, mildew, and other issues that can result from moisture buildup.

In addition, a properly maintained RV can be a safe place for wildlife to call home. Outdoor critters such as squirrels, packrats, raccoons, and birds love to nest and live in warm, dry spaces like engine compartments, undercarriages, and fold out awnings. Keeping these furry/feathery squatters out of your RV can save you from expensive repairs and eviction fees.

RV storage facilities often offer a range of amenities that can help make your experience a lot easier and more enjoyable. From waste disposal to propane refilling, facility features can provide you with a better overall RV storage experience. Choose a facility with convenient access hours so you can retrieve your vehicle whenever it’s needed. Additionally, it’s important to look for a facility that offers security measures, such as gated access and surveillance cameras, as well as on-site staff, to protect your RV from theft or vandalism while in storage.

With the growth of RV ownership, the demand for RV storage is higher than ever before. If you own a piece of property with the right amount of space and the ideal amenities, investing in RV storage can be an excellent opportunity for your business. To learn more about how to start an RV storage business, listen to Storelocal’s recent members-only virtual call with Scott Ramser, owner of RV Storage Depot.

Inquire About Insurance

It’s important to inquire about insurance when you are storing your RV. Most likely, your RV was financed when you purchased it and the lender will require you to have insurance coverage in order to protect their investment and keep you from defaulting on the loan. Regardless of whether your state requires it or not, you should have comprehensive and collision coverage to protect your vehicle against damage from things like weather or theft.

Additionally, if you have a lot of personal belongings in your RV and customized features like stereo systems, awnings and custom wheels, make sure to ask about personal property and custom additions coverage. This type of coverage pays to repair or replace your items if they are stolen from your RV.

One last thing to remember is that when your RV is stored at a facility, it’s often near other RVs, boats and vehicles of similar size. That means that there is a much higher chance of something impacting your RV than it would be if you kept it on your own property. For this reason, you’ll want to discuss your RV storage space with a trusted independent agent to see if you should consider higher limits or additional coverage types for your RV insurance policy.

If you’re considering RV storage, speak with a trusted independent agent in our network today. They’ll help you compare quotes from multiple companies and find the best RV storage solution for your needs. In addition, independent agents can help you address other important issues that are unique to storage facilities such as legal liability for customer goods, catastrophe business loss and compliance with building codes.