Mowing the lawn is such a basic chore that people sometimes overlook the fact it can be dangerous. Here are some tips to stay safe.
Do you have important documents like your birth certificate lying around? You need to protect it and other documents by putting them in a safe.
Learn a few tips that help you open a locked door and safely get into your house even if you forget or lose your keys.
Power surges can destroy electronic devices in an instant. Learn what causes them and how to keep your devices safe.
From cat litter to baking soda to specialty degreasing products, here's a look at how to remove oil stains from your driveway.
Are residential solar panel systems worth the cost? Read on to see the top pros and cons of installing solar panels on your home.
Home siding is your first line of defense against anything from sun to hail. This guide maps out what you should know before installing.
Simple steps for an effective daily cleaning routine and weekly housekeeping checklist.
Budget-friendly tips for updating a kid's room.
Make time this fall to prepare your home for winter weather. Use a fall cleaning checklist to complete essential tasks inside and outside.
From a gentle cleaning to a light sanding to a full-blown refinishing, there are several methods to removing scratches from hardwood floors.
Renting an apartment? Then you'll probably face several DIY projects. Here are the most important tools you need to have in your apartment toolkit.
Making a few changes and adjustments could help you save considerably on your energy and water bills.
Learn how to cultivate, groom and maintain a healthy lawn that boosts your property's curb appeal and supports your family's fun.
Are you prepared for a power outage? Here is a blackout supply kit checklist of things to keep on hand in case of a blackout.
If you're considering selling your house, ask yourself these 5 questions before you make a decision about putting your home on the market.
It's estimated that drafty doors can increase your energy bills in the winter by up to 20 percent. Here's how to stop door drafts.
You want your rental house to feel like home, but you don't want to violate your lease. Here's how to add that personal touch.
From hopscotch to four square, learn the rules to classic sidewalk and driveway games kids will love.
Home composting offers benefits, from a smaller waste stream to a reduced carbon footprint. Here's how to turn spoils into soil.
Thinking of downsizing? Here are the pros and cons, benefits and disadvantages, of trading your home for a smaller model.
Easy steps for identifying, locating and sealing your home against air drafts, including drafts around windows and doors.
How to start an indoor herb garden and indoor vegetable garden: easy tips for indoor gardening success.
Get your home ready for spring with our spring cleaning checklist, organization tips, and DIY cleaning product tips.
Are you making these mistakes when you reorganize the pantry? Save yourself some time and money with a better food storage system.
Nighttime safety checklist to reduce the risk of burglary and fire. Tips to keep your home safe at night.
Alarm systems, doorbell cameras, smoke detectors, and other devices to keep your house and loved ones safe.
Inexpensive design trends and staging secrets to freshen up your home for the new year, no major remodel required.
Don't assume last year's insurance coverage will still meet your current needs. How to review and update your home insurance and auto insurance policies.
Snow shoveling safety tips to reduce the risk for injury, back pain and heart attack. Learn the proper form and how to stay safe.
The appliance repair vs. replacement dilemma is one every homeowner faces eventually. Learn how to decide which option is right for you.
DIY cleaning recipes for kitchen cleaning, all-purpose cleaners, garbage disposal deodorizer, stainless steel cleaner and the best homemade cleaners that actually work.
With more children at home full-time, it's important to create a safe environment. Six tips keep your children safe in every room of your home.
Don't let flies, mosquitos, ticks and other annoying insects ruin your summer fun. These bug-banishing tips will help keep your yard insect-free.
The real cost of small home renovations: how to estimate expenses and budget for kitchen and bathroom upgrades and DIY projects.
If you're considering renting out a house or townhouse, you may want to read these suggestions before doing so. These tips can help you be better prepared to be a good landlord to your tenants.
Whether you're moving into a new rental home or buying a new house, someone has probably lived there before you. Enjoy a fresh, clean start with these steps.
Is homeowner's insurance the same as hazard insurance? Learn about the differences, types of hazard coverage and what to ask your independent agent.
In the market for a new home? Learn what the pros and cons are of buying a single-family home or a condo, so you can make an informed decision.
Refer to this handy apartment checklist to find a safe, well-maintained rental property that will match your lifestyle and meet your needs.
Looking to buy your first house? Start saving now with these top tips. They prepare you to achieve your goal of becoming a successful homebuyer.
A sewer backup is an often unexpected and always unwelcome event. Learn what causes a sewer backup and what you should do if you're faced with one.
6 home staging DIY tips to help sell your home faster and save some money.
Keep in mind these 4 tips to help prevent a dryer fire in your home.
Your washer and dryer will function better when it's well-maintained. To keep your home and family safe, here a few maintenance tips to optimize performance.
Reduce your risk for water damage to your home or basement with these tips, including how to inspect your roof, maintain your sump pump and reduce the risk for frozen pipes.
Radon is a colorless, odorless and radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. Encompass explains how to help protect yourself and your family from its effects.
Has your hall closet become a messy multipurpose storage unit? Take the clutter out with these quick and simple closet organization tips.
Home burglaries cost Americans billions of dollars in property losses each year. Learn six ways to protect your home while you're traveling
A humidifier can offer an effective and affordable solution if the relative humidity level inside your home is too dry for comfort during the winter.
Severe weather events can adversely affect your home and vehicle. These tips can help you prepare your property so you can ride out the storm safely.
How to choose the right fireproof safe or lockbox to store important documents and external drives.
When managed properly, rental properties can be a lucrative long-term form of income. Encompass gives 12 tips for getting the most out of your rental property.
Which houseplants don't need to be watered? Which houseplants are toxic to pets? How to choose the right houseplants for your home.
Home improvement projects can be exciting and help you get the look you've always wanted. But which projects are safe to DIY and which are better left to the professionals?
Moving into a new home can be one of life's most stressful events. Check out these 7 tips to help you and your family have an easier moving experience.
Are you considering renting out your abode through a home-sharing website? Check out these tips on prepping your home to help guests have a comfortable stay.
Your roof protects one of your biggest investments — your home. Learn how to recognize signs that might tell you when it's time to get a new roof.
Before you unload the moving truck, take advantage of your empty home by replacing certain items and giving other areas a deep-clean.
Learning the indicators of a storm watch compared to a storm warning can help you and your family be prepared to take action should dangerous weather conditions develop.
All homeowners need to think about pest control for the safety of their family. Take these steps to make your home less inviting to pests, and know when it's time to hire a professional service.
Looking for a new home can bring a host of unknowns. Use this checklist to make sure you ask the right questions before signing on the dotted line.
If you're thinking about building your own fence, there's a lot of factors to consider including which material you're going to use, what equipment you need and maintenance required down the road.
See which trends can give you the most bang for your buck when looking to sell your home.
Learn how a sump pump works, along with essential maintenance tips will help keep your pump functioning smoothly and help prevent unexpected flooding in your home.
For most homeowners, finding mold can be an unexpected surprise. If you spot mold in your house, here are the steps to take to help ensure it's removed swiftly and safely.
Don't let winter sneak up on you without taking care of these vital winterizing household tasks first.
Melting snow can wreak havoc on your home. These seven tips can help you proactively address any potential issues and prevent damage to your property.
If you have an electric, oil-fired or gas-fired storage tank water heater, observe these maintenance requirements to help it operate safely and effectively.
Carbon monoxide is the toxic byproduct of the combustion of fuels such as wood and gasoline. These tips can help you prevent carbon monoxide in your home.
Unsafe or malfunctioning electrical equipment in the home can cause extensive property damage and result in severe injuries. Learn how to protect those you love.
Learn the PASS method to operate a home fire extinguisher, which fire extinguisher to choose for your home, and how to maintain home fire extinguishers.
Take steps now to protect your home and your family from residential fires. These home fire prevention tips will help you prepare for National Fire Safety Week.
With smart home technology, all of these scenarios are possible. If you're interested in investing in this type of technology, it's important to be aware of the pros and cons.
From the number of cabinets in the kitchen to how many owners live in the complex, be sure to check these quick tips to help you get started.
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, as it protects the structure of your house and everything inside against the elements. It's also a big-ticket item that requires a significant investment to replace.
What should you do if a severe hailstorm damages your home or car? Hail can be scary, but these simple tips will help guide you through the aftermath of the storm.
Splashing in the pool on a hot summer's day is refreshing and fun. These tips will help the whole family stay safe this summer!
Is your garage so full of stuff that you can't park your vehicle in it or retrieve the items you need? Reclaim the garage with this five-step organization plan.
Upgrading your home's windows is a great way to lower energy costs, increase market value, qualify for insurance discounts, and protect your property
Prepare for a big storm before it hits. These hurricane-prep tips will help keep you, your family, and your home safe when a storm is on the way.
Make sure to have the right insurance coverage for your college graduate returning home. Conduct an insurance review now.
Unfortunately, floods can cause a lot of material damage and even place human lives at risk. Learn about flood safety before, during, and after a flood.
Storms occur during every season, no matter where you live. Keep these seven tips in mind to be prepared before the storm hits.
Power outage? Be sure your backup generator is ready for use with these maintenance tips.
For this year's Earth Day, why not become greener in your own home? Learn how to reduce plastic waste, use green products and dispose of organic waste.
Key considerations before bringing a new pet home, including how to introduce your new pet to children or other animals.
Furnace trouble in freezing weather can cause serious problems for homeowners. This article gives steps to follow if your furnace fails this winter.
Winter's not over, so there still are days when you're stuck at home. These eight ideas can stop you from getting bored or cabin fever when you're stuck inside.
Give your home a fresh start this New Year with six home maintenance and security tasks.
5 tips to reduce your risk for water damage from frozen pipes and what to do if your pipes freeze but haven't burst yet.
National Child Safety and Protection Month is in November. This post details some savvy childproofing tips for your home and auto.
Your holiday party should be epic... and safe. These tips will help you host a memorable and safe holiday party to celebrate the season.
Tombstone vandalism is more common than people realize. Learn what to do if your loved one's gravesite is a victim and if homeowner's insurance can help.
It's Crime Prevention Month: Reduce your risk for a home burglary with five essential home safety tips.
Renting the ideal property can be an exciting experience, but it requires due diligence. Read this post to learn how to get a great deal that can help protect your assets.
Knowing precisely when to replace a roof or windows isn't always easy. To help, read this useful guide on the lifespans of common "big-ticket" household items.
If you're a homeowner, chances are that at one point or another you will hire someone to do work in or around your home. What would you do if a worker caused damage to your home?
Top kitchen remodel trends and cost considerations to maximize the value of your kitchen renovation.
Household accidents are one of the chief causes of serious childhood injury. This post explains how to take a comprehensive approach to childproofing your home.
Helpful pool safety tips to consider.
Home renovations don't have to break the bank to have a big impact. These under $5,000 renovations could make a big difference and add value to your home.
Dreaming of a new kitchen or a larger master suite? Ready to finally get rid of that outdated bathroom or complete your basement renovation? These tips will help you get started in finding a contractor for your renovation needs.
Are you frustrated by high energy bills? While it's natural to blame heating and cooling costs for your high bills, the culprit could actually be your older home appliances. Could an appliance upgrade save you money?
Dreaming about a simpler life in a tiny home? Keep these considerations in mind.
This article discusses how bathroom improvements can help sell your home and lists four suggestions for upgrading your bathroom including replacing the vanity and doing a full upgrade.
Ice damage can wreak havoc in your home's walls. Learn how to stop ice dams from forming and check if your homeowner's insurance covers ice dam damage.
Winter doldrums got you down? These seven tips can help you beat cabin fever while freshening up your home post-holidays.
There's a lot that goes into preparing your home for the holidays, but we have you covered. Check out our tips on how to make sure your home is ready for all your festivities!
From roof to basement, keeping your house's maintenance up-to-date means a healthier, safer home. This seasonal home maintenance checklist will help get you started!
Home burglaries and auto thefts cost Americans thousands of dollars each year. Learn how you can keep your home and car more secure.
Is your home connected? The latest technology gadgets are designed to help make your home smarter, safer and better.
There are both pros and cons to owning a second home. To help you make the best decision before purchasing your second home, check out some helpful tips!
Want to green up your home? Going eco-friendly offers a number of environmental, health, and financial benefits to your family...here are some ways to get started.
If a mandatory wildfire evacuation warning were issued today, would your family be prepared? Learn how to better protect your home, prepare for an evacuation, and plan for a safe return.
Hurricanes can cause massive amounts of damage - are you ready if one hits? Check out some helpful resources to get started.
Trees are a beautiful addition to the yard, but have you ever thought about how they may bring damage to your personal possessions? Here are some things to keep in mind.
Spring has sprung, which means it's time to clean, maintain, and get your home in order. Tackle these jobs and see what a difference it makes.
Blizzards and cold air bring power outages and frozen pipes with them. Are you prepared? Check out our helpful checklist before the storm hits.
Things to consider when shutting down your second home for the season to cleaning and unplugging the appliances.
Are you ready for spring gardening? As winter draws to a close, these easy tips will help you to prepare your garden for a bountiful spring.
When was the last time you checked your electrical systems? Before you get started, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Did you know that in the U.S., a house is broken into every 14 seconds? Protect your home, your possessions, and your family with these home security tips.
Severe weather is on the way… what do I do? These tips can help you, your family and your home stay safe and secure during the next big storm.
Learn which 8 affordable home upgrades don't cost a fortune and can help boost your home's re-sale value. Make these repairs today.
By taking a few simple steps to winterize your home, you can mitigate the risks presented by cold, wet weather.
Take the Encompass "New Year's Insurance Check Up" to find out if you have the right homeowner's insurance for your lifestyle.
Home buying can be stressful but shopping when prices are the lowest will alleviate some stress. Our article on off-season buying is an absolute must-read!
If you work from home, you need a functional yet pleasant office where you can be happy and work hard. Read our tips for designing that space.
Woodstoves alone are the primary cause of more than 4,000 private residence fires annually. Ensure your chimney is in good working order.
Protect your family by understanding what flood cleanup actions to take after a flood—and by knowing how to prepare for the possibility of a flood.
Tornadoes can unleash their fury with practically no warning, so it's critical to know what tornado safety precautions you can take to protect your family.
Encompass Insurance offers protection for the things that matter most.
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