330 Homes Spring 2023

we l come

by COLIN BAKER

STAY DRY Rain can bring water damage, so be prepared.

a supplement to Akron Life maga z i ne

Publisher COLIN BAKER cbaker@bakermediagroup.com Creative Director WILLIAM L. TECKMYER III wteckmyer@bakermediagroup.com Managing Editor KELLY PETRYSZYN kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com Assistant Editor ALEXANDRA SOBCZAK asobczak@bakermediagroup.com Graphic Designer TYLAR CALHOUN tsutton@bakermediagroup.com

A pril showers bring May flow ers, as the adage goes. I think this should be changed to, I hope your house was prepared enough to endure the winter and heavy rain so you can appreciate spring flowers. If not, you will be spending your time cleaning and not appreciating spring. Well maybe that’s a little harsh, but as a homeowner, the most common type of home damage that I have seen is water damage. Let’s start with mold and mildew. I don’t know about you, but the thought of mold growing in my house freaks me out. Not only is it gross, but it’s also a health hazard. And don’t get me started on the smell. It’s like a mix of wet socks and old cheese, and it lingers for days. I’ve tried everything from air fresheners to scented candles to cut down on it, but nothing seems to work. So, you must deal with the source and dry it out. Living in the Midwest is unique because most of us have basements, and for some, they seem more like indoor swimming pools. Now, let’s talk about electrical damage. The thought of water and electricity mixing gives me chills. It’s a recipe for disaster. Water damage can cause electrical dam age, which can be dangerous and even deadly. So, if you don’t want to get electrocuted or start a fire, make sure to turn off the power supply to the affected area until a professional can fix it. Last but not least is decreased property value. Water damage can decrease the value of your property, which is the last thing you want as a homeowner. I mean, who wants to sell their house for less than it’s

worth? Not me, that’s for sure. I recently had a friend who was look ing to put their home on the mar ket only to discover a foundation wall was bowing and deteriorating behind a finished basement wall. This required a lot of expense to shore up and fix. One of my not-so-funny stories about water damage is that when we had been in our home for no more than three months, I went downstairs before we were head ing to catch a plane and heard what sounded like a faucet running. No, it wasn’t a faucet, but a pipe valve was leaking. I had a choice at that moment — stay home from vaca tion and call a plumber or jump on a plane and deal with the plumber from Florida. I chose the latter, and since my daughter was staying home, she could deal with the leak. It was a mess. I know what you’re thinking, Prevention is key, but how do I pre vent water damage? Well, my friend, it’s simple. Regular maintenance, installing a sump pump, checking your gutters and downspouts and installing a water alarm are just a few ways to prevent water damage. Water damage is no laughing mat ter, but sometimes it helps if you find humor in the situation. I mean, What else can you do when your house is flooded and you’re ankle deep in water — maybe get a kayak out? So, my fellow homeowner, take preventive measures to avoid water damage, and if all else fails, laugh it off. After all, laughter is the best medicine, even when it comes to water damage.

Contributing Writer LYNNE THOMPSON

Sales BUNNY LACEY STEVE TYSON BEN DICOLA sales@bakermediagroup.com

Circulation circulation@bakermediagroup.com 330-253-0056, ext. 104

Editorial Intern SHAWN DAVIS

spring 2023 | volume 5 | issue 1

33 O HOMES is published by Baker Media Group, LLC, 1653 Merriman Road, Suite 116, Akron, OH 44313. Copyright 2023© by Baker Media Group, LLC, All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or pictorial con tent in any manner is prohibited without written permission. Unsolicited manuscripts will not be returned unless accompanied by an addressed envelope and sufficient postage. Baker Media Group, LLC and Akron Life accept no responsibil ity for unsolicited material. Subscription rates: Continental U.S., One year —$19.95, Two years —$34.95. Call for Alaska, Hawaii or interna tional rates. Single issues available by calling the circulation department or visiting akronlife.com/ store. $3.95 each plus $3.50 shipping & handling. Editorial, advertising and business offices: (330) 253-0056, fax (330) 253-5868.

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