Newsletter

In today’s world, the most valuable asset owned by people is their home. And when considering any size home improvement project, protecting this investment should be a top priority.
If you are planning for renovating or remodeling your home and facing difficulty in finding the proper contractor, here are some tips to be keep in mind while selecting a contractor for your home improvement project.

How to find a Qualified Contractor:

One source for locating a qualified, experienced contractor is from other people who have had similar remodeling work done. When talking with contractors, request references, and take the time to check them out.
Check with a service that keeps track records of various contractors.
You can also use online resources and directory for locating a qualified contractor in your area.
You can also use sites like LocalContractorBids.com, where you can submit your project so that contractors can place a bid on your project. After reviewing all the bids, you can select the most appropriate one.
Hire only a home improvement contractor with strong referrals and high rankings. Depending on the type of project you are planning, you may need to deal with any of the following professional contractors:
Architects are designers of homes, buildings, and home improvement remodeling projects. You may want to consult one if your project includes new construction or structural changes.

Questions you should ask to Possible Candidates:

How long have you been contracting? What licenses and certifications do you carry? How many projects have you completed in the last year; what were they, and who were they for? How many years have you been working on home improvement projects? “What references do you have? Will, there be any subcontractors, and if so, what are their credentials? What insurance coverage do you have? What permits are required for my project?”
Also, check with the appropriate government office to see whether or not there are any unresolved complaints against the contractor before making your final selection.
Call all references and ask questions such as: Was the project completed on time, and were you happy with the results? How well did the contractor communicate with you throughout the project? Were there any cost over-runs?
Also ask if the contractor employees were on time, courteous, and whether or not they cleaned up the home improvement site when they were finished?

Please feel free to contact our office at 480-391-3000, as I am sure we know some contractors we can reccomend. Also, as we head into Fall please keep us in mind for any coverage changes you might want to make such as reducing insurance on your summer toys.
 

Human caused disasters and natural disasters occur in every state. California has earthquakes and wildfires, Colorado has flooding and wildfires, the Northeast has winter storms and high winds, Florida has flooding and hurricanes, and the Midwest has flooding and tornados.
Insurance And Disasters
It is safe to say that most business and homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover the risks associated with disasters. The only exception would be damage caused by wildfires. Let’s look at how insurance might apply to other disasters.

1. Floods-- Only 13% of U.S. homeowners had flood-insurance policies last year according to the Insurance Information Institute, a trade group. Flood insurance must be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program. We can help you if you need the coverage.
2. Earthquake-- While earthquakes occur mainly in certain areas, there are registered earthquakes in every state, every year. Earthquake insurance also must be added or purchased under a separate policy.
3. Tornadoes-- Damage from tornadoes typically is covered, since it usually is considered wind damage.
4. Mudslides-- A standard home insurance policy does not protect your home against damage caused by a mudslide. Mudslides are usually defined as ground movement. Heavy rains that cause a mudflow would typically be covered.
5. Heavy Snow and Winter Storms-- Winter storms and snow damage is covered under a typical homeowner’s policy. If flooding occurs, then the flood damage would be covered.
6. Hail-- Most homeowner’s insurance policies provide coverage for losses resulting from hail.
7. Wildfires-- It can be safe to say that all homeowner’s insurance covers loss resulting from a fire. Wildfires are considered a fire and would be covered.

Coverage disclaimer--the information provided here is for general purposes only. It is not our intent to change or modify insurance coverage. Each insurance policy is different and your individual coverage will be determined by the terms of your insurance policy.
 
 

Home Schooling Tips

Many schools may not be opening, or you may be doing online school as a result of COVID. Some parents may be thinking of homes schooling their kids rather than enrolling them in school this fall.
At first, opting for home schooling is such an overwhelming matter. Most parents thought that it is impossible to teach a child through home schooling method.
On its basic concept, home schooling refers to the alternative way of educating children. It differs from the usual type of schooling because the learning process is done at home, and the teachers are usually the parents themselves. They only use a particular type of teaching method that can be obtained in different institutions that provide home schooling programs.
For parents who find home schooling a bit of an overwhelming task, here is a list of some tips on how to get you started in home schooling your child:

1. Arrive at a decision
The problem that most parents encounter when opting for home schooling is the fact that they find it hard to finally decide whether to home school their child or not. This is because deciding on this kind of thing is relatively important, especially because the future of the child is dependent on it.
However, the choice should be based on the capacity of the parents to conform to the requirements in home schooling their child. They should be able to wholly participate with whatever items that were entailed in the program in order to provide the best education for their children.

2. Keep in mind that home schooling is a process
Since home schooling is a process, parents who want to home school their children should take things one at a time. For instance, if they have a pre-school child, they should focus more on what pre-school students should learn. They should not delve more on how to teach higher levels of education that are fit for students in higher levels.

3. Know your state laws regarding home schooling
In the United States, each state has its own laws regarding home schooling. Hence, it is best to know what your state asserts about home schooling so that you can provide the best education for your children in conformity with the law.

4. Look for a support group
Home schooling should not be the sole responsibility of the parents. That is why it is important for the parents to find a local support group wherein they can mingle with other homeschoolers who can provide them with additional pointers regarding the process. Each member in the support group can help each other regarding the best technique in teaching their children.

5. Do your homework
Nothing can get you started on the right track than doing your homework first. In this way, you will be able to know the important details you need to be familiar with in order to provide the best education for your children. Knowing what you have to do will give you the best guidance in home schooling.

6. Identify your child’s learning manner
It is best to assess your child’s learning manner first before you choose on a particular home schooling method. Conforming to your child’s learning manner will provide the best way on how to home school your child.
There are many choices available when teaching your child through a home school program. Though it is still best to always pattern the program that you will choose on your child’s learning style.

7. Organize the things needed in home schooling
Just like a typical school, home schooling your children would also need different materials and a proper place where they can easily and comfortable learn new things each day.
Hence, it's best to organize the place first by providing them with adequate space for their learning. Most children would respond to the process easier if they were comfortable with the place where their classes are held.

8. Have a budget for home schooling
Some parents tend to overindulge with the materials needed in home schooling. It does not necessarily mean that because you have lowered your expenses because you have opted to home school, as compared to sending your children into a typical public or private school, you can spend more.
It is still a must that you have to set a budget for home schooling. There are many books and other materials that can be found on the Internet which are definitely priced cheaper.
Indeed, home schooling is not just a process but also a lifestyle. Its something that parents should be best acquainted with in order to give their children with the best education they need.

As summer draws to a close all of us at Neate Dupey Insurance Group would like to thank you for your continued business.

 

Every one of us has certain things that keep you up once in a while. It might be your job, the kids, illness, or other life’s problems. Our goal to make sure that protecting your family with the right insurance does not keep you up.
Here is how we help you sleep at night

1. We never sell you a policy. We ask questions and educate you so that the coverage you but the right fit for you.
2. Insurance is a complex transaction, so we work hard to make sure you understand how insurance works before you make a decision.
3. Our team is licensed and have years of experience that help us better educate you.
4. We are here to answer any questions you may have regarding your insurance decisions.

According to an Insurance Journal article, here are the top issues that keep people up.

• Flood and other natural disasters
• Identity theft
• End of life issues
• Eldercare

We can provide valuable information regarding each of these so that you can make the right decision for you and your family. We hope you noticed that we don’t just offer a quick insurance product. That is because we will only offer you an insurance solution after we fully understand your needs.
Connect with us and let us show you how we do it
 
 

We are living in a new world, and it requires a new way of thinking about summer activities.  Many large events have been canceled, and vacation plans have changed, but you can still have a great time with your family and friends this summer.
Social Distancing Fun:

• Camp in your own back yard
• Travel to the beach if it is open
• Take a hike
• Take a picnic to a lake
• Enjoy an outside movie night
• Host a virtual game night
• Go fishing
• Update your backyard
• Complete home improvement projects

Remember To:

• Wear a mask if it required
• Wash your hands
• Maintain social distance.  As you go about your life and errands, do your best to keep a distance of 6 feet

Who knows how long we will have to practice social distancing during the pandemic, but at least with these suggestions, you can still have fun while maintaining your six-foot bubble.