One More Reason to Quit Smoking

Save Money on Homeowner's Insurance
In some areas, the pack of a pack of cigarettes puts the price of a gallon of gas to shame, but that's not the only way smoking costs you money. According to MSN's Money Central page, "Smoking accidents account for more than 23,000 residential fires every year." Fire damage can easily cost you thousands, and if you're lucky enough to get everyone out safe and sound, you'll still be hit with a bill and the hassle of rebuilding.

Insurance companies have been viewing smoking as a risk factor when providing health coverage for years. Since smoking poses a liability to the structure of your home as well as the structure of your body, some insurance companies will actually reduce premiums on your homeowners' insurance as well as your health insurance if no one in the home smokes.

Make Selling Your Home Easier
Prospective home buyers are picky (as they should be!), and quitting smoking is one of the many ways you can improve your property without spending money on a remodel. According to Bankrate.com, "Having a smoker in the house also eliminates a lot of potential buyers. Many shoppers won't even want to tour a home if the owner is a smoker."

This sentiment is echoed by Helen Mason at Prime Advantage Real Estate in Newmarket, NH. "There's really a stigma attached to smokers' homes," Helen told us before she advised that any smoker trying to sell his or her home should not only begin smoking outdoors well before the house is shown, but have the carpets, curtains, and any soft upholstered furniture professionally cleaned, as well. So ditching the cigarettes won't just make your home safer, it will make it more marketable, too!

Can't Quit? Smoke Smarter!
The National Fire Prevention Agency states, "The most common material first ignited in home smoking-material fire deaths were mattresses and bedding and upholstered furniture." You'll notice that concrete patios and porches are NOT generally the places where tobacco fires begin; those who continue to smoke, for whatever reason, choosing to smoke outside at all times reduces the risk of cigarette related fires. Smoking outdoors also eliminates the problems of lingering odors when it comes time to sell your property!

Note: The addition of an enclosed porch, patio, or covered deck can make this burden a little easier to bear by letting you smoke outside without being subjected to the elements. In colder climates, adding an outdoor fireplace or wood stove will not only help keep the indoors smoke-free, but can create a great environment for outdoor entertaining, even during the winter. Dousing cigarette butts in water is a good way to reduce fire risk, but in areas where water freezes, consider using sand-filled ashtrays.

Smoking Safety for Non-Smokers During the Holidays
As the holiday season approaches, even homes that are generally smoke-free may temporarily house a smoker or two. Encouraging guests to smoke outdoors (don't worry, they're used to it) is a good idea and may save you the hassle of deodorizing once visitors have left. It is important to remember, however, that your guests will need a safe place to dispose of cigarette butts; if it is not provided, you may end up with a tobacco-related fire (or, at the very least, a bunch of nasty butts to clean up the next day) without taking a single puff yourself!