5 min read

February 28, 2026

What you’re reading is a copy of an email newsletter sent by Stephen Simmons, Owner + Primary Mitigator at Umpire. This is an archive, so some links may be missing or expired.

Subscribe to our newsletter to get these delivered straight to your inbox!

my New Year’s ritual [I made you a video]

A quick habit that can save you big headaches.

Do you have a New Year’s ritual?

A new goal to go to the gym is a popular one; maybe yours is something else?

Here’s mine: each January (and every month), I do a little walkthrough of my home just to check on it.

I don’t take a checklist with me; I just spend a few minutes taking a leisurely lap around the house to see what I notice.

Getting familiar with your home can help you notice when something isn’t quite right - and can help you catch potential damage before it becomes a catastrophe.

Here’s a little video I recorded for you if you want to come along with me.

Questions? Reply to this email. I respond to every message.

Stay warm,

Stephen

PS If you noticed something in your home you’re not quite sure about - moisture spots or potential mold - snap a photo and send it to me. I’ll let you know if it’s something to worry about.