Doing a Home Makeover? Learn How It May Affect Your Home Insurance

From a Small DIY Project to a Heavy Budget Renovation, Any Change in a House Could Affect Your Home Building and Contents Insurance

While renovations and even little makeovers can be extremely refreshing and reinvigorating, it is critical to consider the potential impact on home building and contents insurance. Numerous factors influence house building and contents insurance. Your insurance broker will examine factors such as size, condition, and the cost of rebuilding in the event of a calamity.

This does not mean you have to disclose every tiny alteration in your home with them but understanding how changes impact your home and contents insurance can be quite beneficial when it comes to avoiding unpleasant surprises.

In some instances, home and contents insurance policies cover certain renovations. In either case, it is critical to contact your broker to avoid being underinsured and, more importantly, to ensure that you are protected during the renovation.

Your insurance agent may be able to advise you on the best course of action to take in updating your insurance coverage, if necessary. It will not always mean an increase in your premiums. Updating your policy prior to the start of any work could save you a headache.

Here are several ways that a renovation may affect your insurance coverage.

Outdoor changes

Are you considering changing the exterior of your home? You may need to inform your broker. We understand that even a modest alteration to your front yard can have a significant impact on the value of your house, which is why it should be mentioned to your insurance. The façade of your house changing may indicate a shift in the way your house is maintained, affecting its durability and integrity.

It could change security

If a wall was built or removed, or a door was installed or eliminated, it had an impact on the security of your home. Minor and substantial adjustments to your home’s security may have an effect on your insurance. As a result, it is critical that you communicate those changes to your insurer in order to preserve a safe home for you and your family.

Heating systems

Any modifications to heating systems should be communicated to your broker. In fact, upgrading to a more technologically advanced and efficient heating system may result in a reduction in your insurance costs.

Added value

We would all like to improve the appearance of our homes. This may increase the value of your property, which means that if you continue to carry the same home and contents insurance policy, you will be underinsured. To avoid this from happening, you should inform your insurance company if you plan on improving the appearance of your property.

Home Building Insurance x Home Contents Insurance

It is critical to understand the primary distinction between home building insurance and home contents insurance. Home building insurance will protect the walls, roof, floor, and overall structure of the home. Whereas home and contents insurance covers items such as furniture and anything else the property owner owns that is stored within the residence.

We are aware that a makeover does not always imply a change to the house’s structure. However, it will almost definitely include the addition of or modification of furnishings. This should undoubtedly be communicated to your insurer.

Damage during renovation

Occasionally, events beyond our control occur. When undergoing a home makeover, there is almost certainly going to be more people in and out of your property than usual – even if you are doing the makeover yourself. In either case, activities that do not occur daily are taking place in your home for an extended period. This is unquestionably something your broker should be aware of.

While several of these points may appear to have a negative impact on your insurance premiums, do not be discouraged to improve and care for your home – as many improvements will add value to your property and positively affect your premiums too. Securing the walls and doors, re-roofing, upgrading the windows to a more resistant material, and adding safety devices are all possible ways of reducing your premiums.

Our goal with these suggestions is for our customers and readers to always be prepared and interact with their insurers in order to guarantee the greatest coverage plan for their home at an affordable rate. Making improvements to your home can be an effective way to enhance its comfort, safety, and value. Steadfast Insurance is pleased to provide the best coverage available to safeguard your safe haven. For more information, get in touch today.