Renovating your building

When undertaking a remodeling project, people often forget to review their insurance needs, too. Whether your renovation budget is large or small, you are adding to the value of your home and increasing your exposure to risk. To ensure that your project goes smoothly and that you have the appropriate cover you need, here is what you need to know.

Home renovations can be a daunting, yet rewarding, undertaking. However, before you or the contractors raise any tools to begin renovations, you should review your home insurance policy. The reason for this is that your policy may not cover renovations; therefore, any damages that occur during the process may not be covered.

In fact, 50% of homeowners are unaware that not only do they need to advise their home insurer of any potential building works, but that if they were to carry out the works, their policy may be invalidated.

When you alert your home insurer of your impending renovations, you must also specify whether you are the one managing the renovations or if they are being handled by contractors. What kind of insurance you need will depend on who is responsible for the renovations. For example, even if you are conducting the renovations yourself, you should purchase public liability insurance to provide cover in the event that you cause injury or damage to your neighbor’s property or other third parties.

Regardless of who is conducting the renovations, you should provide your home insurer with the following information:

•          The timescale for the work—including a start and end date
•          The cost of the project
•          A thorough outline of the project
•          Names of the individuals conducting the renovations

 

General Home Renovation Guidance:

In addition to contacting your home insurance provider, here are four pieces of general guidance to consider before you begin your home renovation:

1.        Set a hard budget.
2.        Research contractors.
3.        Organise a storage plan for your furniture and possessions.
4.        Install temporary security devices—such as locks and motion-sensor lights.