As the sun begins to shine and the weather warms up, many of us will make trips to the home improvement store. The next few months are the perfect time to make updates and improvements to your home. Although, these projects need completed, it might also be helpful to consult with your insurance agent to know how some home improvements may affect your insurance policy. Here are a few things to keep in mind as your prepare to make renovations,
Review your policy
When making major renovations to your home, review your homeowners policy. This is key to ensure that while you’re making updates and once the updates are complete, your home is covered properly. Call us and let us know about your home improvement plans!
Make sure your contractor is licensed and bonded
One mistake that can often be made is not checking with your contractor to ensure they meet all the requirements. They need to have all the proper licenses, bonds and insurance. The bond protects you as a homeowner from illness or bankruptcy that could cause the contractor from being able to complete the job. It is also key to check their certificates so you can determine that they have the coverage and insurance liability necessary to protect you.
New Roof
A new roof may not be the most appealing of home improvement projects, but it can truly make a difference to your wallet. With the wet spring we have had, you know now more than ever if your roof needs replaced because of leaks! Having a new roof put on your home can cut your insurance policy rates. Please make sure to let us know when you have a new roof put on so we can adjust this on your homeowner’s policy.
Alarm System
Installing a professional grade security system can increase the protection of your family, home and possessions. We recognize this and want to know when you have them installed. Security systems make your house less likely to be burglarized or affected by fire or smoke damage, which in return makes you less likely to make claims against your insurance. You deserve a premium break for that, right?! We can also help make recommendations for a security company if you aren’t sure where to start. Let us know how we can help.
A pool
As the temperature rises, a swimming pool can be the perfect addition to your home to help keep cool. However, with putting a pool in comes great responsibility. Not only is the pool appealing to you it’s appealing to your neighbors too (or complete strangers!). Although, a pool may make your house the most popular house on the block it also will make your house risky in the eyes of your insurance carrier. Consult with us before you decide to put the pool in, this way we are able to help properly insure your new addition as well as direct you with what is needed to keep the pool as safe as possible.
Additions
As your family grows maybe your house needs to grow too. When you plan to make additions to your home it can change your homeowner’s policy drastically. Your insurance policy will need to be changed in order to account for the added value of the addition. Give us a call so we can adjust the value of your home properly!
These are just a few items and improvements that can affect your insurance policy. Keep in mind that clear lines of communication with your insurance agent can help keep your home and family properly insured. At Paul Hall Insurance we want to hear all about your summer plans! So call us and tell us about your home improvement plans, we would love to help you and know how we can best serve you.