Remodeling your Home?

Experts estimate that one in four remodeling projects add at least 25 percent to the value of a home. Yet,  often most homeowners forget to increase their coverage to protect their investment. Most homeowners insurance policies require 100 percent of the home’s replacement cost, so it’s important to raise your home’s policy limit before your project begins so you are insuring the real value of your home.

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

Working with General Contractors

The best way to minimize your renovation risk is to hire a reputable general contractor for the job. As part of the bidding process, ask the general contractor to provide a Certificate of Insurance and/or copies of the policies. Specifically, check for coverage for the following:

• Workers’ compensation: Verify that he or she has workers’ compensation coverage in the event that an employee or subcontractor gets hurt on the job.
• General liability: Ask if the contractor has liability insurance, which covers losses due to negligence and errors or omission, which results in property damage. Also, ask that you are added as an “additional insured.”
• Builders risk: This policy is designed to cover damage to your home and materials, including those not installed yet. We can help you verify whether you should require this from your contractor, based on your renovation project.

If they don’t carry the proper coverage, they are not the right contractor for the job!

Advice for Do-it-yourselfers

If you decide to do it alone and manage a renovation yourself, you assume all the risks. A review of your homeowner’s coverage for liability and property is prudent, as you are assuming more risks and exposures than contemplated by homeowners insurance.  

Hiring subcontractors who can provide you with a “Certificate of Insurance” or copies of their policies showing their general liability and workers’ compensation coverage is mandatory for your legal protection. 

If a friend or relative helps out as a favor—no money changes hands—and gets injured, your homeowner’s insurance typically covers the cost of their injuries, up to your policy limits. It’s important to note that a homeowners policy is not designed to provide primary liability protection for these injuries. If a helper is seriously injured, the domino effect can be financially and emotionally difficult for all who are involved. For an extra layer of protection, it’s a good idea to also carry umbrella liability coverage, which kicks in to provide liability coverage above your homeowner’s limits.

Adding to your home is exciting, but poses financial risks. Contact us at 708.845.3000 to learn more about all of our home, auto and life personal risk management solutions.