Planning a home renovation can be full of fun activities such as finding the right paint colors and picking fixtures. But, whether you’re finally getting that dream kitchen or a bathroom make-over, Infinity Insurance Group recommends having a heart-to-heart talk with your insurance company as the renovations ultimately affect your home insurance policy. Some upgrades could lower your premiums, while others may increase it. Here is what you need to know about home renovations in Post Falls, ID.

Home Insurance Covers Renovations

Your home insurance covers renovations, but you will need to up your coverages if you increase the house’s square footage, add a hot tub, swimming pool, or create an in-house office. These substantial renovations could quickly leave you underinsured.

You Need to Inform Your Insurance Agent When Renovating

Before you begin any renovation, it’s always prudent to notify your home insurance company to ensure you’re adequately covered during and after the renovation. Remember your liability limits may not be sufficient if someone got injured while the renovation was going on. Take photos and videos of the renovation progress and save receipts and other documents required in the renovation process.

Your Contractor Should Be Insured

Your contractor should present a copy of their insurance policy before they start working. The policy should have adequate general liability, workers’ compensation, and professional liability coverages. Keep this copy until the work is done. If you need to hire different contractors for different areas, make sure they’re adequately covered.

You Need to Update Specific Areas of Your Policy

Home renovation can either increase or decrease your home insurance costs. Adding a security system, remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, or repainting your home all add value to your house, which generally lowers your premiums. However, if the remodeling affects space, building costs or increases accident risks, your premiums will go up. That means increasing your coverages to adequately cover additional risks.

Need to buy a new policy or update the existing one after a home renovation? Infinity Insurance Group can sort you out and ensure you are adequately covered. Contact us today.