As a homeowner, you may renovate your home for different reasons. For instance, you may need to remodel, add space, or a pool in your property. Irrespective of your upgrade or renovation, you must understand that these changes impact your home insurance. Some upgrades might require you to adjust your cover based on specific needs. In contrast, others might actually reduce the cost of premiums. The following are six home renovations that impact your home insurance.
Home Renovations that Lower Your Insurance Rates
An insurance company will lower your insurance rates if it considers your home safe with fewer risks. Therefore, if you upgrade your home to make it safer, your home insurance in Miami, FL, rates will likely drop. The following are renovations that lower your insurance rates.
- Replacing or Repairing Your Roof
Replacing or repairing your roof increases your home value and saves money on your home insurance. Replacing your roof with stronger and newer materials reduces your premiums because your house can survive disasters. You may also get more significant discounts if you make your home hurricane-free or waterproof. While some policies may cover roof replacement, some consider the age of your roof to determine the coverage you get.
- Adding Security Features
An insurance company will charge you less for coverage if it considers your home safe. For example, adding home security elements can earn you discounts, so if you want to upgrade your home’s value and reduce premium rates, consider installing smart home security devices.
- Upgrading Plumbing and Wiring
You can qualify for home insurance discounts if you upgrade plumbing and wiring, especially if you live in an older house. Even though upgrading these systems is expensive, it lowers the risk of your house suffering damage from fire or electricity. Therefore, a company like Del Toro Insurance will charge you less for the reduced risks. Additionally, if your home plumbing system has the presence of lead, you might need to pay more for coverage. However, removing lead substances and upgrading the hardware reduces risks of water damage and reduces premiums.
Home Renovations that Increase Your Insurance Rates
It is also crucial to understand that some renovations increase insurance for homeowners. In addition to renovating the home, you will incur higher premiums if your home needs more coverage. Some upgrades that might drive up the premiums rate include the following:
- Adding a Swimming Pool
Adding a swimming pool to your property raises your home insurance cost in some places. Even though the swimming pool adds value, it is considered an attractive nuisance that increases liability risk. Therefore, you will need to pay more for home insurance premiums. You might need to install a fence around the pool or a safety cover, meaning you will pay more for installing the pool. Remember, insurance companies consider a swimming pool a potential hazard that drives the need for more coverage.
- Adding a Home Office
Working from home has become common, with companies allowing their employees to work in the comfort of their homes. Therefore, you may need to add a home office. It not only increases your home value but will also increase your home insurance rates. You will also need to extend your coverage to fit your needs. So, if you need to increase protection, you can access several options like businessowners policy, endorsement for the existing policy, and in-home business insurance.
- Adding an Extension
An extension like a garage, shed, or deck will increase your home insurance rates. If you add a portion to your home to accommodate your family, you must pay more for insurance. Expanding your home with additional square footage increases your premium since you will need higher coverage.
A Take-Home Message
Insurance companies charge their premiums based on the amount of coverage you need and the risk factors surrounding your home. Therefore, when renovating your home, understand the renovations that will increase or lower your home insurance rates.