Berkshire Hathaway EWM Realty.
Adelaida “Ady” M. Artime, P.A., Berkshire Hathaway EWM Realty.Phone: (786) 512-2467
Email: [email protected]

Insurance: Is Your Next Renovation Covered?

by Adelaida “Ady” M. Artime, P.A. 01/14/2024

Your home insurance policy includes a specific type of coverage called "dwelling coverage." The amount of dwelling coverage that you have is based on your overall home value and the approximate cost to rebuild your home in the event of a total loss. When you renovate your home, you may increase its value — and if you don't inform your insurance company, you may be left underinsured.

These are the home improvement projects that could affect your overall value and require you to increase the amount of insurance coverage that you have for your home:

Adding a Pool or Hot Tub

When you decide to install a pool or hot tub in your backyard, you are likely thinking more about the endless days and nights that you will spend relaxing. However, these home improvement projects may increase your home's value — as well as your liability — which may cause an insurance premium increase. It's important to budget for this when you consider the overall cost to install and maintain your new pool or hot tub.

Replacing Your Home Siding

Replacing the siding on your home will have a significant impact on your property's facade. Not only will it boost your curb appeal, but it will also increase the value of your home. The increase in value may be so high that it could leave you without enough insurance coverage in the event of an emergency, so you should inform your insurance company that you are taking on this project.

Upgrading the Kitchen or Bathroom

Kitchen and bathroom renovations offer you the highest return on your investment, as these projects make your home more appealing to potential buyers and can drive up the sale price of your house. Noting the high ROI, it's necessary to keep your insurance company informed when these projects are complete.

Investing in a Home Addition

A home addition, such as a second story or additional living space that changes the footprint of your home, will significantly change the value of your home. This is perhaps the most important project to tell your insurance company about, as you do not want to risk being underinsured after you have finished a beautiful home addition.

In order to fully understand the impact that your home renovation project may have on your homeowner's insurance policy, contact your insurance agent prior to beginning the project. This will give you an idea of the impact that your project will have on your coverage and will allow you to budget for any insurance premium increases that may occur.

About the Author
Author

Adelaida “Ady” M. Artime, P.A.

In her role as a real estate and relocation specialist in South Florida and Northern Virginia, Ady Artime prides herself on providing the highest level of service, confidentiality and professionalism to her clients. Based on her own experience as a government liaison, Ady is in familiar territory working with high powered individuals. She possesses a discreet and confidential work ethic, and her keen eye, attention to detail, and experience with multi-million dollar properties have earned her a high-profile, loyal clientele that expect the best from their realtor.

Known for her expertise and strong background in interior design, she stands out from other real estate agents. When a satisfied client says that Ady knows real estate "inside and out", the statement is to be taken literally. Over the course of her career, she has received recognition as an award-winning interior designer. She has designed and implemented interiors for countless luxury projects throughout the United States, and Europe. Her extensive knowledge of all facets of design, including working with architects and construction teams, led to a natural progression into the real estate arena and gives her a definite edge over the competition in serving her clients.

As and agent in South Florida and North Virginia, Ady lends her real estate expertise and design savvy to buyers and sellers. Ady's mission is to develop a faithful, repeat clientele by providing them with superior service and value. She is passionate about her work and takes the time to understand each client's needs and goals to accurately assess the options she provides. From overseeing the staging of a listed property in order to fetch the highest possible price to analyzing a potential purchase from a design and architectural perspective.