Home additions

Additions Need Additional Insurance

Are you thinking of adding onto your home? Or upgrading/ remodeling what you already have? Talk to your insurance agent first and see if you need additional coverage.

Remodeling

If you are doing a minor remodel including paint, cabinet and new appliances or a mid-grade remodel, adding new flooring, lights, furniture also, you shouldn't need to increase your coverage. But if you are doing a high end remodel that includes floor plan changes, window installments, granite counter tops, among the other changes listed, you will need reevaluate the dwelling value for your home. The difference between the value of a "Builders Grade" bathroom (a very basic bathroom) and a "Designer" bathroom is over $21,000. The difference in value of a "Builders Grade" and a "Designer" kitchen is almost $150,000. You want to make sure you have enough coverage to rebuild your home to its current standard. 

Building Additions

If you are building an addition to your home, such as another bedroom or a sun room, you will need to a Builders Risk policy while building the addition. If you hire a contractor, this should be included in their General Liability coverage. (Get verification!) The value of the addition needs to be added to your home insurance policy from the start. Take into consideration there will be additional square footage as well as fixturing, plumbing and electrical work that will add value. Consider how much coverage you have for your personal property for the additional furniture also. You should be able to increase the coverage amount if you need to. 

Building Other Structures

If you are building a Detached garage or a swimming pool, these would be covered under "Other Structures". This is usually a predetermined percentage of the Dwelling amount, usually 1-% - 20%. Some policies will let you increase/decrease this coverage. The average cost to build/replace a basic detached garage is between $9,000 and $12,000. The average cost to build a pool is $22,000. Of course these costs will increase with higher end materials and more square footage.


With all projects, take before and after pictures and keep your receipts. If you hire a contractor, ask for verification of their General Liability insurance up front and keep a copy of the signed contract and invoices. If you have friends/family help you with the project, make sure your home insurance policy has enough guest medical and liability coverage for any possible injuries. Take a look at your insurance coverage as you make your plans. There may be an additional cost associated with increasing the coverage and you want to include this in your budget. Please don't wait until your renewal to talk to your agent about your coverage. Weather and fire will not wait for your renewal, so please make sure you are covered correctly from the start!

There are three ways to request a quote for your insurance needs: 

* Visit our website

* Email us

* Call Brockman Premier Insurance at 877-987-8683