New Bedford Home Insurance: Increase the Value of Your Home

Projects, both small and large, can make a significant difference in the value of your home. However, it is crucial that you take your time to make smart choices that will ensure that you maximize the return on your investment. Whenever you do a remodel or renovation, make sure to contact your local insurance companies in New Bedford to update your existing policy. MA homeowners insurance can only protect you for the things that are recorded with your New Bedford home insurance agency. Upgrading from laminate to granite countertops or from old carpet to new hardwood flooring can make a big difference in the value of your home, requiring more money to make repairs or replacements in the event of a claim. Be sure to go over and update your New Bedford home insurance whenever you make a drastic change.

Create Two Home Project Lists

An old real estate trick that helps prospective buyers figure out what matters most when searching for a new home is to break down the things that you want into two lists: nice-to-have and have-to-have. The things that are nice-to-have would include a swimming pool, a hot tub, specialty cabinets in the kitchen, or custom flooring in the garage. The things that are have-to-have would include functional items, essential repairs, and projects that would immediately pay-off by increasing the value of your home. Separate all of your home remodeling ideas into these two columns and then prioritize the work that needs to be done according to what you can afford or by urgency if the repairs are something that cannot wait.

• any repair that includes water damage due to a leak or some other situation should be taken care of first; the longer you wait, the higher chance you have for mold and mildew to grow, which can make the job even more costly and put you and your family at risk for health issues
• repairs that are covered by your MA homeowners insurance should also be prioritized; make sure to contact your local insurance agent to discuss your New Bedford home insurance claim to determine the best course of action
• remodeling projects, upgrades, and other work should all be included in your coverage for home insurance in New Bedford; be sure to speak with insurance companies in New Bedford about any changes that you make to your home so they can be included with your policy information in the event of a future claim

One Project at a Time

While you might think it would be a good idea to just do all of your remodeling work at once, your best bet is to just tackle one project or room at a time. Chances are good that you can already see things you want done in nearly every room of your home, but it’s better to focus on one thing at a time to ensure that nothing gets overlooked and that you don’t give up halfway through and end up with unfinished projects. Look at each item on your list and determine what work could be done as a DIY project, such as paint a bedroom or replace the bathroom fixtures. Consider which other items should be done by a professional, like putting in brand new hardwood flooring or upgrading the kitchen with new cabinets and countertops.

Create a strategy that will help you to get the work done, add value to your home, and ensure that all projects are effectively completed. It might be tempting to start with the items that “bug you” the most, but a better approach would be to use your two lists and prioritize according to urgency, the time that the projects take, and the finances needed to get them completed. Some work, such as cleaning up the front yard and getting rid of all the junk in your garage, won’t cost you more than a Saturday afternoon and a trip to the dump. Whether you are selling your home or not, it always pays to invest in the value of your home, even when the work is just a simple day of gardening or cleaning.

Consider Curb Appeal

Speaking of the outdoors, the exterior of your home should also be included in your list of priorities. How old is your roof? When was the last time your home was pressure cleaned or painted? Have you been diligent with cleaning out the gutters, mowing the lawn, and taking care of trees? All of these things add up when it comes to maximizing the value of your home, but they are all also essential concerning MA homeowners insurance. Basic maintenance is required to protect your home from damage during inclement weather and other similar situations. If you haven’t had your roof inspected in years or know that your roof is 20 years old or more, it’s time to get an expert out to check the status of the materials. Putting on a new roof will instantly add value to your home, but it will help to ensure that you are covered in a weather-related claim with your home insurance in New Bedford.

Get a FREE Quote for New Bedford Home Insurance
If it’s been a while since you’ve gone over your current policy or if you are purchasing a brand new home, make sure to contact Borden Insurance. We have provided quality insurance coverage to local homeowners in the SouthCoast communities since 1909. Give us a call at 508-999-3636 and speak with one of our agents about your MA homeowners insurance policy.