MA Homeowners Insurance: Safeguard Your Home During a Remodel
There’s nothing more exciting than getting your home remodeled. Whether you are getting a brand new kitchen, updating an old bathroom, or adding on some extra space, you will have contractors and vendors in and out of your home for at least a few weeks. Whenever you invite someone into your home to make repairs or perform work, you are increasing your risk of damage or theft. However, there are things that you can do to safeguard your home during a remodel or renovation. Your New Bedford homeowners insurance agent has lots of great tips that you can use to your advantage. Borden Insurance Agency in New Bedford can provide you with a FREE home insurance quote, and we can also offer information that will enhance your MA homeowners insurance and protection.
Tip #1 – Don’t Give a Key
While it might seem like a good idea to just give the contractor a key so he can come in and out of your home to work on things while you are away, this can be very dangerous. If work needs to be done and you can’t be there, ask a trusted family member or neighbor to be there during the visit. Try to schedule most of the work to be done when you will be available, even if that means working from home during construction or taking your vacation time during the remodel. If you usually have a spare key somewhere on your property, reconsider this idea. Burglars know that people leave keys under doormats, under rocks, hiding inside light fixtures and other obvious spots, but they also know about hide-a-key products that can be purchased at local hardware and home improvement shops.
#2 – Put Valuable or Fragile Items Away
The best way to prevent a burglary from happening is to hide anything of value. Consider packing away collectible or heirloom items and putting them in storage during your remodel. Many homeowners now use storage spaces to house entire rooms of furniture, rugs, and other things that they don’t want to get full of dust or damaged during renovation work. Climate controlled, dust-free storage spaces are now all over the Southcoast area, so there’s no excuse not to protect your stuff. Get the extra insurance from the storage company and make sure to pack everything properly to prevent accidental damage during transportation and unloading. Other potential targets can be jewelry, prescription medications, electronics, and purses. Put all of these things away in a locked room or safe before workers arrive to prevent unwanted attention.
#3 – Know Who is in Your Home
Before you hire anyone to do work on your home, your New Bedford homeowners insurance agents recommend that you do a background check or at least check license, certifications, and insurance before permitting them in your home. This will protect you if anything gets damaged or stolen during the remodel. Ask for references and then actually call previous clients to find out about their experience. Get license and insurance information to keep on file during the construction project. Pay attention to any new subcontractors, vendors, or workers who are brought into your home by the general contractor and ask for information on each company or individual that is involved.
#4 – Be Aware of Local Scams
Unfortunately, there are lots of scams going on throughout the Southcoast area that target unwitting homeowners. Your MA homeowners insurance providers want you to be aware of police reports that come in from victims of home repair and remodeling scams. Most of these scams are merely a way for individuals to gain access to your home for a burglary, but there are others who charge people up-front for work and then never deliver. Be careful of any unmarked trucks or work vans that are driving around in your neighborhood and be wary of any solicitors who claim to offer low-price services for home repair and remodeling. Contact utility companies and city offices if someone comes to your property claiming to be an emergency worker, utility agent, or city employee. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
#5 – Check Your MA Homeowners Insurance Policy
Before you have any work done on your home, check with Borden Insurance Agency in New Bedford to make sure your coverage is up-to-date. Once the work is completed, make sure to advise your agent about any upgrades or remodeling that might impact your New Bedford homeowners insurance. Upgrading from Formica countertops to granite will make a big difference in the cost to replace your kitchen in the event of a claim. Brand new cabinets and cupboards will affect costs as well. While it might not impact your home insurance quote and premium, you still need to report any changes so the work will be covered if you suffer a loss. Your agent can also provide you with insurance tips for remodeling work, offering insight into MA homeowners insurance requirements and industry regulations.
Contact Borden Insurance Agency for a FREE Home Insurance Quote
If you are in the market for MA homeowners insurance or auto insurance in the Greater New Bedford area, contact Borden Insurance. We have provided quality services and comprehensive coverage for homeowners in Southeastern Massachusetts for over a century. Give us a call at 508-999-3636 to speak with one of our agents. We can answer any questions you might have about home insurance or our insurance agency in New Bedford.