Home Improvement

If you’ve watched a single episode of Fixer Upper, you know the itch it produces for home improvement. Shiplap or vaulted ceilings, home improvement really can make a difference in the value of your home and the value of your insurance. I’m not talking about the man your children know as the Santa clause, (thanks Disney), I’m speaking about the list. You know, the list of things you’d like to do around your house that seems to never end, that is what I am talking about. And let's be honest, for most of us the only thing you need to “tie-in” to the living room of your house are the cables that are covered by your area rug. There are only so many Saturdays in the year for lowes trips and paint chips. It’s easy to be overwhelmed.

Regardless the stress of your honey-do list, the thing to understand here is the benefit of having an attentive home insurance agent. It is staggering the number of people who are under-insured on their homeowners insurance policy. Let’s say your insured correctly and have the replacement costs necessary, have those costs changed? The Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America reported that one in four remodeling projects increases the value of a home by more than 25 percent. That’s at least worth a phone call to your insurance agent. I’ve put together a list of 5 tips for your next Gaines-inspired project, take a peak.

1. If you’re planning on embodying the handy-man you always knew you could be, make sure to take note of the costs of your renovation down to dollar amounts and receipts. Investing in the value of a home is just as important on paper as it is on floor joists.

2. If living in the city limits of your town, check to see if there are stipulations on what you can and cannot build in proximity to the road and or powerlines. This will save a lot of benjamin franklin's when you’re required to either halt your outdoor she-shed or when your required to have it removed completely.

3. Shop local. Just do it. When you can’t, order online. A 3 hour trips kills more home projects than the extra dollars ever will.

4. Last but definitely not least, call your home insurance agent, let them know what homeimprovement your planning, check to see that your coverages are adequate during and after your renovation.

We care for your fixer upper and we know after all those Saturdays of hard work, insuring your home properly makes all the difference. We’re open to look over your current policies while building a business relationship tailored to your business. We’ll meet you on the farm, at your office, or in your backyard while you’re working on that long list of projects. Just a call or a click away.