Renovation is often completed to try and make your property more valuable, but what if you want to drop the cost of your monthly bills? Creating a safer and more reliable building can lower your insurance premiums while also increasing how much your home is worth!
These are the top safety renovations to consider and why it's important to plan ahead when you renovate.
1. Keep Moisture Out
Water is one of the most damaging forces in the world, so it's obvious why many insurance companies will reward you for simply keeping it out of your property. Basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are the most flood-prone areas and require an extra cautious eye for detail.
The best way to waterproof basement areas is to start from the bottom up. Add a sump pump, get water-proof flooring, and include drains in areas most likely to flood if possible.
2. Protect Your Roof From Anything
How old is your roof? What material is it made out of? Fire-resistant roofing has become an incredibly popular way to lower your home’s insurance premiums while actively protecting yourself from one of the scariest homeowner risks in the modern day.
Although it may seem obvious, many don't realize that a large number of externally started house fires begin because trees are bringing the flames to the home. Trim back any trees that come within fifty feet of the home to lower your risk of this happening.
3. Add Precautions Like Railing
Sometimes, insurance companies simply want to know that you're protecting yourself and those who visit your home. This means including things like deck railing that can withstand anything. This means nobody will have the misfortune of falling off of your deck while they’re visiting you. Most decks are at least three to five feet off the ground, so tumbling off of one can be detrimental.
4. Invest In Keeping Your Yard Dry
As said previously, water can be disastrous. Insurance companies like to see a property as protected from moisture as possible. To keep your yard dry, invest in moisture-stopping technology that will pull the water down and away.
This could mean putting in trenches that will divert water, but it’s also a good idea to consider using tools like rain gardens, which allow plants to absorb the moisture that would otherwise flood a yard.
5. Remember to Check the Age of Your Siding
How old is your siding? The older the siding, the more likely it is to be damaged, cracked, have insulation issues, or allow moisture into your home. To keep your insurance company happy, it’s a good idea to consider aluminum vs. vinyl siding and which would offer your property the most benefits.
Remember to add insulation under your siding to keep your home as energy efficient as possible, and check with your HOA for which colors and styles you're allowed to have.
6. Keep Up With Your Maintenance
Maintenance is king and can carry your property value a lot more than you think. If you fail to maintain your home, issues like electrical fires, leaks, roof issues, flooding within the house, and so much more can happen.
Keep a schedule for yourself that will remind you to have your air conditioning inspected or when you need to clear your roof. Eventually, this schedule will become natural to you.
7. Pay Attention to the Materials You Use
The materials you pick will make a huge difference. For instance, a slate roof can last well over eighty years when maintained properly, but a poorly sealed wood roof won't make it past 20 in some climates.
If you want to do the best you can, consider asking your insurance company directly what materials they prefer for these types of projects. This will help you put your budget in the right area.
8. Know When to Not DIY Your Projects
DIY is one of the most exciting ways to get a project completed on your property. Not only does this give you the opportunity to put your own touches on your home, but it also ensures that you can save some money and work according to your own schedule.
Do not DIY more than you can handle. Going overboard will quickly land you in a world of trouble and risk, which your insurance company won't appreciate. Be honest with yourself about what you can handle and what you should hand off to a professional who's been trained to complete similar projects. Your budget and your insurance company will thank you.
Lower Your Bills By Boosting Safety Precautions!
Nobody wants to deal with steep bills, and thankfully, you have the opportunity to take things into your own hands. Learn from companies like All About Insurance, and your insurance premiums will drop as your property value and safety rise!
Max Shafer is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on home improvement projects and materials. He lives in Land O’ Lakes, Florida where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on projects in his spare time. Max’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a new construction industry resource site.