With spring weather making its way to Wisconsin, you might be bursting at the seams to get started on your next home improvement project. Is it a gazebo you’ve been dreaming about all winter? Do you need a fence to provide some extra backyard privacy? Maybe it’s finally time to get organized and build that toolshed? Whatever you decide to do, read on for some tips to help make your new gazebo, fence, tool shed—or whatever you have in mind—a reality.
Do Your Research
Bringing any home project to life takes careful planning. It’s tempting to “jump in” and get moving on it right away, but it’s worth your while to explore options and get advice from other homeowners and experts. This will help ensure you get exactly what you envision, while taking care of your family budget, too.
Start by doing your homework online. Search for images, videos, and how-to lists. Read through customer reviews so you can learn from the experiences of others. You might come across some great product recommendations or local businesses who can help with materials, design, or installation. For more face-to-face support, visit a local home and garden show to meet vendors and other professionals who can provide all the inspiration and information you need.
And don’t forget to talk to your homeowner’s insurance agent. As an improvement to your home, your project will ultimately add value to your property—so protect your investment. To get you started talking, here are three spring home project insurance questions to ask your agent:
Will My Project be Covered?
Did you know that homeowners insurance doesn’t usually cover the land around your house? These policies typically cover your house and other structures on your property, but not your gardens, landscaping, and retaining walls. There are exceptions, though, and every policy is different. Ask your agent to review your policy for exactly what’s covered, and discuss any implications for your spring project.
Does My Project Involve “Other” or “Special” Structures?
Your insurance policy covers most projects you’re considering as “Other Structures,” sometimes referred to as Coverage B – Other Structures. These include gazebos, garden sheds, garages, and decks. But others, such as pools and fire pits, may be classified as “Special Structures” because they pose a potential risk and require special underwriting review. If you’re putting in a pool, for instance, you may need to build a fence around it before it can be covered by your policy.
Do I Have Enough Coverage?
You’re probably aware that the typical homeowners insurance policy has coverage limits concerning the structures around your home. These tend to be 10% of the amount your house is covered for. So, if you have $200,000 of coverage for your house, then you have $20,000 for any other structures on your property. Not all structures are created equal, of course. A garage is more expensive than a tool shed, so it may need extra coverage. Check with your agent about getting the coverage you need and purchase more, if necessary.
Consult Your Agent
Whatever your spring project entails, you’re investing time and money into something you want to enjoy for years to come. That’s why it’s so important to start planning early and seek the advice of professionals who can help make your project a success. Give Terp Family Insurance a call to get the valuable input you can use at every step of your project—and that keeps you, and your home, covered.
