Laurie Bauer , CAIB | Business Development Manager , Orbit Insurance Services

If you ’ re like many other Canadian homeowners who have recently come out of the pandemic , chances are you have either completed some type of renovation or have something planned in the future . Whether you ’ re wanting to give your kitchen a fresh look or building an extension for your home office , you should do your due diligence before you get started .

With so many pieces in motion — getting contractor quotes , shopping for material or meeting with designers — talking to your insurance broker may be an afterthought . Unfortunately , any changes made to your home could mean your insurance contract may be compromised , and in the event of a claim , you could be denied . Luckily , we ’ ve provided a list of situations that are important to review with your broker ahead of time .

Some insurers offer endorsements to home renovations and updates . Make sure to speak to your broker if you ’ re planning to :

• Upgrade your kitchen , bathroom , or basement — If you ’ re going to be doing minor renovations to these areas of your home without new plumbing , you should call your broker .

• Tackle major renovations that require any of the following — a building permit or any other permits that are required by regulation ; a structural architect ; if the renovations make the dwelling temporarily unlivable .

Other major renovations that warrant a conversation with your broker include :

• First floor addition or extension

• Removal of load bearing walls

• Opening an exterior wall

Some minor renovations are typically covered under your property insurance , but a call to your broker to clarify is always a good idea when :

• Completing a basement — Where prior to start of renovation , the wiring is one hundred per cent copper and the plumbing is copper , PVC , or PEX

• Replacing an exterior roofless deck less than two feet high — Contents limit applies for theft or attempted theft , vandalism , or malicious acts for any materials and supplies for use in the construction ( building materials on insured ’ s premises )

• Installing a fence

• Replacing flooring

Remember , any damage during renovations — like a pipe bursting during a bathroom remodel — could be subject of a claim , but without your insurance provider knowing beforehand , you may be denied according to a breach in your contract .

If you have any questions about a future renovation you ’ d like to plan or would like to review your current home policy , call one of our Orbit brokers today at 1-800-272-5688 . You can also get a quote on a home insurance policy by visiting the Orbit Insurance Services website . We look forward to hearing from you ! news & views WINTER 2023 | 45