Many people don’t realise that renovations, extensions, or even smaller upgrades to their property can affect their house insurance.  Here are a few questions that you need to answer to make sure your current policy is right for you.

Changes to your property

• Have you made structural changes (extensions, loft conversion, new garage, office, shed or solar panels) to your property?
• Was the property unoccupied during the renovations and, if so, for how long?
• Did you hire contractors, and did you check that they have their own insurance?
• Has the rebuild cost of your home increased?

Use of property

• Are you using part of your property differently (e.g. as a home office, rental, Airbnb)?
• Have your security or safety features changed (e.g. new alarms, locks, fire systems or CCTV?)

Contents and belongings

• Have you bought new appliances, furniture, or valuables that have raised the contents value?
• Do you need to adjust your contents cover limits?

 Here are a few key things you will need to do

• Notify your insurer: If you’ve added a new room, replaced a kitchen, built an outside office, or even installed solar panels, the rebuild cost of your home may have increased. Your insurer needs to know to ensure your coverage reflects the correct value.
• Coverage gaps: Some upgrades (like adding a home office, renting out a space, or installing a pool) may change your risk profile and could leave you under, or uninsured, if not reported.
• Temporary coverage: Major renovations sometimes require specific “contracts work” coverage, as your current policy may not be appropriate.

At Insurewise, we have a team ready to help you with your commercial and household insurance needs, including high-net-worth and more unique properties such as heritage or listed buildings. If you would like to speak to one of our experts, please call us on 01733 325555 or email sales@insurewise.co.uk.