Boston & Dorchester MA Insurance

You've planned every detail of your home remodel — contractors, permits, budgets — but have you notified your insurance company?

Whether you're renovating your single-family home or upgrading a condo, most homeowners aren't aware that skipping this step could leave them underinsured, at risk of denied claims, or facing unexpected out-of-pocket costs. Even minor upgrades can impact your policy.

So, do you really have to notify your insurer every time you renovate? The short answer is yes—especially if the project affects your home’s value or risk profile.

Let’s walk through when and why you need to update your insurance, how it affects your premium, and the important step condo owners should never skip.

Why Renovations Should Be Reported to Your Insurer

Home upgrades change more than just appearance—they also impact your home’s insurability.

When you renovate, you're typically increasing your home’s replacement value — the cost it would take to rebuild in case of loss. Insurance companies use this figure to calculate your premium. If your policy is based on the pre-renovation value and disaster strikes, your payout might fall short.

Some projects also introduce new risks. For example, a finished basement might be more vulnerable to flooding. A deck, pool, or detached garage introduces potential liability concerns.

By notifying your insurance provider before and after your remodel, you ensure that your coverage reflects your current home—not a past version of it.

Which Renovations Require You to Contact Your Insurance Company?

Any project that increases your home’s value, square footage, or risk exposure should be reported. Examples include:

Room additions or garage builds
Kitchen and bathroom upgrades
Finished basements or attic conversions
Major system overhauls (plumbing, HVAC, electric)
Swimming pools, hot tubs, or trampolines
Home office setups or business-use conversions

Even seemingly small improvements like high-end flooring, built-in cabinetry, or smart home systems can tip the scale. While repainting or replacing curtains might not trigger a policy change, it’s always wise to check.

Special Note for Condo Owners: Update Your HO-6 Policy

If you live in a condo, you absolutely must update your HO-6 policy if you do any renovations.

Why? Your condo association’s master policy generally only covers the building’s common areas and original fixtures. That means any improvements you make—like custom flooring, updated lighting, or a luxury kitchen—are your responsibility to insure.

Failing to notify your insurer after a renovation could leave your upgrades completely unprotected.

To be safe, review your condo association’s bylaws and then work with your insurance agent to adjust your HO-6 policy accordingly.

What Happens If You Don’t Notify Your Insurer?

Not telling your insurance company about a remodel could result in denied claims, coverage gaps, or even policy cancellation.

Let’s say you finish your basement and later experience water damage. If your policy was never updated, your provider could say that space wasn’t part of the covered home, potentially leading to a denial of the claim.

In some cases, failure to disclose major changes can be viewed as misrepresentation—giving your insurer the right to cancel the policy entirely.

Will Your Premium Increase After Remodeling?

Not always. Some renovations can actually lower your insurance rate. Here’s how:

A new roof or electrical system might reduce premiums by improving safety.
A kitchen or bath remodel might increase premiums due to higher replacement costs.
A pool or home office might increase liability exposure, raising costs slightly.

The impact depends on the type of upgrade and how it affects your home’s risk profile. Either way, your goal isn’t necessarily to avoid premium changes—it’s to stay fully protected.

What Should You Do Before and After a Renovation?

The best move is to involve your insurance agent early—and again once the work is complete.

Here’s a smart checklist:

Notify your agent before starting any major renovation.
Understand your policy—what’s covered, what’s not.
Ask about temporary coverage during construction (like builder’s risk).
Request a policy review after the project to update the replacement cost.
Ensure liability coverage is appropriate if you added risk-prone features.

And if you’re unsure about any of this, it’s always best to reach out to us directly. Our team can review your situation, guide you through policy adjustments, and make sure you’re protected from the start of your renovation to the finish.

Remodeling? Make Sure Your Insurance Keeps Up

At the end of the day, home renovations are exciting—but come with important responsibilities, especially where insurance is concerned. This is especially true if you’re doing high-value work or own a condo with an HO-6 policy that doesn’t yet reflect your updates.

Now that you understand the importance of keeping your insurer in the loop, it’s time to make sure your coverage matches your home’s reality. Still unsure if your remodel requires a policy update? Let us help.

Do I Have to Notify My Insurance Company If I Remodel My House?