Does Homeowners Insurance Cover DIY Projects?

Working as insurance adjusters in South Florida means we have seen the results of a variety of DIY projects. It is common for property owners to want to renovate their own home. After all, these renovations can increase property values while improving quality of life.

That said, you may be wondering: does your homeowners policy cover a room that you renovated yourself? The answer will vary based on the specifics of both the situation and your policy.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?
Homeowners policies vary, and it is important to examine your specific policy to determine what is covered. That said, these policies typically cover unexpected expenses.

For instance, if a leak occurs after a renovation has been completed, the damage should be covered if the leak is not a result of workmanship. For all intents and purposes, policies typically treat projects the same whether they were performed by an owner or a contractor.

Given this fact, it is worthwhile to ask: how do insurance companies typically address situations where contractors cause damage in a home?

Workmanship Exclusions
Insurance policies typically have a workmanship exclusion, which means that companies can deny insurance claims if the damage was caused by:
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• Faulty or inadequate materials
• Faulty design
• Faulty workmanship

To put it simply, insurance policies are primarily designed to cover sudden and accidental losses. If the damage could have been foreseen and prevented, such as by doing the proper job, you likely do not have a valid insurance claim under your policy and would be denied coverage.

If you file the proper permits, abide by the law, the work was done properly and you did not cause the damage, there is a good chance that your damages would be covered under your policy.

Are There Any Exceptions to Workmanship Exclusions?
Even if the workmanship exclusion prevents coverage for damage caused by neglect during the project, you may still be able to receive coverage.  Many policies state that coverage is still provided if a “resultant peril” covered under the policy caused the damage.

While an insurance company is unlikely to pay for a leak caused by faulty workmanship, you may be able to file an insurance claim if a hurricane or other peril caused damage unrelated to the leak.

Finding the Right Contractor
If you choose to hire a contractor, it is important to make sure you vet them thoroughly. Here are some of the qualities to look for in a contractor:
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• Permits – Make sure if the work needs to be permitted, the contractor will file for permits.
• Trustworthiness – It is worthwhile to understand a contractor’s reputation and you should read their reviews. If they have many negative reviews, it is best to find another contractor.
• Insurance – You want to ensure that the contractor has a certificate of insurance because this protects you from liability if they are injured.

Looking for an Insurance Adjuster in South Florida?
You have come to the right place. At Reliant Insurance, we work with residential and commercial property owners who want the best results for their insurance claims. We have decades of experience as public adjusters, appraisers and umpires.
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Do you have any questions about your claim or your coverage? Are you in need of qualified representation for your claim? Please do not hesitate to contact us today.