Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2024-02-20T19:01:00

(BPT) – When you want to enhance your outdoor living space, consider building with retaining wall units. Segmental retaining wall (SRW) units are the basic building blocks of landscaping, and you will save on design and labor costs when you do it yourself. Whether you want to level a slope, build a sitting wall or add a raised patio, it’s essential to get informed before starting your project.

1. Check local rules. “Call 8-1-1 before you dig” is essential. Do-it-yourselfers also should check with their municipalities and homeowner’s associations for building codes, permits and/or property variance rules. Some municipalities require permits for walls up to four feet tall, although engineering might not be needed for that height with most SRW systems. A retaining wall taller than four feet might require geogrid for soil reinforcement and an approved design by a professional engineer. A landscaping supply store will know local permitting and can identify plans that might require an engineer.

2. Consider where you will buy supplies. A landscaping supply store is a great place to get educated, purchase landscaping products and rent tools such as a compactor. A dedicated landscaping store can help you choose which wall system is best suited to your project, calculate the materials you will need and offer advice before, during and after installation.

“Do-it-yourself customers are the foundation of who we serve at Patio Town stores,” said David Johnson, who manages one of Patio Town’s three locations in St. Paul/Minneapolis. “We have a team that will listen to what customers are thinking of doing, and then offer solutions and options. Should customers decide a project is more than they want to do, we can refer them to our design-build division, Villa Landscapes.”

3. Learn about retaining wall systems. Some systems are easier to install, and some require specialty pieces for corners, curves and steps. The VERSA-LOK Standard retaining wall system is easy to install, and no special pieces are needed to build features. VERSA-LOK Standard is a solid unit that is renowned for ease of installation as there are no voids in the unit to fill. Splitting the unit allows you to create curves, corners, columns, multi-angled corners, freestanding walls and steps.

4. Mark off, measure and photograph the project area. In addition to giving details about your project to your landscaping supplier, you might need advice to determine soil conditions or stormwater requirements. For example, clay soil retains water so it may need amendment, or the wall might require drainage pipes based on soil and other factors. You can discuss the content of your soil with landscaping store staff, who can offer ideas on remediation if needed.

5. It is all about the base. The base is the most important course. Retaining wall manufacturers and landscape suppliers can offer product-specific details on how to excavate and prep the base. After excavating a trench for the base, the subsoil should be compacted before a few inches of gravel is added and compacted. Make sure the area is level before starting the base course, which should be embedded half of the block’s height at a minimum. With solid units such as VERSA-LOK, there is no need for concrete footings as the base course serves as the foundation.

6. Finishing touches to consider. After each unit is placed and leveled, fill and compact the gravel placed behind the wall. Finish off your wall with capstone units that can be secured with adhesive; be sure your adhesive has elastic properties as modular walls are flexible so they can withstand freeze-thaw cycles.

Another important point to consider is the weather! Bad weather can hinder your installation. With a little planning, know-how and a trusted landscaping store that shares advice throughout your project, you can build successfully with retaining wall units.

2024-02-07T07:01:00

(BPT) – Many homebuyers are rethinking their plans given market challenges. RE/MAX offers some key takeaways from its survey on the creative ways buyers are achieving homeownership.

2024-02-07T07:01:00

(BPT) – At first glance, the value of some home improvements can be hard to see — particularly when the improvements are in the attic. While a gleaming kitchen backsplash, an expansive patio deck or luxury spa bath are all pleasing to the eye, the value of other home improvements may best be appreciated through improved indoor comfort. Installed in the attic area, insulation and ductwork are two examples of often overlooked upgrades that can impact comfort as well as energy savings. Case in point: EPA estimates that homeowners can save up to 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces, and accessible basement rim joists.¹

Installing adequate levels of attic insulation and repairing or replacing attic ductwork can help address the root cause of problems such as increased dust, hot/cold rooms or high energy bills. But as the attic area is infrequently accessed, how do you know if a problem exists? Let’s start with insulation. Simply confirming its presence in the attic is not enough. Following are some signs that your home’s attic may need additional insulation:

• Hot or cold ceilings, walls or rooms
• Uneven temperatures in a home that cause HVAC systems to run more frequently
• High heating or cooling bills compared to similarly sized homes in the area

A sufficient amount of attic insulation, typically measured in inches, is necessary to help protect against warm air moving into colder parts of the building envelope. A qualified HVAC technician should be able to evaluate your attic and help you understand how much energy you could conserve by insulating to a specified thickness. For example, contractors designated as AirCare^® Professionals are trained by Owens Corning and equipped with tools to assess insulation levels and explain how your home’s attic insulation compares to recommended standards.

Leaks and poor connections in attic ductwork can also lead to problems in other parts of the home. According to ENERGY STAR about 20% of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes and poorly connected ducts.² ENERGY STAR also notes that tightly sealed and well-insulated ducts found in qualified homes can reduce annual utility bills by $120 or more.² Following are some indicators of a problem with a home’s attic ductwork:

• Spikes in energy bills
• Rooms that are too hot or too cold
• Rooms that have a musty odor
• Heating or cooling equipment that cycles on/off more frequently as the system works harder to heat/cool spaces due to lost air
• Increased levels of dust

An AirCare^® Professional is trained to evaluate the pressure of air running through your home’s ductwork and may use special thermal technology tools that allow you to “see” where air is escaping. He or she also will evaluate the system for loose connections or areas where air may be leaking out of the system. Joints and connections will be evaluated to ensure the ductwork is properly sealed to keep conditioned air inside and help prevent particulates in the attic from entering ducts. To find an AirCare^® Professional please visit the online locator at HVAC Contractor Locator | Insulation | Owens Corning.

Ready to get a start on your 2024 home improvements? Don’t lose sight of opportunities in the attic to boost comfort and energy savings.

Savings may vary. Find out why at EnergyStar.gov.

¹ Energy Star. (n.d.) Methodology for estimated energy savings from cost-effective air sealing and insulating. U.S. EPA. Methodology for Estimated Energy Savings from Cost-Effective Air Sealing and Insulating | ENERGY STAR

² Energy Star. (n.d.) Efficient Duct Systems. U.S. EPA. Microsoft Word – Duct Systems_072307.doc (energystar.gov)

©2024. Owens Corning. All rights reserved.

2024-01-31T10:01:00

(BPT) – Do you spend most of your time and energy focusing on your backyard for outdoor living? Most homeowners do, leaving the untapped potential of front and side yards unnoticed. What if you could bring the serenity and functionality of your favorite backyard features to the front or sides, creating even more inviting spaces that truly enhance your living experience?

Here are five ways you can use Pavestone products to help you transform your home’s underutilized front and side yards, turning them into cozy retreats with enhanced privacy and functionality.

1. Embrace front yard retreats

Functional elegance: Elevate your front yard with Pavestone retaining walls that not only level uneven terrain, but also add a touch of elegance. These walls can create intimate spaces for relaxation or gardening, effectively bringing the charm of backyard terraces to the front of your home.

Privacy walls and hedges: Retaining walls work well as a base for privacy hedges, which can create secluded areas that are shielded from street view. Alternatively, you can build gravity walls (that do not support the weight of ground retention) as a purely visual block from outside eyes. Both additions bring a sense of tranquility to your front yard, making it a private oasis.

2. Create welcoming walkways

Curb appeal redefined: Swap out conventional concrete with Pavestone pavers to redefine your front or side walkways. Choose warm tones and intricate patterns to enhance the visual appeal, welcoming guests with a stylish entrance that mimics the coziness of backyard pathways. Pavestone’s Luna™ pavers make this a quick and easy project, as many designs don’t require cuts.

Create secluded nooks: Use pavers and well-placed landscaping to create small, secluded nooks in your front yard, providing private spaces for reading, contemplation — or simply enjoying the fresh air.

3. Enjoy outdoor living out front

Fire pit elegance: Installing a Pavestone fire pit kit made of Ladera^® wall block in your front yard will bring the warmth and charm of backyard gatherings to the front of your home. This not only adds a new focal point, but also makes your front yard a welcoming space for family and friends.

Grill islands for al fresco cooking: Integrate Pavestone RumbleStone^® grill surrounds to craft a designated outdoor cooking area in your front yard. This practical addition not only enhances functionality, but also adds an extra touch of luxury to your outdoor space.

4. Sit and talk — or relax — a while

Privacy-enhancing seat walls: Consider using Pavestone’s RumbleStone to create secluded seating areas along the sides of your home. These walls not only provide comfortable seating, but also act as privacy screens, transforming your side yards into more intimate spaces.

Bench kits for cozy corners: You can incorporate Pavestone RumbleStone bench kits in corners or against walls to create cozy nooks for relaxation or conversation. These benches can easily turn any area of your yard into a private retreat.

5. Let water wash your cares away

Front yard fountains: Introducing water features like fountains or water walls will bring a feeling of peace and tranquility to your front yard. The gentle sound of flowing water and visual appeal of these features can transform the space into a serene oasis, all while enhancing privacy.

Using these hardscape projects, you can expand the allure of backyard living to your front and side yards, adding more value, usefulness and aesthetic appeal to your entire outdoor space.

Whether through retaining walls, pavers, fire pits or grill surrounds, these elements not only add functionality but also create private sanctuaries that redefine the notion of front or side yard space. Embrace the opportunity to turn any area of your yard into a welcoming haven, showcasing the potential for beauty and privacy in every corner of your home — inside and out.

2024-01-31T07:01:00

(BPT) – When a severe weather event like a winter storm hits your town, a portable generator can power your necessary appliances, electronic devices and medical equipment. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is encouraging consumers who use portable generators to learn how to operate them safely to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

CO is known as the invisible killer because it’s colorless and odorless. Often, people don’t realize they have CO poisoning until it’s too late. According to a recent report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Non-Fire Carbon Monoxide Deaths Associated with the Use of Consumer Products, an estimated 250 consumer product-related non-fire CO deaths occurred in the U.S. in 2019. Most of these deaths occurred in colder months, with more than half occurring November through February.

Since 2009, portable generators have been associated with 40% of all non-fire CO deaths related to consumer products under CPSC’s jurisdiction.

This winter, CPSC has six life-saving tips to protect your family from CO poisoning.

1. Never operate a portable generator indoors

Never operate a portable generator inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace, shed or other enclosed spaces. Opening doors or windows won’t provide enough ventilation to prevent the buildup of lethal CO levels.

2. Don’t operate a portable generator close to your home

Ensure that portable generators are operated at least 20 feet from your house. Don’t operate a generator on a porch or in a carport. It may be convenient, but it’s too close to home and puts your family at risk of CO poisoning. Direct the generator’s exhaust away from your home and other buildings where someone can enter. Close windows and seal off vent openings that are near the generator or in the path of its exhaust.

3. Don’t skip maintenance

Regularly check and maintain your portable generator to ensure it will work properly when needed. Read and follow all labels, instructions and warnings on the generator and in the owner’s manual.

4. Purchase a portable generator with safety features

When searching for a portable generator, look for models with a CO shut-off. This safety feature automatically shuts off the generator when high levels of CO are present around the generator. Models that are certified to the latest PGMA G300-2018 and UL 2201 safety standards are estimated by CPSC to reduce deaths from CO poisoning by 87% and 100%, respectively.

5. Install CO alarms

A CO alarm is the last line of defense and can save lives! Install battery-operated CO alarms or CO alarms with battery backup on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Interconnected CO alarms are best because when one sounds, they all sound. Test CO alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed. Never ignore an alarm when it sounds. Get outside immediately, then call 911.

6. Keep outside vents clear

Clear snow away from the outside vents for fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, so that dangerous carbon monoxide does not build up inside the house.

Keep your family safe this winter by using these six tips. To learn more about the dangers of CO and how to protect yourself during a power outage, visit CPSC.gov/Safety-Education.

SOURCE: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

2024-01-31T06:01:00

(BPT) – Do you have a basement or other room with unlevel flooring? This can make the space difficult to use, plus detracts from your home’s overall value. Change this problem into opportunity by exploring how you can fix the surface and prepare it for tile, carpet or another finished flooring.

Some might think it will be necessary to demolish the existing concrete slab and pour a new slab. Not only is this very costly, it’s time-consuming. One of the simplest solutions pros and DIYers alike use to correct sloping, uneven or cracked floors is Quikrete Fast-Setting Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacer. With this product, you can resurface most floors with a single application, creating a smooth surface for the installation of ceramic tile, carpet, resilient flooring or other finishes.

With the right preparation, you can improve your basement or other floor over a weekend. Your resurfaced floor will be ready for applying tile or carpet — or leave just as it is, for lightly trafficked areas. It can even be used for areas like patios if the temperature is not below freezing. This has big impact, making your property more livable and boosting its value.

Before you start, it’s important to assess the current floor’s surface and do some preparation.

Temperature considerations

Quikrete’s Fast-Setting Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacer can be used at any temperature above freezing, but for best results, the temperature should be at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Colder temps will slow the setting time for the product, although it will still set faster than typical resurfacing products.

Check for damage and amount of slope

First, examine the floor for large cracks, holes or damage that may need repair before applying Quickrete’s Floor Resurfacer. If you have deep cracks (more than 5/8″ deep) or large chunks of floor to repair, use a fast-set repair mortar and cure such as Quikrete Commercial Grade FastSet Repair Mortar before resurfacing. Small hairline cracks will be easily filled by the floor resurfacer.

Then, use a level to determine how much slope you have. You can apply up to 5/8 of an inch of lift but not more than that in a single application, so if your floor has a bigger slope, you’ll want to use more than one application to level the area.

Gather your materials

All you’ll need is the Quikrete Fast-Setting Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacer, a heavy-duty drill with a paddle mixer, water, a 5-gallon bucket, impervious gloves, safety glasses and Quikrete Concrete Bonding Adhesive (No. 9902). The resurfacing product is self-leveling, so no trowel is required. Make sure to follow safety precautions and wear impervious gloves such as nitrile when using products.

Clean and prime your floor

It’s essential that all surfaces are clean and free of foreign substances including dirt, dust, oil, grease and paint. After cleaning, you’ll need to prime the clean, dry floor surface with diluted QUIKRETE Concrete Bonding Adhesive (No. 9902). Follow the product’s instructions for use and allow time to dry. The bonding adhesive should be dry to the touch (drying takes about 1-2 hours, depending on conditions) before using the resurfacer.

Apply the resurfacer

Mix the resurfacer with water according to the product instructions. Starting in the center of the space, pour the material directly from the mixing container in continuous strips of about 1 foot (30 cm) wide across the narrow section of the application area. Placing should be done as one continuous operation, with no screeding or troweling necessary. The mixed material will remain fluid for approximately 20 minutes, and will level itself to a smooth surface.

Pour the next strip adjacent to the edge of the previously placed material. The adjacent strips should be poured within 15-20 minutes to ensure a smooth, continuous surface. Continue to work without breaks until the entire application area is covered.

Allow the resurfacer to cure

Curing time will vary depending on area conditions. During the first 24 hours, keep the area covered or damp to prevent excessive loss of water, which can cause cracking. You can also use Quikrete Acrylic Concrete Cure & Seal, plastic sheeting or the application of a very fine fog spray of water to help prevent shrinkage cracking.

Following these steps can help you maximize your home’s underused basement or other spaces, providing rooms with smooth, level floors. Visit Quikrete.com for information about this and other home DIY products.

2024-01-31T04:01:00

(BPT) – If you or a loved one are planning on making improvements to your home to help you age in place comfortably and safely, you’re probably focusing your attention on areas inside the home. But have you also thought about how outdoor spaces can affect your ability to enjoy your home as you get older? Creating accessible, low-maintenance environments that can extend your living space to include the outdoors is an effective way to increase the value of your home, while making the most of the home you’ve grown to love.

Here are five home paver projects to consider that can enhance the quality of life for anyone with the desire to age in place.

1. Accessible pathways

Creating smooth and easily navigable pathways throughout your outdoor space is crucial for age-in-place living. Installing pavers that have a non-slip surface ensures stability, while minimizing steps or elevation changes will increase safety and comfort for anyone with mobility challenges. In addition, using edgers like Pavestone’s RumbleStone^® edgers outlines and draws attention to these paths while incorporating visual elements from the spaces they connect.

A well-designed pathway helps to connect various areas of the property, promoting independence and providing a sense of freedom.

2. Patio expansion

Expanding or renovating your patio with large-scale step stones or traditional pavers (and edging or wall block) can significantly enhance your outdoor living spaces.

It’s best to choose slip-resistant pavers to reduce the risk of accidents, and consider incorporating seat walls or built-in benches for convenient resting spots. A well-designed patio made with Pavestone RumbleStone, for example, encourages outdoor activities, socializing and relaxation while maintaining the comfort and safety needed for older adults.

3. Raised garden beds

If you enjoy gardening, raised garden beds constructed with wall blocks, like Pavestone’s Ladera^® wall block, can keep the joy of growing plants and flowers as part of your life without the physical strain. Elevating the planting area reduces the need for bending or kneeling, making it more accessible for anyone with limited mobility.

Wall blocks provide a stable and durable border, making the raised garden beds not only functional, but also aesthetically pleasing.

4. Threshold ramps

Eliminating barriers between indoor and outdoor spaces or between separated outdoor areas is essential for age-in-place living. Installing threshold ramps made of pavers like Pavestone’s Holland stone ensures a smooth transition between different floor levels such as from the house to the patio. These ramps are not only practical, but also add a seamless design element to the overall aesthetic of the property.

5. Low-maintenance, multi-functional outdoor spaces

You can create outdoor spaces to serve multiple purposes to accommodate changing needs as you or a loved one grows older. Paver projects that incorporate sitting areas, shade structures and even low-maintenance green spaces offer a range of possibilities without requiring extensive upkeep.

For example, previously sodded spaces can be quickly covered with larger-scale step stones and landscape rock. This versatility allows for the easy adaptation of the outdoor environment to varying mobility levels and preferences over time.

Using these top five home outdoor paver projects, you or your family members can age in place with confidence, surrounded by spaces that promote independence, well-being and a high quality of life. Investing now in outdoor paver projects tailored for age-in-place living is a thoughtful and proactive approach to maintaining a comfortable and safe home environment for years to come. These projects not only enhance accessibility for anyone living in or visiting your home, but also contribute to the overall aesthetic and functionality of your property.

Visit Pavestone.com for more design inspiration and ideas to improve your home at any life stage.

2024-01-25T10:01:00

(BPT) – In today’s fast-paced world, finding the time to take care of our household chores is no easy thing. Doing the laundry can be among the most time-consuming and effort-intensive of these chores, typically necessitating a lengthy, multi-step process to get everything clean and dry. To liberate us from the more inconvenient aspects of this essential task, LG is introducing the WashCombo™ All-in-One Washer/Dryer — the newest addition to its line of advanced laundry solutions — in the United States. This new product revolutionizes the laundry experience as a time-saving appliance that boasts high efficiency, bringing us closer to the dream of a Zero Labor Home.

The WashCombo seamlessly integrates a washer and dryer into a single, space-friendly appliance. Saving time and simplifying the entire laundry process, LG’s all-in-one runs a complete wash-and-dry cycle in under two hours, with no need to transfer clothes from one appliance to another.¹ And thanks to its compact, ventless design with standard 120v plug, the innovative laundry solution offers outstanding installation flexibility and ensures the ideal use of your precious indoor space.

Featuring LG’s renowned Inverter HeatPump™ technology and Direct Drive Motor, the WashCombo delivers a quiet performance while maximizing efficiency, using up to 60 percent less energy than a vented model.² Equipped with built-in sensors and AI technology, it can detect fabric texture, soil level and load size, then automatically select the best settings (washing and drying motions, temperatures, and more) to provide advanced fabric care and outstanding laundry results. The WashCombo also boasts a 5.0-cubic-foot capacity, so that it can handle larger loads — even a bulky king-size comforter.³

LG’s latest washer/dryer also presents convenient control with ThinQ™ technology. The ThinQ app offers solutions to potential issues, preventing product misuse and enabling easy maintenance. Through AI Speaker Connectivity, the app also lets you monitor and remotely control your products by simply commanding Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant with your voice. What’s more, you can download additional cycles and access Smart Diagnosis and customer support⁴ through the app, enhancing the overall user experience and making life — and laundry — much easier.

With LG’s groundbreaking product, you can bid farewell to the hassles of laundry past and say hello to a brand-new era of efficient and effortless clothing care.

The new LG WashCombo All-in-One is available for purchase on LG.com.

# # #

¹ Based on independent testing of Wash+Dry cycle, Dryer on Energy Saver mode, 10 lb. load (October 2023).

² 60 percent more energy efficient drying – efficiency rating as compared to the requirements for ENERGY STAR^® qualification for standard electric dryers. Based on EnergyStar.gov (November 2023).

³ Based on manufacturers’ published specs of front-load washer/dryer combos with a width of 27 inches or less (September 2023).

⁴ Available on select LG smart appliances. Features may vary by model.

2024-01-09T13:15:00

(BPT) – If you’ve experienced issues with your existing sewage ejector, you know how troublesome it can be. You can end up with bad smells and clogs that mean frequent calls to your plumber — as well as costly repairs.

Sewage ejector systems are crucial to help manage waste in many homes and smaller commercial buildings, but the frequent performance and repair issues they can experience often lead to high maintenance costs, messy repairs and frequent nasty clogs that can disrupt your daily life. On top of that, maintaining, repairing or replacing these systems can take considerable time and effort.

What causes sewage ejector pump issues?

One major factor can be its age. “Typically, pumps last between six to ten years,” said experienced plumber Dominick Rudd of Bush Plumbing, near Indianapolis, Indiana. “At that point, the age of the pump can simply cause it to stop working or make it perform poorly.”

Other factors can negatively affect these systems, Rudd explained, including pumps that are used far less often, such as in basement bathrooms. “Pumps that sit idle can rust or experience damage due to underuse or misuse.”

On the other hand, overuse can also create problems, especially when oversized or foreign objects are flushed down the toilet. Anything from paper towels, feminine products, so-called “flushable” wipes and excessive toilet paper, among other things, can cause the pump mechanism to fail. Homeowners are advised to educate all family members about what can and cannot be flushed down their toilets.

Some models may suffer from float mechanism failures because they have satellite floats with a small metal ball that needs to make contact with two points to allow power to flow through. The unreliable performance of these types of systems can lead to potential hazards such as backed-up sewage and unpleasant odors — compromising your family’s comfort and well-being.

An innovative solution to sewage ejector problems

If you’re looking for a mess-free replacement for your current sewage ejector system, the Sanipit 24GR from SFA Saniflo could be the answer. This pre-assembled heavy-duty retrofit insert easily fits 24-inch basins, providing a fast and easy replacement that is equally easy to service.

One key differentiator of the Sanipit 24GR is its ability to create a dry cavity within the pit. Unlike other pumping systems that sit directly in sewage, SFA Saniflo’s design keeps the components and motor separate, ensuring a hassle-free experience for plumbing installers and service technicians due to easy access to all major internal components, including the motor, grinder blade and pressure switches.

Even better, its powerful 1 HP motor is equipped with a clog-resistant, stainless steel grinder blade meant for residential and light-commercial applications and can pump up to 25 feet (maximum shut-off head: 33 feet). The Sanipit 24GR is rated IP68, with an external control panel and visual/audible alarm system, plus a fail-proof air pressure switch system with triple redundancy that minimizes the chances of a system shut-down before a plumber can arrive to repair it.

Plumbers appreciate the Sanipit 24GR retrofit pump kit’s ability to easily overcome challenges encountered with sewage ejectors. Rudd commends the product’s versatility and compatibility, and how it seamlessly fits into existing 24-inch basins from leading manufacturers such as Liberty Pumps, Zoeller and Myers — eliminating the need for extensive plumbing modifications.

“By keeping the current basin in place and adapting the retrofit cover, the installation process is simplified and time-efficient,” Rudd said. “I can simply drop the Sanipit in, bolt it down, and connect the necessary components from the top.”

Sanipit’s easy access points allow a plumber to inspect and maintain major internal components without difficulty, reducing downtime and increasing efficiency. Best of all, the durability of the Sanipit 24GR should require minimal maintenance over its long lifespan.

If you’re looking for peace of mind and reduced long-term hassles and costs, you may want to consider installing a Sanipit 24GR in your home.

You can watch this video to see how they are installed, and visit Saniflo.com to learn more.

2024-01-03T08:07:00

(BPT) – Home renovations can be expensive. In fact, an average home renovation cost $22,000 in 2022, according to Houzz research. Even with the cost being substantial, more than half of homeowners say they’re planning on undertaking a renovation in the coming year. While making those investments in your home, reviewing important insurance considerations can ensure you’re not putting your financial future at risk.

Considerations for working with a contractor

Mishaps during renovations can be costly. To mitigate some of your risk, any contractor you work with should have the following:

• Contracting License — Ensures the legality of your renovation and provides peace of mind knowing your contractor is sufficiently knowledgeable.

• General Liability Insurance — Provides protection against the cost of property damage and injuries that may occur during the renovation.

• Workers’ Compensation — Provides financial protection in case workers are injured while working on the project.

John Lack was a contractor for 35 years before joining Acuity Insurance as the carrier’s construction consultant. He has the following suggestion for getting this documentation from your contractor:

“Just ask. Reputable contractors expect to provide this information to you. You should always work with a licensed contractor. As for insurance, they should be able to provide you a certificate of insurance (COI). That COI should include three things: your name as an additional insured; the policy-in-force dates, which should span the entire time they will be working on your home; and their coverages.”

How home renovations can impact your homeowners insurance

If you’re undertaking a small renovation like changing paint colors, updating carpet, or adding a backsplash, that will likely not impact your homeowners policy limits. If your renovation is more extensive, like adding an addition, remodeling a kitchen or adding a bathroom, you may be changing the value of your home enough to need a change in your homeowners insurance limits. Consider how much your home would cost to rebuild — not the market value. If your renovation increases the amount it would cost to replace everything you have, you should change your limits.

One renovation that may reduce your cost of insurance is replacing your roof. If you replace your roof, be sure to report the update to your agent. Many insurance companies will provide broader coverage and possibly a reduced price for newer roofs.

It’s best to talk with your independent insurance agent about how your renovation might impact your insurance needs. They can help ensure you’re covered and that your investment is adequately protected.