What Home Improvements Can Lower Your Insurance Premiums?
If you are looking to buy a new home, it is important to learn about some home improvement strategies that can raise the value of a house, and lower home insurance premiums at the same time. Insurance payments are the last thing most new homeowners want to think about, but they can get hefty if you are not careful. There are things you can do that may lower your insurance rates by up to 10 percent, saving you a lot of money. You may wonder why this should matter when you are buying a new home. Much of it depends on the type of home you want to buy. Older homes are more likely to have outdated electric, plumbing, and heating systems, among other issues. Insurance premiums rise when these systems are older than a decade, and this is just one example.
It does not mean you should not buy that old Victorian home you love, it simply means you should consider performing renovations to improve it. Proper renovations will make it your new home safer to live in, it’ll raise its value, and lower your insurance costs. Here are a few home improvements you can do help you do that.
Install Working Smoke Detectors and Sprinklers
Smoke detectors are affordable, easy to install, and very useful for preventing house fires. If you are buying a new home, make sure the smoke detectors are working. If you already own the home, do yourself a favor and have new smoke detectors installed. Fires can happen without warning, and a smoke detector can save your home and your life. A sprinkler system may not be as simple to install, but it is just as important, This is especially true for areas with significant fire hazards such as the kitchen.
Bring the Electrical, Plumbing, and Heating Systems Up to Code
These systems should be the first things you look at when buying a new home because building codes change all the time. An older home is more likely than not to have outdated systems. Make sure your wiring, heating, and plumbing is safe and up to local codes. It’ll shave off a lot of money off your insurance premiums, and it’ll also save you a lot of potential repairs in the future.
Make Your Windows Shatter Proof and Install Burglar Bars
Installing windows that won’t shatter and burglar bars on all ground floor windows is a great help to your insurance expenses. This is particularly in areas with high theft and break-in rates. Bars tend to deter burglars from even considering to target your home. The shatter-proof windows add an extra layer of protection against determined thieves.
Install Motion-sensor Lighting and an Alarm System
Install motion-sensor lights to alert you of any intruders on your property. An alarm system is exceptionally important. It is valuable for any home, regardless of the neighborhood. Insurance companies give great discounts to homeowners with quality security.
About Yamry Construction
For 25 years, Yamry Construction has been dedicated to providing exceptional building and remodeling services for homes and businesses throughout Minnesota. As an experienced and licensed general contractor, we understand the importance of offering quality work at reasonable prices. Our mission is to do just that for each and every client. Yamry Construction only partners with the most skilled and professional trade partners. This ensures a delightful experience for our clients that will exceed their expectations. Visit our Residential Remodeling page, or contact us and learn why we are “Corner Perfect Every Time!”
