How to protect your property during a reno

Ready, set, RENOVATE

Upgrading your home is exciting. But we all know renos are stressful at the best of times. Especially with flooding on the rise, burglars lurking and a serious plasterboard shortage. So here’s our top tips for protecting your property while it’s a work in progress.

1. Keep burglars at bay

Caught up with the news lately? Between a shortage in materials and changing costs, construction thefts are on the rise. So here’s a couple of ways to keep burglars at bay:

• Ask over-the-fence: Tell a neighbour you trust that you’re renovating so they keep an eye out when you’re not home.
• Plan ahead: Arrange your material deliveries as close to installation as possible, then store them securely when they arrive.
• Get smart tech: Set up cameras and alarms to deter unwanted lurkers. There’s stacks of simple, low cost, wireless options out there.
• Lockup your keys: Be home so you don’t need to leave keys with contractors. Or get a digital lockbox you can set codes for.
• Ask your builder: Remember, your contractors are responsible for their tools.

2. Build to the conditions

It’s no secret natural disasters are on the rise. So to protect your site, it’s always best to build to the conditions:

• Lay in the sun: Redoing your driveway? Get it done before the colder months so the concrete cures quicker.
• Get set up: Cover any exposed areas securely with tarpaulins. And have fans and dehumidifiers on hand.
• Create a path: Lay out floor coverings and clear a path to prevent muddy footprints ruining your floors.
• Store it smart: Keep any materials or paint in a cool, dry, elevated spot to prevent any damage
• Check your drainage: Make sure you've got enough drainage going in if you're creating more hard surfaces outside as part of your renovation.

3. Cover your upgrades

While we can do our best to prepare for the worst – life sometimes has other plans. So why not manage the risk with renovation insurance? It covers:

• Damage to the materials or work
• Stolen materials
• Damage caused by natural disasters

But doesn’t cover things like:

• Tools stolen from the site – that’s your contractor’s responsibility
• Faults or defects in materials or workmanship

Whether you choose to get renovation cover or not, let your insurer know what you’re planning and check what your house and contents insurance covers and doesn't cover. And when the work’s done, make sure you review your sum insured.

Ready to renovate? Let’s chat

Make your renos a little less stressful with cover you can trust. Find out more about our renovation insurance here. Or call 0800 379 372 to chat to our team.