After discovering that your home or home remodeling was not done correctly, you may have problems that caused damage. You may be considering filing a claim with your homeowner’s insurance.
That may not be a good idea. Homeowner’s policies generally cover catastrophic damage, such as tree branches falling through a roof. Claims for defective workmanship insurance may not actually be included. Your rates may also increase substantially after such a claim, even if it wasn’t your fault.
Additionally, you may have trouble getting homeowner’s insurance until you make the needed repairs.
What Your Insurance Policy Covers
Generally, this insurance covers accidental damage to your home from things like:
- Fires
- Hurricanes
- Hail
- Lightning
- Storms
As well as any other disasters that are listed in your individual policy. Personal effects are usually covered as well. The Insurance Information Institute suggests that you buy enough insurance to rebuild your home.
However, floods and earthquakes are not covered in a homeowner’s policy. You must purchase a flood insurance policy separately from the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Without it, your home won’t be protected if it floods, even in a low flood zone area.
You can learn more about West Virginia flood insurance at the state’s Office Of Insurance Commissioner. The agency also offers post-disaster claims guide for free on their website.
The Contractor’s Insurance Policy
Before hiring a contractor, it’s a good idea to research the company and see what their prior clients have to say. You can also speak with the local BBB and the state’s licensing agency for contractors to learn more.
You have the right to ask your contractor for a copy of their physical and/or digital insurance certificate from their insurer to make sure they are covered for any liabilities.
Of course, it’s important to work with a contractor who has not only insurance that covers accidents and defective workmanship, but workers’ compensation as well. Should any of the workers become injured on your property, you could find yourself liable if the company doesn’t have workers comp.
If the contractor you’ve chosen declines to provide insurance information, or doesn’t have sufficient coverage, it’s better to hire someone else who has enough insurance.
You can also purchase your own “course of construction” or “builder’s risk policy” to protect your property from potential hazards like rain, wind, and theft. It may be purchased as an add-on to your homeowner’s policy, or as a separate policy.
Notify Your Insurance Company Prior To Renovations
The Insurance Information Institute also suggests you let your insurance company know that you’re planning to remodel your home prior to the work starts.
After your build or renovations are completed, you will likely need to increase your insurance in order to rebuild your home. Take pictures of the work in progress, and keep all receipts so that the insurer can accurately determine your new insurance policy levels.
Have you added a hot tub, swimming pool, or other feature that can be considered an “attractive nuisance?” An additional liability policy may also be in order.
If you’ve purchased additional furniture, artwork, or other expensive items as a part of the renovations, consider additional coverage as either an endorsement or a “floater” to include them.
Defective Workmanship Lawyer In Charleston, WV
When building or renovating your home, you look forward to the day it’s completed so you can enjoy it. During the process, you rely on the contractor to complete the work correctly.
Should you find that the work was not completed correctly, your first step is to try and resolve the problem with your contractor. But if that doesn’t work, you do have legal options.
You can work with a Charleston lawyer who has the experience and understanding to help with construction issues and defective workmanship cases. Contact Chad Love at The Love Law Firm today at (304) 344-5683 for a free consultation.
