Home Renovations and Insurance: What Georgia Homeowners Should Know 

Whether you’re finally getting that dream kitchen or building a whole new addition, home renovations are exciting … and expensive. But before you sit back and admire your upgraded space, there’s one more thing to check: your homeowners insurance. In Georgia, remodeling without updating your policy can leave you underinsured, paying higher premiums, or worse, paying out of pocket after a claim. 

Let’s break down how home renovations and insurance intersect for Georgia homeowners, and what you need to know to keep your coverage in line with your improvements when you’re comparing homeowners policy quotes. 

How Home Renovations Impact Your Homeowners Insurance in Georgia 

While you might think a renovation is going to potentially reduce your premiums (maybe that new fence or better insulation will make you more insurable, right?), the reality is that you are increasing the value of your property — and the more your property values increase, the more there is to insure. Here’s how it all works when it comes to remodeling and homeowners insurance in the Peach State. 

Why Home Improvements Can Increase Your Coverage Needs 

Your policy is based on your home’s replacement cost — what it would cost to rebuild your home today using similar materials and quality. If you upgrade your kitchen with granite countertops, custom cabinets, and high-end appliances, your replacement cost just went up. If your policy doesn’t reflect that, you may not be fully covered in a disaster. 

In short, improvements raise the value of your home, and that changes the math for your coverage in terms of how home improvements affect insurance premiums. 

The Types of Renovations That Trigger Policy Updates 

Not all upgrades are created equal in the eyes of your insurer. The following are common examples of projects that should prompt a call to your agent: 

• Kitchen or bathroom remodels 

• Room additions or finishing a basement 

• Installing a pool, deck, or fence 

• Upgrading the HVAC, plumbing, or electrical systems 

• Eco-friendly additions like solar panels or energy-efficient windows (related: how going green can help you save) 

Even smaller upgrades can matter if they raise the cost of rebuilding your home. And certain improvements, like pools, may increase your liability risk too. 

Common Renovations That May Affect Insurance Premiums 

Some renovations can actually lower your premiums, while others will increase them. Location matters, too — rates vary widely across Georgia. Here’s how they generally shake out in Georgia: 

Increased Premiums: 

• Major kitchen or bath renovations 

• Room additions or building out a guest suite 

• Adding a swimming pool or trampoline 

• Expensive new roofing or exterior materials 

Potentially Lower Premiums: 

• Installing a new roof with hail-resistant materials 

• Upgrading electrical systems to modern code 

• Adding security systems or smoke detectors 

• Making energy-efficient improvements (see green discounts for Georgia homes) 

Your premium reflects risk. If you reduce risk (like replacing outdated wiring), you may save. If you add risk (like a pool or fancy finishes), your rate may go up. That’s the basics of how Georgia homeowners insurance and remodeling go together. 

Mistakes Georgia Homeowners Make After Renovating 

Unfortunately, many homeowners in Georgia forget to tell their insurer about renovations or assume their existing coverage will automatically adjust. Here are some common missteps in terms of home policies after upgrades: 

• Not updating coverage: Your insurer won’t know you remodeled unless you tell them. If your home is underinsured, you could receive a partial payout after a loss. 

• Skipping liability upgrades: Pools, trampolines, and even decks can increase your liability exposure. If someone gets hurt, you’ll wish you had more coverage. 

• Assuming contractors are covered: If your contractor doesn’t carry adequate builders risk or liability insurance, you could be on the hook for damage or injury. Learn more about builders risk coverage in Georgia. 

• Failing to shop for new discounts: Some renovations may make you eligible for lower rates. Don’t leave money on the table. Here are 30 ways to save more money on Georgia home insurance. 

So, to summarize, if you’re asking yourself, “Do I need to update insurance after renovations?”, the answer is simple: YES. 

Steps to Update Your Insurance After Renovating 

So, you’ve finished the reno … what now? Here’s what Georgia homeowners should do next: 

1. Document the work: Take photos and keep receipts or invoices. This helps verify the new value of your home. 

2. Contact your insurance agent: Let them know what changes you made. They’ll reassess your policy and recommend updates. 

3. Update your dwelling coverage: Make sure your policy reflects the new replacement cost of your home. 

4. Adjust Liability Coverage if Needed: Pools, fences, and other features may require more protection. 

5. Ask about new discounts: If your reno improved safety or energy efficiency, you might qualify for savings. 

6. Review your policy annually: Especially if you plan more upgrades, Georgia’s housing market and rebuild costs change fast. 

Upgraded Your Home? Let’s Make Sure Your Insurance Is Upgraded, Too, With Velox 

Your home’s new look deserves insurance that can keep up. At Velox Insurance, we help Georgia homeowners stay protected through every renovation, whether you’re installing a gourmet kitchen or just replacing a roof. We hope this guide helped you better understand how home remodeling affects insurance requirements in Georgia. 

Give us a call at 855-468-3569, or get a fast, free quote online. You can also visit us at a local office. Don’t let your dream renovation turn into a financial nightmare. Let Velox make sure your insurance fits your upgraded home so you can focus on enjoying it.