What should I tell my broker after a home renovation?
Tell me what changed, when the work finished, what it cost and how you use the space now. If work is still being planned, call before it starts.
Tell me what changed, in your own words
Suppose you finished the basement of your Brampton home. “We turned about 600 square feet of unfinished basement into a family room and added a three-piece bathroom” gives me a clearer starting point than “we spent $45,000.” It tells me how much of the home is now finished and what would have to be rebuilt.
How will you use the space? If you’re planning to rent the basement to a tenant or see clients there, tell me before the tenant moves in or the first client visits. I’ll ask the insurer how that use affects your coverage.
If work is still ahead, call before it starts
Tell me when work will begin, who will do it and whether you’ll stay in the home. If you’re moving out for six weeks while a contractor replaces the wiring, give me those dates. We can ask the insurer what coverage applies while the house is unoccupied and the work is underway.
Keep a short record of the work
- Dates and cost. Keep the start and finish dates, the final invoice and any permits or inspection records you have.
- What was replaced. Be specific about plumbing, wiring, heating and roofing. “The electrician rewired the basement in 2026” tells me which part of the home was updated. “Electrical updated” leaves that unclear.
- What’s behind the walls. If the walls are still open, take a few photos before the drywall goes up. When the work is finished, photograph the rooms and note any additions such as built-in cabinets, a sump pump or a backwater valve.
Review the policy against the finished home
Your invoice shows what you paid for this project. The insurer’s rebuilding estimate considers what it would cost to reconstruct the whole home as it stands today. I’ll ask the insurer to check that the home description includes the finished basement, the added bathroom and the materials you chose.
We can also review your water coverage. If a sewer backs up and damages the new flooring and drywall, what would your policy cover, and what limit and deductible would apply?
Contact me about your renovation. A short description and a few photos are enough to start. Once the insurer reviews the work, we can go over any changes together and confirm them in writing.