When Should You Adjust Your Home Insurance Coverage?
At The Janice Burtis Team, we know that owning a home in Grand Junction is more than just an investment—it’s a lifestyle rooted in community, adventure, and Colorado beauty. And while home insurance might not be something you think about every day, having the right coverage is crucial when the unexpected happens.
The best time to review your coverage? Whenever your life or home changes in a big way.
Let’s break down when and why it’s smart to revisit your insurance policy to make sure it keeps up with your Grand Junction lifestyle.
Why Would You Need to Update Your Home Insurance?
As your home evolves, so should your insurance. Major renovations like expanding your kitchen or adding a second story increase your home’s value, which means you may need more coverage to match the new replacement costs. Additionally, rising local building costs could leave you underinsured if your current policy doesn’t reflect the true cost of rebuilding.
New high-value purchases, such as art collections or advanced entertainment systems, can also exceed policy limits, leaving gaps in coverage. On the other hand, safety upgrades like security systems, monitored alarms, or impact-resistant windows may qualify you for discounts. Regularly reviewing your policy ensures you’re adequately protected while potentially saving you money.
Top Home Renovations That Could Affect Your Coverage
Not all home projects are created equal—especially when it comes to insurance. Here are some that might require a policy adjustment:
Kitchen Remodel
A kitchen upgrade can drastically impact your home’s value. If you’ve added high-end appliances, custom cabinetry, or expensive countertops like quartz or marble, your replacement cost has likely increased. More luxurious finishes mean higher repair and replacement costs, so it’s essential to update your policy to reflect these changes. Otherwise, if a fire or flood damages your newly remodeled kitchen, you might not receive enough from your insurance to fully restore it.
Roof Replacement
A new roof is one of the most significant upgrades a homeowner can make, and it often affects insurance rates. Certain roofing materials, like metal or impact-resistant shingles, can lower premiums because they offer better protection against severe weather. However, if you’ve opted for high-end roofing materials such as slate or tile, your home’s overall value increases, and you may need additional coverage to reflect the higher replacement cost.
Adding a Pool
Pools are a great addition for family fun, but they also come with increased liability risks. Many insurers require higher liability coverage when a pool is added to a property due to the potential for accidents. Features like pool fencing, locked gates, and safety covers can help reduce risks and possibly lower the added insurance costs. Still, if you’re planning on installing a pool, it’s crucial to update your policy to ensure proper protection.
Finishing a Basement
Transforming a basement into a livable space adds square footage and increases your home’s value. Whether it becomes a guest suite, home theater, or personal gym, your insurer needs to know about the changes. Finished basements also introduce new risks, such as water damage or mold growth, so additional coverage for sump pumps and water backup protection may be necessary.
Home Renovations That Could LOWER Your Insurance Premiums
Good news—some upgrades might actually save you money! Here’s what could help:
Upgraded Electrical Systems
If your home still has outdated wiring, such as knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, your insurance premiums might be higher due to fire risks. Upgrading to modern electrical systems with circuit breakers and grounded outlets can significantly reduce these risks and lower your premiums.
Impact-Resistant Roofing
To avoid being prone to storms, impact-resistant roofing materials such as Class 4 asphalt shingles or metal roofing can protect against hail, wind, and debris. Many insurers offer discounts for these durable materials because they reduce the likelihood of expensive claims from storm damage.
Smart Security Systems
Installing a professionally monitored security system can reduce the risk of burglary, making your home safer and more attractive to insurance companies. Many insurers provide discounts for features like video surveillance, smart locks, and motion sensors.
Plumbing Upgrades
Old, corroded pipes can lead to leaks and costly water damage claims. Replacing outdated plumbing with modern materials like PEX or copper can prevent these issues and possibly lower your insurance premiums.
Grand Junction-Specific Insurance Considerations
Living in the Grand Valley brings its own set of unique home insurance concerns. Here are a few local factors to keep in mind:
Wildfire Coverage
With Grand Junction’s proximity to the Colorado National Monument and high desert terrain, wildfire risk is a growing concern, especially during the hot, dry summer months. If you live near brush-heavy areas or the outskirts of town, it’s worth reviewing your policy to ensure you have adequate wildfire protection.
Water and Flood Protection
While major flooding is less common here, spring runoff and flash floods from sudden downpours can still pose risks—especially for homes near canals, arroyos, or low-lying areas. Adding water backup coverage or flood insurance could save you from unexpected repair costs down the line.
Basement Coverage
Many Grand Junction homes have basements, and finishing them for extra living space is popular. Just remember—standard policies may not include protection for things like sump pump failure or water damage, so check if your current plan includes these important add-ons.
Seasonal Weather and Roofing
Hailstorms, heavy winds, and winter snow can all take a toll on roofing here. Upgrading to impact-resistant roofing or conducting regular inspections can help reduce your insurance premiums and prevent costly claims later.
Your home in Grand Junction is more than just a roof over your head—it’s your haven, your retreat, and often your biggest financial asset. Keeping your home insurance coverage up to date ensures you’re not caught off guard when life changes—whether it’s a big remodel, a new pool, or a Colorado thunderstorm.
At The Janice Burtis Team, we care about more than just helping you buy or sell a home—we’re here for the long haul. From renovations to relocations, we’re happy to connect you with trusted local insurance pros and offer advice every step of the way. Thinking about making a change or just want to double-check your coverage? Give us a call—we’re always here to help protect what matters most.
