Having homeowner's insurance is a critical part of being a homeowner because it helps ensure that your most valuable, expensive asset, your home, is protected. Here are some possible renovations that you can make that might be able to change how much money you have to pay for your homeowner's insurance each month. 

1. Roof

The first renovation that might make a dent in the amount of money that you pay each month is a new roof because the new roof will increase the overall structural integrity of your home. This is especially important if you live in an area that frequently experiences heavy winds and heavy rain combined, such as a coastal area that frequently are frequently exposed to hurricanes.

If you live in a hurricane zone, getting a roof that has been certified to be hurricane-resistant is often your best. Talk to a contractor in your area to see what has been recognized by the government. If you live in a changing climate zone and might experience hail, you should consider purchasing a hail resistant class IV roof or higher in order to maximize the amount of money that you save on insurance. These hurricane roofs are regulated and are classified as impact resistant by the government.

2. Basement

Another option that you should consider upgrading is your basement. As your house ages, the land underneath it might chance or different pressure might be put on different places in your home. This could cause the base of the house to crack and allow in groundwater, which the insurance company would likely have to cover depending on your particular policy. To reduce the chances of flooding and, therefore, your monthly payment, consider improving your basement by having it waterproofed or by installing a sump pump that will direct water away from your home in the case of flooding.

3. Kitchen 

If you upgrade your kitchen with new appliances and granite counters, you are going to need to make sure that you tell your insurance company and provide photo proof that you have made the renovations that you claim. This will cause the worth of your home to go up, as well as the overall amount you have to pay each month for insurance.

If, in the course of renovating your kitchen, you have your plumbing and your electrical lines upgraded and repaired, this could cause your insurance payments to go down because the pipes and electrical lines are far less likely to cause damage to your home when they are fixed.

For more information, talk to a local homeowner's insurance company (such as Advantage Insurance Agency).

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