Most home insurance policies don't cover sagging floors unless caused by a sudden event like a storm or fire. Learn what actually triggers coverage and how to pay for repairs when insurance says no.
Insurance Coverage for Home Improvement Projects: What You Need to Know
When you’re planning a insurance coverage, the protection your home and renovation projects have against damage, liability, or unexpected costs. Also known as home renovation insurance, it’s not just about covering accidents—it’s about making sure you’re not left paying for repairs that should’ve been protected. Most people assume their standard homeowner’s policy handles everything, but that’s not true. If you’re putting in a new kitchen, fixing a cracked foundation, or replacing your roof, your insurance might only kick in if the damage was caused by something like a storm, fire, or burst pipe—not wear and tear, poor workmanship, or DIY mistakes.
That’s where foundation repair insurance, coverage that may apply if structural damage results from covered perils like flooding or soil shift comes in. If you’ve got a horizontal crack in your foundation, your policy might pay for the fix—if it’s due to a sudden event. But if it’s from decades of settling? That’s usually excluded. Same with roofing insurance, protection tied to damage from weather, not aging shingles or improper installation. A storm-damaged roof? Covered. A roof that leaked because it was installed wrong? Not so much.
And it’s not just about damage. If you hire a contractor and they mess up—or worse, someone gets hurt on your property—you could be on the hook for legal costs. That’s why construction project insurance, temporary coverage for ongoing renovations to protect against liability and property damage exists. Many pros carry it, but you should always ask for proof. Don’t just take their word for it. Request a certificate of insurance. It’s a simple step that can save you thousands.
What you’ll find in the posts below aren’t abstract theories or legal jargon. These are real situations people faced: a cracked foundation after heavy rain, a roof replacement denied because the insurer said it was "pre-existing," a contractor who vanished mid-job. Each post breaks down what was covered, what wasn’t, and how people actually got their claims approved—or fought them successfully. You’ll see how insurance coverage works in practice, not just on paper. No fluff. No guesswork. Just what you need to know before you start your next project.