Will my insurer cover plumbing damage if I have done the work?

December 9th, 2021

When we are homeowners, renovations are inevitable. However, the spectrum is wide and can range from simply painting a wall to completely changing the bathroom floor. Before starting any work yourself, the question of insurance is essential. Will you be covered for plumbing damage if you do the work yourself? The following blog post will attempt to shed some light on the subject.

Declaring the work to your insurer

First and foremost, it is important to inform your insurance company if you are undertaking major renovations that will change the value of your home. If, between the time you purchase home insurance and the time you make a claim, you have made renovations without declaring them to your insurer, your policy may no longer cover the full value of the house. This could result in a significant loss to you.

Contractor or Do-It-Yourself

While it’s perfectly acceptable to do your own plumbing work at home, if you do it yourself and the job is large, you should inform your insurer to ensure that your personal liability coverage is adequate. When you deal with a professional, they are covered by liability insurance. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, there are no exclusions to the home insurance policy for repairs you do yourself (except for electrical work), but for major work, it is really better to call in experts. If you are doing your own work, some insurance policies include add-ons, i.e. endorsements to cover materials during the work.

Evaluate your skills before you start

Changing a door is one thing, but redoing a bathroom is another. If you’re not sure of your skills, it’s best to call in the professionals. An improperly installed pipe can cause major damage and the insurance claim can be more difficult than if you dealt with a professional. When you hire a professional, check with authorities such as the Régie du bâtiment to make sure there are no complaints about that person. Also think about your safety. Do you have the basic tools, the proper protective equipment to do your work? Professionals know what they need to do when it comes to safety. They are trained to do this job and do it repeatedly every day. They are trained to do this work and do it repeatedly every day, so they have a thorough understanding of the steps involved in getting the job done right.

If you have a plumbing problem and are worried about doing the work yourself, don’t hesitate to call a professional. A job well done could cost you less in time and money than a repair or renovation done by yourself, especially if you are inexperienced.