If you’re planning a home renovation in Georgia — whether it’s a new kitchen, bathroom upgrade, or full-scale remodel — you’re probably focused on design plans, hiring the right contractor, and picking out finishes. But before the first hammer swings, there’s one crucial step that could save you thousands of dollars: making sure you have the right insurance coverage during your renovation.
At Dickerson Agency, Inc., we’ve seen too many homeowners learn the hard way that their standard homeowners insurance doesn’t fully protect them during construction. That’s where Builders Risk Insurance — also called home remodeling insurance — comes in.
What is Builders Risk Insurance?
Builders Risk Insurance is a specialized form of property insurance that protects your home while it’s being built, renovated, or remodeled. It covers the structure itself as well as the materials, fixtures, and equipment being installed — even if they’re in transit or stored off-site before installation.
It’s important to know that this is very different from homeowners insurance. Your homeowners policy is designed to cover a permanent, lived-in home. The moment you start changing that structure — even with a seemingly small remodel — the home is considered “in transition,” and your standard coverage often leaves gaps.
Why Homeowners Insurance Isn’t Enough During Renovations
Many Georgia homeowners assume their existing policy will cover them during a remodel. Unfortunately, most standard homeowners policies are not designed for active construction. They often have strict coverage limits, or they exclude losses that happen during renovations entirely.
Here’s how Builders Risk compares to Homeowners Insurance:
| Coverage | Builders Risk Insurance | Homeowners Insurance |
| Debris Removal | Up to $50,000 | Usually capped at 5% of dwelling limit |
| Materials in Transit/Storage | Fully covered | Limited or excluded |
| Theft of Materials | Covered (even before installation) | Often excluded |
| Special Construction Risks | Can be included | Rarely covered |
In short, homeowners insurance protects your home as it is, while builders risk protects it while it’s changing.
Common Renovation Risks in Georgia
At Dickerson Agency, Inc., we work with homeowners across Kennesaw and the greater Atlanta area who are updating their homes. Here are the biggest risks we see — and why Builders Risk coverage matters:
1. Theft of Materials
With workers coming and going, and valuable materials like appliances, copper piping, and hardwood flooring often left on-site, homes under renovation are prime targets for theft. About 1 in 33 homes under construction will experience theft, with average losses of $3,000 to $5,000.
2. Vandalism
If your home is vacant during a remodel, it’s at higher risk of vandalism — spray paint damage, broken fixtures, or smashed windows. The average vandalism claim is about $5,000, and most homeowners policies won’t cover it if the home is vacant for more than 30 days.
3. Fire and Debris Removal
Renovations often involve flammable materials, and an accident could lead to major damage. Builders Risk Insurance can include tens of thousands of dollars in debris removal coverage, which homeowners insurance often doesn’t.
4. Damage to Materials in Transit or Storage
From countertops to custom windows, many big-ticket items are delivered before installation. Builders Risk covers these materials while in transit or in temporary storage — something most homeowners policies don’t offer.
Who Should Have Builders Risk Insurance?
You should strongly consider a Builders Risk policy if you are:
- A Georgia homeowner doing major renovations (kitchen, bath, room addition)
- Flipping a home for resale
- Making accessibility upgrades (walk-in showers, elevators)
- Renovating a fixer-upper as a first-time homebuyer
Even small projects can uncover big problems — mold, faulty wiring, hidden water damage — turning a quick job into a costly repair.
The Benefits of Builders Risk Insurance with Dickerson Agency, Inc.
When you work with Dickerson Agency, Inc., we help you:
- Protect your investment from construction-specific risks homeowners insurance won’t cover
- Avoid homeowners policy cancellation (some carriers drop coverage during renovations)
- Keep your homeowners premiums low by preventing renovation claims on your standard policy
- Customize coverage for your specific project size, timeline, and budget
- Work with top-rated carriers offering strong financial stability and excellent claims service
We specialize in helping Georgia homeowners understand the difference between homeowners and builders risk insurance, so you can renovate with confidence.
Don’t Start Your Renovation Without It
Renovating your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make — second only to buying the home itself. It’s worth protecting every nail, beam, and cabinet from unexpected loss.
Without Builders Risk Insurance, you could be left paying thousands out of pocket if:
- Your brand-new appliances are stolen before installation
- A fire destroys part of your renovation work
- Your materials are damaged in transit
- Vandalism occurs while your home is vacant
Get Your Builders Risk Insurance Quote Today
At Dickerson Agency, Inc., we’ve been protecting Georgia homeowners for over 30 years. We’ll walk you through your options, explain your coverage in plain language, and make sure your renovation project is protected from start to finish.
📞 Call us today at (770) 424-6762 or 📩 Request a Quote Online to get your customized Builders Risk Insurance plan before your renovation begins.