Home Insurance During Renovation Works

A new kitchen, a bathroom refit, new plumbing or a full refurbishment: renovation is exciting, but from an insurance point of view it is one of the riskiest periods for your home. Doors are often left open, strangers come and go, electrics and plumbing are being worked on, and welding or cutting increases fire risk. Many expats buy older flats in Sarıyer or along the Bosphorus and renovate them, so this guide covers what to do before, during and after the work.

Why renovation matters to your insurer

A policy is priced and structured according to the risk when it is issued. Renovation changes that risk temporarily. Part of the home becoming unusable, nobody living there for a while or intensive building work can alter the risk the insurer assessed. Informing the insurer of a significant change in risk is among the policyholder’s obligations, and failing to do so can complicate a claim.

Which works need to be reported depends on the policy. Repainting a wall is not the same as removing walls and replacing all the plumbing. If in doubt, ask your agent.

Checklist before work starts

1. Inform your agent: share the scope, expected duration and whether you will stay in the home.
2. Read your current cover: find out how water damage, fire, theft and liability covers work during the renovation.
3. Ask about the contractor’s insurance: check whether the firm or tradesperson has their own liability insurance.
4. Remove valuables: move jewellery, documents and small electronics somewhere safe.
5. Photograph the current state: record the home, especially shared walls and ceilings, before work begins.
6. Inform the building management: follow the building rules and permitted working hours.

Main risks during the work

Fire

Welding, grinding and cutting throw sparks. Dust and open paint or thinner raise the risk. Check the site at the end of each day and store flammable materials properly.

Water damage

A badly connected pipe or a valve left open can seriously damage your flat and the one below. The question then becomes who was at fault: you or the tradesperson.

Theft

With more people coming and going, doors left open and the home empty at night, theft risk rises. Theft cover often requires forced entry; whether it applies when a door was left open depends on the policy.

The contractor’s responsibility and an empty home

When damage is caused by the person doing the work, the injured party’s claim may first be directed at them. If you use a professional firm, ask whether its liability insurance covers work in clients’ homes. A written contract clarifies the scope and responsibilities. If your own policy pays, the insurer may recover the amount from the party at fault under the policy terms.

During major works, families often stay elsewhere for a while. Some policies attach special conditions when a home is left empty beyond a certain period. These conditions vary by insurer, so speak to your agent before you move out.

After the renovation

The step most often forgotten is updating the sums insured. New kitchen units, built-in appliances, a new bathroom and quality flooring increase both building and contents values. If the policy is not updated, the next claim may reveal underinsurance. New wiring and plumbing may also be viewed favourably by insurers, so share this with your agent. If any structural change was made, check that your DASK compulsory earthquake insurance details are still correct.

Keep contracts, material invoices, plans of the new installation and photos of the finished work in one folder. Avoid touching load-bearing walls, and make sure any structural change has the required permits, as unauthorised work can complicate insurance matters. When you move back in, check that valves are sealed, smoke detectors are refitted and locks work; if locks or alarms were changed, tell your agent.

For a policy review before and after your renovation, visit our Maslak home insurance page. Call Ailenizin Sigortacısı on +90 530 375 89 61 or send a WhatsApp message for support in English.