If you’re planning on making improvements to your Houston home this year, consider focusing on projects that will get you the most for your money. In addition to raising the resale value of your home, certain upgrades can also help lower the rising cost of Homeowner’s Insurance in Houston, TX. What should you focus on if you’d like a lower home insurance quote? Below are the most financially lucrative home upgrades when it comes to your insurance.
Installing a Home Security System
In major metropolitan areas like Houston, outfitting your home with a security system can lead to big discounts with insurance agencies. According to the FCIC, installing an alarm system that automatically alerts police if a breach occurs can save you up to 20% on your home insurance. Other anti-theft devices can lower your costs as well. Experts state that any security-related upgrade from high-quality deadbolt locks to home security cameras is likely to get you insurance discounts.
Upgrading Your Roofing
In hail-prone Texas, insurance agencies are legally required to offer insurance discounts to homes that feature roofing that has been deemed “impact resistant” by the Underwriters Laboratories. While savings will vary from agency to agency, upgrading your roofing material to one that’s less likely to be damaged by hail can pay off in the long run with lower insurance rates and higher home resale value. The best roofing to install? Look for a Class 3 or 4 UL rating for the best protection against hail. According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, most metal and slate roofing fits this criteria, as well as some types of high-quality asphalt shingles.
Switching to Fire-Resistant Siding
Fire is a huge concern to insurance agencies, so installing fire-resistant siding on your home is a great way to lower your Homeowner’s Insurance in Houston, TX. Look for Class A rated materials like brick and stone masonry, metal, and fiber-cement shingles. According to experts, switching to this type of siding can save you around 15-20% on your insurance rates. You may be able to save even more if your roofing is rated Class A fire resistant as well.
In addition to making your home more valuable, these improvements can help you save big on your homeowners insurance over the years. For even more ways to cut the costs of your coverage, contact Budget Insurance to talk to a representative.
