Outdoor living and your home insurance
Transforming a backyard into a beautiful oasis can be both a fun project and a worthwhile investment. Here’s a list of the most common outdoor upgrades and what to consider when planning your space.
Outdoor kitchens
A backyard kitchen is a great way to increase your home’s value and adds an entertainment space to your home while keeping you connected with your guests. When installing a backyard kitchen speak to your home insurer to ensure you have enough coverage to account for the increased value the kitchen adds to your home.
Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits
Hanging out around a fire pit roasting marshmallows and singing along to your favourite classics can transform your suburban backyard into a cozy outdoor getaway spot. Fire pits extend your outdoor season by giving you a reason to get outside on cool summer nights and chilly fall evenings. Before buying or building your fire pit, you’ll need to review local fire codes to see if they are permitted in your neighbourhood. You can search your municipality’s website to find out if you can legally have a backyard fire and learn what the requirements are.
Children’s outdoor activity centres and playsets
A modern outdoor playset can create memories for you and your child that will last a lifetime. Under your watchful gaze, your child can travel to faraway lands, search for pirate gold, and create impenetrable fortresses. If possible, have it professionally installed so you know the play area is secure and safe. You’ll want to review your insurance policy to make sure you have enough liability coverage to cover the risk an outdoor swing set or other equipment can pose.
Outdoor ponds and fountains
A fountain or water feature can add a beautiful focal point to your backyard and provide a relaxing sanctuary. Water features are prone to freezing in the winter and electric wiring must be properly routed away from sources of moisture. Your insurance policy may not cover your water feature so speak with your insurer to learn what you are covered for.
Pools and hot tubs
Having a pool or a hot tub in your backyard is like having your own tropical resort at your doorstep. You’ll likely need extra insurance coverage since you are increasing the cost to rebuilding your home and taking on more risk by having a pool in your backyard. Always speak to your insurer before installing a pool. They can give you an idea of the risks and the additional coverages and premiums.
These tips are provided for information and prevention purposes only. They are general in nature, and The Personal cannot be held liable for them. We recommend using caution and consulting an expert for comprehensive, tailored advice.
Some conditions, exclusions and limitations may apply. The conditions of the coverages described are set out in the insurance policy, which always prevails.