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After a home renovation is complete, no matter how big or small, there are still risks that homeowners must consider. Once the materials are packed up, the home and grounds are back in order, and the workers have left, there are a few things left to do.

There are three final steps homeowners need to take once a home renovation is complete, to minimize risk and protect homeowners and their homes.

Once the contractor has been selected, the insurance coverage determined, and the job begins, the risks in a home renovation are far from over. During construction, the risks of harm and injury to people and theft or destruction of property must be addressed. The contractor and homeowner must consider several safety considerations and their own responsibilities while the job is being completed.

There are plenty of risks associated with a home renovation, especially construction on custom homes or projects that are detailed and complex. Understanding the risks and how to mitigate them prior to the start of construction will save time and money for homeowners.

The three biggest risks pre-construction for a home renovation are selecting a contractor, formalizing the contract, and making sure all parties are properly covered by insurance.

Homeowners insurance and trampolines do not play well together. “Why?” you may ask. Because they’re causing more claims, and big dollar ones to boot. Remember, insurance is ALL about risk. The more risky, either the more premium you’ll pay or in the above example, the insurance company will choose to avoid the risk altogether.

SO WHY ARE HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COMPANIES SO CONCERNED ABOUT TRAMPOLINES?

According to The Wall Street Journal, the home ownership rate has stopped falling and Freddie Mac reports that mortgage interest rates are dropping more and more. These are both signs of an upturn in the real estate market. This means there are more deals being made and more chances for a real estate agent to be blamed for a sale falling through. An agent’s reputation could be damaged if a client thinks they are at fault for an unsuccessful sale, and a claim could be financially burdensome to the agent.

To get a good price for your property and a quick sale, it’s best to be prepared on all fronts.

Work with your agent to get as many buyers vying for your house. Competition will drive the price up as well as keep you in control.

You should try and find out as much as possible about your buyers. They might be motivated by a need to move in quickly, in which case they might be willing to pay more, rather than wait and negotiate. Also, you need to be sure that they have enough money to pay for the house and that they are not wasting your time.