You Might Not Know These 8 DIY Projects Could Void Your Home Insurance
One of the best parts of doing your own home renovations is that you have full control, taking the care of your home into your own hands. But some well-meaning upgrades come with hidden risks, especially when it comes to your home insurance. The truth is, if a project isn’t done right (or isn’t disclosed), you might be left footing quite the bill when something goes wrong. Here are eight DIY projects that could accidentally void your home insurance, plus a few tips on how to avoid this expensive surprise.
Installing Your Own Electrical Wiring
Electrical work is one of those things that looks simple until you’re halfway through and realize you’ve turned your kitchen into a fire hazard. If it’s not done to code or inspected by a licensed electrician, your insurer will likely deny a claim if there’s damage later on. Even something that seems as harmless as swapping out an old light fixture could be called "improper installation" by the insurance company if it leads to a short or a fire. It's frustrating, I know, but this is one of those areas where paying a pro is worth it.
Building a Backyard Shed Without a Permit
What could go wrong with that cute little shed you built to store garden tools? If it wasn’t approved by your city or doesn’t meet code, the answer is: a lot. In fact, your insurer might not cover it, or anything in it, if there’s a storm, theft, or fire. Permits aren’t just red tape, they show that a structure is safe and legal. Without one, you’re gambling with your home insurance. A lot of people skip this step because they think it’s no big deal, but when it comes time to file a claim, it can turn into a big deal really fast. It might seem like a hassle, but just wait for the permit. Your future self will thank you.
Knocking Down a Wall Without Checking Its Role
I get it, open concept everything is super trendy right now. But taking down a wall without knowing whether it’s load-bearing or not can cause serious structural problems. If your ceiling sags or worse, collapses, that’s likely not covered under your home insurance policy. Insurance companies expect you to at least maintain the integrity of the home. If your project messes with that and something goes wrong later, you’re probably on your own. And once damage starts, it’s only a matter of time before it spreads. The cost to fix a collapsed ceiling is way more than the cost of hiring a pro to tell you, “Yes, that wall can go.”
Installing a Wood Stove or Fireplace on Your Own
It sounds like the perfect cozy weekend project, but a poorly installed wood stove is a major fire hazard. Because of this, most insurers require that heating systems be professionally installed and certified. If something catches fire and the stove wasn’t up to code, it’s pretty likely that they’ll deny your claim. To the insurance company, it’s not about whether it worked or not, it’s about whether it was done right. Even if you’re careful, skipping permits or inspections cancels out all your good intentions. When it comes to fire, insurance companies do not play around.
Minor DIY Roof Repairs
You want to protect your home, so you climb up onto the roof and patch a few shingles. Problem solved, right? Actually, maybe not. If the repairs aren’t done correctly, and water leaks in later, your insurer might not pay for the damage. Plus, if you fall, your medical bills are probably not going to be covered under your home policy either. Let me tell you, roofs are tricky. What seems like an easy patch job can turn into rot, mold, or even a total collapse. It’s always best to call someone who knows what they’re doing, especially when you’re working at heights.
Adding a Room Without Telling Your Insurer
This one’s easy to overlook, but can end up costing you big time. You build a sunroom or finish your basement, and it looks great. But if you don’t update your policy, you might not be covered for the added square footage or any damage that happens in those areas. It’s not about being sneaky, a lot of people just forget to call their insurance rep during a home project. But those additions change the value of your home, and your risk. A quick phone call to update your policy can save you a ton of money and drama down the line.
Installing a Hot Tub or Pool Without Safety Measures
Hot tubs and pools can void your policy faster than you’d expect, especially if you don’t install the right fences, covers, or alarms. This is mainly because the risk of injury or drowning makes insurers nervous. If something were to happen, even if it’s not your fault, they might deny coverage if safety measures weren’t in place. It might feel unfair, but insurance is built on risk, and drowning is one risk never to be taken lightly. No one wants to think about accidents, but if a friend’s kid sneaks into your pool and gets hurt, the financial and emotional fallout can be huge.
Upgrading Your Plumbing Without a License
That leaky pipe under the sink seems like an easy Saturday morning fix. But bigger plumbing changes, like moving fixtures or changing supply lines, really need to be looked at by a licensed plumber. If a pipe bursts and floods your kitchen because of your DIY repair, your insurer may not cover it. And water damage spreads faster than you think. Mold, ruined floors, structural rot, it’s brutal. Trying to fix your own plumbing can be tricky because it usually works fine... until it doesn’t. And by the time you notice, it’s probably already too late.
When in Doubt, Ask First
Look, this isn’t about scaring anyone out of DIY home projects. Doing things yourself can be empowering, satisfying, and sometimes just straight up necessary. But when you’re dealing with the bones of your home—plumbing, electrical, structure, or fire—it’s smart to check in with your insurer or a professional before you start. A quick call or permit check might feel like a hassle now, but it’s nothing compared to dealing with a denied claim or a legal mess down the road. You’re not just fixing your home, you’re protecting it (and yourself).