Insurance for a renovation: how to avoid problems during the work

A renovation looks like a building project, but for your damage insurance it is also a risk event. Open roofs, loose building materials, tools on the floor and a house that is temporarily harder to secure all change the risk profile. Report the renovation first and then check what is and is not covered.

Households in the Netherlands planning a kitchen, bathroom, extension, roof work or similar renovation. · Updated: 2026-06-13 · Verified by Pieter Smit (Certified Insurance Advisor Wft)

Report the renovation before demolition begins

As soon as a serious renovation starts, the insurer wants to know. An open roof, temporary vacancy, a container on the street or major work on electricity and pipes changes the risk of fire, water damage and theft. If the renovation was not reported, a claim may be judged more strictly.

The notification does not need to be complicated, but it should be complete. What is being done, how long will it take, is the home still occupied and are contractors doing the work or are you doing a lot yourself? Those are the key questions insurers use.

What is often covered, and what is not, during the work?

Building materials, loose tools and temporary openings are often subject to stricter conditions. Theft from a poorly secured house, rain entering through an open roof or damage caused by the work itself may be partly or fully excluded. Damage caused by the contractor is also not automatically covered by your own policy.

If you work with a contractor, it is smart to check whether they carry suitable liability or construction cover. If you do much of the work yourself, pay extra attention to damage to neighbors, common areas and borrowed tools. Renovating without this check often leads to arguments later.

After the work: update the value and the cover

After a new kitchen, bathroom, extension or roof conversion, the rebuild value of your home usually rises immediately. If you do not update that value, you can become underinsured. Check the buildings sum insured and make sure your contents still match the new layout and the new items in the house.

New windows, more glass or changed security measures can also affect the terms. This is the right time to have the full home package reviewed, instead of only looking at the renovation invoice.

Have the construction damage check reviewed independently

An independent check keeps the focus on the policy wording, not just on the builder's bill. You get a clear review of buildings, contents and liability cover without your request being sold on.

Frequently asked questions

Do I always have to report a renovation first?

Yes, that is wise and often required by the policy terms. The insurer can then explain any temporary restrictions or additional requirements.

Is stolen building material or tool theft covered?

Sometimes only limitedly and under strict conditions. Unattended materials or tools are often sensitive, especially when the home is less secure during the work.

Do I need to update my home's rebuild value after the renovation?

Yes. New building work, a kitchen or an extension usually increases the rebuild value. Recalculate it as soon as the work is done.

Will several insurers receive my details?

No. Your request goes to one independent advice firm. PolisMoment does not resell your details to multiple parties.

Pieter Smit

Wft Gecertificeerd

Pieter Smit is a certified insurance advisor (Wft non-life personal & commercial) with years of experience in the Dutch insurance market. As an independent expert, he verifies that our articles comply with current regulations and that the advisory principles are strictly commission-free and focused on the consumer's best interest.

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