 What Homeowners Should Know Before Construction Begins
A home renovation is an exciting investment—but it also changes your insurance exposure while work is underway and after the project completes. Before construction begins, we strongly encourage homeowners to review their insurance coverage to ensure they’re properly protected throughout the renovation process and beyond. Below are three key insurance considerations every homeowner should discuss with their Insurance Agent. 1. Consider Builders Risk Insurance During Construction During a renovation, your home is exposed to risks that may not be fully covered by a standard homeowner's policy—especially if walls, roofs, or major systems are opened or modified. Builders Risk Insurance is a temporary policy designed to cover damage to the structure and materials during construction. It may protect against losses caused by:
Depending on the scope of the renovation, builders risk coverage may be obtained by:
Because coverage arrangements vary, we recommend confirming who is responsible for carrying builders risk coverage and what is included before work begins. 2. Notify Your Homeowners Insurance Carrier Before Renovation Starts Many homeowners are surprised to learn that major renovations can affect their existing homeowner's policy. Before construction begins, contact your insurance carrier to let them know:
Why this matters:
Your Agent can advise whether any temporary endorsements, policy adjustments, or additional coverage are recommended during construction. 3. Update Your Dwelling Coverage After Your Renovation Is Complete Once your renovation is finished, your home will cost more to replace than it did before—especially if you’ve added square footage, upgraded finishes, or improved major systems. It’s important to update your Dwelling limit (Coverage A) to reflect the increased replacement cost of your home. After completion, we recommend:
This step helps ensure that, in the event of a covered loss, your insurance will adequately cover the cost to rebuild or repair your renovated home. A Final Note Every insurance policy is different, and coverage needs can vary based on the scope of work and individual circumstances. We recommend speaking directly with your licensed Insurance Agent to review your coverage before construction begins and after the project is complete. Taking these steps will help protect your investment, your home, and your peace of mind throughout the renovation process. If you have questions about the construction process or documentation your insurer may request, our team is always happy to help.
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 When most people think of life insurance, they imagine a safety net for their loved ones after they’re gone. But did you know that life insurance can also provide valuable benefits while you’re still living? These “living benefits” are designed to help you face life’s unexpected challenges and protect what matters most—your health, your finances, and your family’s future. What Are Living Benefits? Living benefits are features built into many modern life insurance policies. They allow you to access a portion of your policy’s value if you experience certain life events, such as a serious illness or injury. Here are some of the most common ways life insurance can help you while you’re alive: 1. Critical Illness Coverage If you’re diagnosed with a covered illness (like cancer, heart attack, or stroke), living benefits can provide a lump sum payment. This money can help pay for medical bills, treatments, or everyday expenses while you focus on recovery. 2. Chronic Illness Support If you become unable to perform basic daily activities due to a chronic condition, your policy may allow you to access funds to help cover the cost of care, home modifications, or other needs. 3. Terminal Illness Advance If you’re diagnosed with a terminal illness, some policies let you receive a portion of your death benefit early. This can ease financial stress and allow you to focus on what matters most. 4. Supplemental Income Certain life insurance policies build cash value over time. You can borrow against this value or withdraw funds to supplement your income, pay for college, or cover emergencies. 5. Protection for Your Business If you’re a business owner, living benefits can help keep your company running smoothly if you face health challenges, ensuring your hard work is protected. Why Consider Living Benefits? Life insurance with living benefits is about more than just planning for the future—it’s about having peace of mind today. Whether you’re protecting your family, your business, or yourself, these features can provide financial flexibility when you need it most. Ready to see how life insurance can work for you? Contact us to learn how living benefits can fit your needs or click here to start a quote today! Protect the ones you love—today and tomorrow.  We are pleased to announce that our office is moving to a new location. To complete the transition, our office will be closed on Monday, December 22nd, 2025.
We will reopen the following day, Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025, at our new address: Brock-Norton Insurance 14120 Parke Long Court, Suite 204 Chantilly, VA 20151 Please note that our phone and email services may be briefly delayed during the move, but we will respond as soon as we are settled in. Thank you for your patience and continued trust. We look forward to serving you from our new location. Warm regards, The Brock-Norton Team  October is Cyber Security Awareness Month — a timely reminder that no business is too small to be targeted by cybercriminals. In fact, small businesses are increasingly vulnerable to data breaches, ransomware attacks, and phishing scams that can lead to devastating financial losses, legal liabilities, and reputational damage.
Did you know?
Cyber Liability Insurance helps protect your business by covering:
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Let’s talk about how Cyber Liability Insurance can safeguard your business and give you peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more or request a quote.  Recently, a student had just graduated from college and was applying for jobs when he was involved in an auto accident which took his life. The family was heartbroken to say the least. Upon his death, the parents realized that they had cosigned for his student loans and were left to pay the debt. This was not an expense that they had planned for as they had other children to send to school. This story emphasizes the need for life insurance for young adults attending college. Life insurance is cheap for young adults and can protect the family from unforeseen events. There are many reasons to consider buying life insurance.
This is just one example. We can help you decide what type of coverage would meet your needs. Please give us a call to discuss the various options. |
About UsBrock-Norton Insurance Agency was born in 1992 when Jim Norton, Sr. and Everett Brock combined their agencies and talents. We have steadily grown to become one of the premier Property & Casualty agencies in the Washington DC area with clients in almost every state. As an independent insurance agency, our goal is to assist you in all your insurance needs. Categories
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