14 Smart Renovations That Can Lower Your Home Insurance Costs

Every homeowner looks for ways to save. But what if the key to lowering your home insurance costs isn’t switching providers—but upgrading your home? You may be surprised to learn that the right remodeling choices can dramatically reduce your premiums while improving safety and long-term value.

Whether you’ve recently purchased an older home, plan to tackle your next kitchen remodel, or are simply exploring ways to protect your investment, this guide reveals where insurance and smart renovation choices intersect. And here’s the twist—you’ll find the biggest savings potential at the *end* of the list. Why? Because understanding the basics builds the foundation for real, lasting savings.

Why Your Insurance Company Cares About Your Home’s Condition

Insurance isn’t just about replacing what’s lost—it’s about managing risk. The older your home’s systems are (think plumbing, roofing, or electrical), the higher the likelihood of costly claims. Insurers know this. That’s why they reward upgrades that reduce risk, enhance safety, and make your home more resilient to disaster.

For example, a new roof that resists wind or hail doesn’t just protect your attic. It lowers the insurer’s potential payout, which means you could qualify for lower premiums. Replacing outdated wiring can reduce fire risk. Upgrading leaky pipes can help prevent water damage. Each of these adjustments impacts the way your provider assesses your home’s risk profile—and your rate.

This article will walk you through 14 powerful ways to make your home safer, smarter, and potentially cheaper to insure. We’ll cover:

• High-impact structural upgrades
• Modern safety systems and sensors
• Under-the-radar improvements insurers love

Some of these ideas are easy to tackle during a bathroom or kitchen renovation. Others are long-term investments that pay off over time. Either way, you’ll come away with a roadmap to not only reduce your home insurance costs but to build a home that’s more secure and valuable.

Is This Guide Right for You?

If you own a home that’s more than 15 years old, or if you’ve never updated your plumbing, roof, or wiring, you may be paying more for insurance than necessary. If you’re planning a remodel, this is your chance to kill two birds with one hammer—get the upgrades you want and lower your long-term insurance burden.

We’ve helped dozens of Washington homeowners through this very process. At Bezruchuk Inc., our design-build approach ensures that every renovation—whether cosmetic or structural—also makes your home smarter and safer in the eyes of insurers.

And here’s the real win: these improvements don’t just reduce your home insurance costs. They also increase resale value, improve comfort, and add peace of mind. You’re not just saving money—you’re protecting everything you’ve built.

So grab your notepad, because tip #12 may be the single most overlooked—and most valuable—renovation when it comes to insurance discounts.

Let’s get started.

Get a free quote on your next remodel—and ask how we can help you build insurance savings into your renovation plan.

How Do These Upgrades Compare to Costco Home Insurance?

Some homeowners explore options like Costco home insurance, which is offered through CONNECT by American Family Insurance. While group rates and bundled discounts can help, they’re not the only path to savings. In many cases, smart home upgrades can reduce your home insurance costs without switching carriers at all.

In fact, some of the following improvements may help you qualify for long-term premium discounts—on top of what any provider offers. Let’s dive into the 14 upgrades that protect your home and lower your costs.

1. Replace Your Roof With Impact-Resistant Materials

Let’s start from the top—literally. Your roof is one of the most critical components in your home’s risk profile. Insurers often base your premium on the age and material of your roof, especially in storm-prone regions like the Pacific Northwest.

Switching to a new, impact-resistant material—such as Class 4 asphalt shingles, metal panels, or composite tiles—can significantly reduce storm damage risk. These materials are rated for high wind, hail, and debris impacts, which insurers love. Some carriers even offer up to a 20% discount on home insurance costs for qualifying roof replacements.

This is not just a structural upgrade. It’s a strategic investment in long-term savings, safety, and home value.

2. Upgrade Old Plumbing Systems

Water damage is one of the top reasons homeowners file claims—and insurers know it. If your home still relies on galvanized steel or polybutylene pipes, you’re in risky territory. These outdated systems are prone to leaks, bursts, and corrosion, especially in homes over 30 years old.

Modern materials like PEX or copper are more reliable and less prone to sudden failure. Upgrading your plumbing may qualify you for a discount, especially if paired with a full bathroom remodel or repiping project.

Insurance discounts aside, no one wants to deal with mold remediation or waterlogged drywall. This is a win-win that pays off quickly.

3. Modernize Electrical Wiring and Panels

If your home was built before the 1980s, there’s a chance you have aluminum wiring or an outdated fuse box. Both are major fire risks—and red flags for insurers. Older wiring can overheat, arc, or fail under modern power loads.

Replacing old electrical panels with a modern breaker system and rewiring problem areas can reduce fire hazards significantly. While the cost may seem steep upfront, it’s often one of the most appreciated upgrades in your insurer’s eyes—and can lead to noticeable reductions in home insurance costs.

For older homes undergoing major renovations, this is a no-brainer step toward both safety and savings.

4. Install a Smart Home Security System

Security systems are more advanced—and more affordable—than ever. A professionally monitored alarm system with motion sensors, window alerts, and video surveillance can deter theft and reduce break-in claims. Most insurance companies offer discounts for monitored systems, sometimes up to 15%.

Want to go a step further? Pair your system with smart smoke detectors, leak sensors, and freeze alerts. These not only reduce risk—they can save lives and prevent thousands in potential damage.

It’s an easy way to blend technology with real insurance value.

5. Reinforce Your Home Against Wind or Earthquake Damage

Depending on where you live, windstorms or seismic activity may be a growing concern. In western Washington, for example, wind-driven rain and minor earthquakes are not unusual. Reinforcing your home with hurricane straps, shear walls, and seismic retrofits can make a huge difference in how your home weathers the next event.

These upgrades might not be required by code, but insurers view them as proactive risk reducers—and may offer discounts accordingly. It’s also a great time to talk to your remodeler about structural bracing if you’re opening up walls or remodeling your kitchen or bath.

As you’ll see later in this list, some of the best upgrades are often the ones people overlook—so don’t stop here.

Get a free quote to find out how structural upgrades can be bundled into your next remodel for long-term insurance savings.

6. Upgrade to Fire-Resistant Materials

Fires remain one of the most devastating and costly events for homeowners. While no one can fully eliminate the risk, modern fire-resistant materials can dramatically slow a blaze and limit structural damage. Think about replacing flammable siding with fiber cement or stucco, or using fire-rated insulation and drywall in your next remodel.

If you’re renovating a kitchen, consider installing a fire-rated door between the garage and living space—a feature insurance providers take seriously. Likewise, adding a sprinkler system or upgrading to interconnected smoke detectors can help qualify your home for lower home insurance costs.

Fire prevention remodeling ideas don’t just save lives—they earn you long-term savings on coverage.

7. Install Water Leak Detection Systems

Hidden water leaks can go undetected for months, resulting in costly claims and serious structural damage. Fortunately, technology has evolved. Leak detection systems now monitor for unusual water flow, shut off valves automatically, and send alerts straight to your phone.

Many insurance providers now offer discounts when you install approved smart water sensors or whole-house leak prevention devices. These systems are especially useful in second homes or vacation properties left unattended for long periods.

Incorporating water detection systems during a renovation—especially in areas like laundry rooms or bathrooms—makes the upgrade seamless. It’s a small step with outsized benefits, both financially and functionally.

8. Improve Garage Safety and Fire Barriers

Most garages store flammable materials, and many have outdated electrical outlets or no fire separation at all. Reinforcing the wall between your garage and living space with a fire-rated barrier and sealing gaps is an often overlooked renovation with real insurance impact.

Adding proper ventilation, upgrading outlets, and installing modern lighting are all improvements that reduce fire risk—and align with modern safety codes. Insurers may factor this into their premium calculations if the upgrades are clearly documented.

It’s a good example of how home insurance costs can be lowered through safety-focused remodeling in areas homeowners don’t always consider.

9. Strengthen Doors and Windows for Storm Protection

Windows and doors are among the most vulnerable parts of your home during high winds, storms, or attempted break-ins. Upgrading to double-pane, shatter-resistant glass can help prevent both damage and unauthorized entry.

Reinforced entry doors with multi-point locking systems also reduce risk. Some states offer programs or tax incentives to help offset the cost of these security upgrades—and insurers often follow suit with premium reductions.

This is especially worth exploring during major window or siding replacements, or when updating an aging entryway. If you’re already replacing trim or casing, the cost to upgrade hardware is minimal.

10. Weatherproof Exterior Elements

Gutters, siding, downspouts, and even landscaping can influence your home’s resilience against storms and water intrusion. Poor drainage or damaged siding often leads to mold, rot, and structural issues—all of which can lead to costly insurance claims.

Updating your siding, installing proper flashing, and grading your landscaping away from the foundation are all practical steps that improve durability. In return, they can qualify your home for lower premiums—especially when part of a larger remodeling project.

Some insurers even offer small credits for storm-resistant shutters or anchored patio features that won’t become flying debris in high winds.

Interested in how these upgrades apply to your home? Talk to the experts at Bezruchuk Inc. to learn how your renovation goals can align with cost-saving opportunities.

11. Replace Aging HVAC Systems

When was the last time your furnace, boiler, or central air system was replaced? HVAC equipment that’s more than 15–20 years old can pose safety risks—especially in homes with old wiring or poor ventilation. Insurers know that aging systems increase the chances of electrical fires or carbon monoxide exposure.

Upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient system doesn’t just lower your utility bills. It can also reduce your home insurance costs by minimizing risks tied to outdated infrastructure. And if you add a smart thermostat, you may qualify for additional discounts through smart-home incentives.

Want to improve both safety and comfort? Consider bundling an HVAC replacement with other indoor upgrades for maximum value.

12. Reinforce the Foundation or Add Seismic Upgrades

This might be the most underappreciated upgrade on the list. In areas like western Washington where earthquakes are a possibility, reinforcing your home’s foundation is a powerful way to reduce structural risk.

Seismic retrofits—such as foundation bolting, cripple wall bracing, and shear panel installation—can dramatically reduce the chance of severe damage in the event of a quake. These types of structural upgrades may qualify you for discounts with insurance carriers who recognize proactive mitigation strategies.

Most homeowners wait until something breaks to take action. But smart remodeling contractors incorporate seismic protection into projects ahead of time—often during basement or first-floor renovations.

This is a textbook example of a strategic home safety renovation that can lower your insurance burden while protecting your biggest asset.

13. Waterproof the Basement or Crawl Space

Moisture intrusion from below is a leading cause of mold and long-term structural damage. If your home has a basement or crawl space that gets damp or flooded, you’re not just at risk for costly repairs—you’re also more likely to face higher premiums.

Waterproofing systems like sump pumps, interior French drains, or sealed vapor barriers can help you qualify for discounts and avoid future claims. In some regions, insurers offer premium reductions if you install a backup battery system for the sump pump, which is especially helpful during storms and outages.

Combining this with other foundation or plumbing upgrades makes the project even more valuable.

14. Rebuild With Insurance in Mind—Not Just Style

If you’re starting a major renovation or home addition, this is your golden opportunity to think like an insurer. Design isn’t just about aesthetics. Materials, layouts, and construction methods all influence risk exposure.

Work with a licensed general contractor who understands both home insurance costs and building code compliance. Incorporate features like fire-rated drywall, smart wiring systems, and proper egress windows. These aren’t just good ideas—they’re insurance-friendly upgrades that future-proof your investment.

When remodeling is done with safety, durability, and function in mind, your insurer may respond with reduced premiums—and peace of mind becomes part of the design.

At Bezruchuk Inc., we specialize in full-service renovations that balance modern comfort with long-term protection. Our design-build approach ensures that your remodel isn’t just beautiful—it’s built smarter.

Start your renovation with a free quote and let us help you turn smart upgrades into real savings.

Final Thoughts: Renovating With Insurance in Mind Pays Off

Reducing your home insurance costs doesn’t always require switching providers or cutting coverage. Often, the smartest way to save is by improving your home itself—through well-planned, safety-focused renovations that protect your investment and reduce future risk.

Throughout this guide, we’ve uncovered how structural reinforcements, plumbing and electrical upgrades, leak detection systems, and fire-resistant materials all play a role in minimizing insurance claims. These are more than cosmetic improvements—they’re strategic moves that benefit both your home and your wallet.

But the real takeaway is this: when done right, remodeling doesn’t just modernize your space—it builds long-term value. You’ll enjoy a safer home, better comfort, and improved resale value, all while qualifying for meaningful reductions in your premiums.

Plan Your Remodel With the Right Team

If you’re considering a kitchen or bathroom remodel, now’s the time to think beyond finishes and fixtures. What’s behind the walls matters. A project that includes upgraded electrical panels, smarter plumbing, or reinforced walls can have a measurable effect on your insurance rates—especially when documented and done to code.

At Bezruchuk Inc., we approach every remodeling project with precision, safety, and future-proofing in mind. Whether you’re planning a single-room upgrade or a full home renovation, we’ll help you make decisions that enhance beauty and reduce risk.

We don’t just build homes—we build peace of mind. And we do it with clean craftsmanship, local expertise, and a deep understanding of both remodeling and risk mitigation.

Start today by speaking with a remodeler who understands how to align your design goals with insurance-friendly features.

Request your free renovation quote now and discover how much your next upgrade could save—not just in looks, but in real dollars.

Frequently Asked Questions