Summer is finally here, and you know what that means….. road construction, finding things to keep the kids busy, and the return of your spouses “Honey-do” list of projects they’d like to see completed this year.

Before you tackle that DIY you saw on Pinterest, make sure you have all the facts.  Yes, there are things that YouTube can’t teach you!

• Know what you need to get a permit for. Check the City of Winnipeg's website, and make sure the proper permits have been taken out before you begin your project.

• If you are not doing the project yourself, hire a reputable contractor, and make sure they have insurance.  You can ask your contractor to provide you with proof of insurance (a certificate of insurance) which will show that they have Commercial General Liability as well as coverage for property while being installed.  If they are doing work that requires permits or special Trade Tickets, ensure that they are qualified to do the work that they performing.

• Contact our Team – Insurance companies use “reconstruction cost evaluators” to determine a value for the reconstruction of your home, should a loss occur. We like to update and review the information contained in those evaluators on a regular basis. If you are making any changes to your home such as an addition, a deck, finishing your basement, or adding another bathroom, you will not be insured for those changes, unless we have updated the home evaluator and made any necessary adjustments to your policy. Your home will be insured for the size, features and values that we have on file if we are unaware of your renovations.

If you are a contractor, you know how busy the next few months will be. In all the busyness, it is important to make sure your coverage is up to date. If you purchase new equipment, take on new operations, or a bigger project than previously, make sure you’ve had a conversation with Our Team to maintain the appropriate coverages.

Whatever your summer entails, we hope that you enjoy it to the fullest, and stay safe throughout all your adventures!