Before any Calgary renovation begins, you should notify your home insurer and confirm your contractor carries liability and WCB coverage — because a standard homeowner policy often limits or suspends coverage during active construction. A renovation raises your home's value and can change your risk profile, so it's worth reviewing your policy up front rather than discovering a gap after a claim. Jonathan Edwards makes sure OCR is properly covered on every job so there are no surprises.
Your Insurance Changes When You Renovate
Most Calgary homeowners don’t know that a major renovation can void your existing home insurance if you don’t notify your insurer. Here’s what you need to know.
Tell Your Insurer Before You Start
Any renovation that:
- Costs over $10,000-$25,000 (varies by insurer)
- Involves structural work
- Involves electrical, plumbing, or gas changes
- Leaves your home partially vacant during construction
…requires notification to your insurer. Failure to notify and then making a claim = potential claim denial.
What Your Home Insurance May NOT Cover During Reno
- Damage caused by the contractor (their insurance covers this)
- Materials stored on-site before installation
- Water damage from plumbing work in progress
- Theft of materials from an unsecured site
- Fire from electrical work
What the Contractor Must Carry
- Commercial General Liability (CGL): Minimum $2M, covers damage caused by the contractor on your property
- WCB Coverage: Covers workers injured on your property (without this, YOU could be liable)
- Tools and Equipment Insurance: Their problem, not yours
Always get certificates of insurance dated within 30 days, directly from the insurer — not photocopied documents.
Course of Construction (COC) Insurance
For major renovations, ask about a Course of Construction (also called Builder’s Risk) policy. Covers the building and materials during the construction period. Some home insurance policies add this as an endorsement; others require a separate policy.
- Cost: Typically 1-2% of construction value per year
- Example: $150,000 renovation = ~$1,500-$3,000/year for COC
Vacancy Clauses: The Sneaky One
If you move out during renovation, your home is considered “vacant.” Most Calgary home insurance policies suspend coverage after 30 days of vacancy. Ask your broker about a vacancy endorsement or a specific policy for unoccupied homes under renovation.
After the Renovation: Update Your Coverage
- Notify your insurer when renovation is complete
- Update your home’s insured replacement value (it just went up)
- Document completed work with photos
- Add any high-value additions to your coverage (wine cellar, luxury kitchen, etc.)
The Short Version
- Call your insurer before renovation starts
- Ask about COC coverage for big projects
- Get proof of contractor’s liability and WCB
- Update coverage when you’re done
Related Articles
Pillar Guide: Home Renovations Calgary: The Complete Guide
Also read: How to Choose a Renovation Contractor Calgary | Calgary Renovation Costs Master Guide 2026
Contact Olympic City Renovations to schedule a Discovery Call.
Olympic City Renovations serves Calgary, Priddis, Okotoks, and surrounding communities.
Frequently asked questions
Often not fully. Many homeowner policies limit or exclude coverage during active construction, so you should notify your insurer before work starts to avoid a gap.
For larger projects, insurers may require a course-of-construction or builder's risk endorsement. Ask your broker what your specific scope calls for before demolition begins.
Commercial general liability plus WCB (workers' compensation) coverage in Alberta. Jonathan Edwards ensures OCR is properly insured on every project.
It can, because you're increasing your home's replacement cost. Talk to your broker about updating coverage once the work is complete.
Related reading: Calgary Renovation Costs: Complete 2026 Price Guide · Multigenerational Home Renovation Ideas for Calgary Families · NE Calgary Renovations: Neighbourhoods, Homes & What to Expect