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You’re in the right place!  We are a husband and wife team who LOVE this business and love doing good work for good people.  We’re believe in the face-to-face version of this business built and not the one that hides behind websites and fake five star reviews.

As a husband-and-wife team we’ve been in and around the home business for over thirty years.  And because of that, we can’t possibly convey all of that experience in a few mouse clicks.  Reach out.  Connect.  Come see us at one of the home shows.  We are quietly one of the fastest growing renovation companies in Calgary and look forward to hearing about your project large or small. Just FYI, EVERY contractors bread and butter are smaller projects so don’t hesitate to reach out.

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Renovation Insurance Calgary: What Your Policy Covers (and Doesn’t)

Renovation Planning

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

  1. Call your insurer before renovation starts
  2. Ask about COC coverage for big projects
  3. Get proof of contractor’s liability and WCB
  4. 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 for a free consultation.

Olympic City Renovations serves Calgary, Priddis, Okotoks, and surrounding communities.