The pandemic has changed how we think about our homes and the space we have. A lot of us are trying to make the best use of every square inch and sheds, garden rooms and offices have been popping up all over the country. Being creative in how we use these outbuildings has brought a lot of joy (and most importantly space away from the kids!) into our lives.
As we are using these buildings more and more though, have you thought about protecting them from damage or theft? They don’t just contain some rusty nails and spades anymore, they are home to our offices, gyms, playrooms or even guest rooms. They can contain everything from electronic items to furniture and art. It is important to know that these items are safe, and your insurance policy is your first line of defence in protecting them.
But what insurance will work for these buildings? And what do you need to be aware of?
Will Homeowners insurance cover it?
The short answer is: probably. Most homeowners insurance includes coverage of outside buildings like sheds and garden rooms. It is worth checking exactly what your home insurance covers, as the term “outbuildings” on an insurance cover can mean a few different things. However, most policies will cover the fabric of the building against fire, flooding, storm damage and vandalism.
How about content insurance?
This can depend on what the contents you are storing in your outbuildings are worth. Contents policies usually include a single-item limit, which will often be between £1,500 and £2,500. It is also worth checking what the security requirements are that you need in order to be covered. In some cases of theft, you would only be covered if the outbuilding is locked and there is evidence of forced entry. Bicycles are extra with some policies also, if you store yours in the shed or outbuilding.
How can I keep my possessions safe?
It’s important to have a good quality cover, but also you can make sure you are doing your part to keep your buildings and their contents safe.
Here are a few good ideas to keep in mind when it comes to security for your outbuildings:
Lock it with a good quality lock.
Invest in a good quality padlock, the cheaper ones are often made of weaker material. It can also be useful to check the brackets of the door and ensure that the screws used to attach it are long enough to resist someone taking the door off that way.
Have an alarm.
Shed and outbuilding alarms are wireless, battery-powered and can even be attached to your phone to send a message or ring if it is triggered.
Keep the area well lit.
Having a light that you can clearly see from the house not only gives you peace of mind but also can act as a deterrent to thieves, who prefer to try when there is less chance of being seen.
Hide valuable items.
If you use the building as an office and keep electronic items there, make sure they are out of view when you shut up for the night.
Check the windows.
If you have windows, it’s a good idea to keep them covered when you are not in the building. If you do not need the natural light you could even board them over to reduce the theft risk.
Have a gravel path or loose stones.
This makes it harder for thieves to get to the front door without being heard, and will often put them off approaching.
Taking the time to check your insurance cover, and putting into place some security measures will mean you don’t have to ever worry about your outbuildings. Here at Stop Digging, we have the perfect foundation for your shed or garden room.
If you would like more information on how you can use Stop Digging ground screws to start enjoying more space, contact us on: SALES@STOPDIGGING.CO.UK or 020 3970 3979
