Having worked through a renovation-related insurance claim (contractor damage to an adjacent property), I learned more about what documentation matters than I ever expected to. Sharing for the community at home.renovation.reviews.
What Insurance Adjusters Actually Ask For
When a claim is filed related to renovation work — whether it’s damage from the renovation itself, a contractor’s negligence, or a mid-project incident — adjusters want:
- The signed contract with scope and payment schedule
- Proof that the contractor had active insurance (the certificate of insurance)
- WSIB clearance certificate
- Photos showing condition before renovation started (pre-existing vs. renovation-caused damage is a key question)
- Any written communications about issues as they arose
- The permit (for permitted work) and inspection records
The Pre-Renovation Photo Rule
Document the pre-existing condition of: your own home interior and exterior, the adjacent property (neighbour’s fence, landscaping, driveway), the street and boulevard. This sounds excessive — until there’s a dispute about whether that crack in your neighbour’s driveway was there before or appeared after your excavation.
If You Live in a Semi-Detached or Rowhouse
Any renovation involving the party wall, foundation work, or excavation near the property line creates potential adjacency issues. Some homeowners and contractors proactively do a “pre-construction condition survey” of neighbouring properties with a professional. For major work, this is worth the cost ($500–$1,500).
What Your Homeowner Policy May Not Cover
Damage caused by faulty workmanship is often excluded from standard home insurance. This is covered by the contractor’s errors and omissions or workmanship warranty — which is why that insurance certificate matters so much.
Discussion at home.renovation.reviews.