As you search for your new home, remember the physical characteristics of the house — its size, location, construction, and overall condition. This can affect the cost, choice, and availability of home insurance. Sometimes, desirable features—like ornate plasterwork or proximity to the coastline — can make insuring a home costlier or more difficult.
Here are some factors that you need to consider before signing the dotted line:
Quality and location
Houses that are highly rated permanently staffed fire departments usually cost less to insure. This also holds for homes that have a hydrant nearby.
Proximity to the coastline
Houses on or near the coast will cost more to insure than those further inland.
Age of the home
An older home can be quite beautiful but ornate features like plaster walls, ceiling molding, and wooden floors may be costly to replace and can raise the cost of insurance. And plumbing and electrical systems can become unsafe with age and lack of maintenance. If you are considering buying an older home to find out how much it will cost to update these features and the cost of ownership.
Condition of the roof
A new roof matters to insurers and keeps you and your family safer. Check the roof's condition. Depending on the type of roof and whether it's made with fire and or hail-resistant materials, you may even qualify for an