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Writer's pictureW. Tom Polowy, MS

The Quirky Perks and Hurdles of City Home Living

Updated: Oct 31, 2023


city view with many buildings

Discover the ins and outs of city home living and its impact on your Homeowner’s insurance.

City homes, brownstones, townhouses, or row houses built before the 1940s are all the

rage these days. Homebuyers love their historic charm and the urban lifestyle they offer.

But before you jump on the city home bandwagon, there are some quirky aspects to

consider. In this blog post, we'll take a fun look at these unexpected factors and discuss

how they might affect your homeowner’s insurance.

We're All in This Together (Liability coverage)

When you own a city home, you're often connected to your neighbors—literally. This

means you've got to be extra careful during renovations or maintenance to avoid

damaging their property. Make sure you have the right insurance coverage to keep

everyone's peace of mind. And hey, regularly checking your plumbing can save you

from costly surprises down the road!

Celebrate the Craftsmanship (Dwelling coverage and Ordinance or Law endorsement)

Owning a historic city home means you get to enjoy the work of skilled artisans. Sure,

you might need specialized labor and materials for repairs or renovations, but that's part

of what makes your home so unique. Plan, and you'll have a one-of-a-kind space

that's well worth the investment.

Facade TLC (Dwelling coverage)

Taking care of your city home's facade is a must. Regular maintenance not only keeps

your home looking fabulous but also protects your investment. Plus, keeping up with

facade maintenance can help you avoid more expensive repairs in the future.


Navigating the Red Tape (Ordinance or Law endorsement)

Historic district or landmark property? Be prepared for some extra steps when it comes

to renovations. Submitting plans for approval and getting permits might take some

time, but it helps maintain your home's historical charm and your neighborhood's

character.


The City Homeowner's Balancing Act

(Personal property coverage and loss of use coverage)

With city home living, you'll need to embrace the quirks of urban life—like noise, limited

privacy, and less outdoor space. But hey, you'll also have access to amazing restaurants,

entertainment, and public transportation. It's all about finding that perfect balance!


The Insurance Angle:

Owning a city home comes with its unique set of perks and challenges, which can affect your homeowner’s insurance. Here are some useful tips from an insurance perspective, along with the related coverage:


  • Make sure your policy covers the specialized labor and materials needed for repairs or renovations. (Dwelling coverage and Ordinance or Law endorsement)

  • Consider adding coverage for neighboring properties in case your renovations accidentally cause damage. (Liability coverage)

  • If your home is in a historic district or designated as a landmark property, check whether your policy covers any additional costs associated with obtaining permits or adhering to preservation guidelines. (Ordinance or Law endorsement)


City home living can be an exciting adventure, but it's essential to be prepared for the quirky challenges that come with it. As an insurance agency, we're here to help you find the right coverage for your city home. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you protect your one-of-a-kind city home investment.

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