As a homeowner, you likely work hard to keep your home in great shape. However, what you might not think about is the damage potential disasters could cause. From hurricanes and tornadoes to flooding and earthquakes, the rise of natural disasters has pivoted many homeowners’ priorities to disaster resilience. Learn more about how preparing for disasters can help you save time and money.

Why homeowners are prioritizing disaster-resilient upgrades

In the past year, multiple natural disasters have displaced families across the country, leaving them with extensive home damage or no home at all. For example, hurricanes have destroyed coastal neighborhoods and wildfires have burned through properties on the western coast. These events have been a catalyst for many people to safeguard their homes against these risks.

Disaster-resilient upgrades can range from small to big. It may be improving drainage in your basement, fireproofing your siding, or installing a backup power unit. Consider where you live, the type of weather you face, and how natural disasters could impact your home to get a better idea of where you can fortify your home’s resilience.

Are disaster-resilient upgrades covered by insurance?

Insurance is usually designed to cover costs associated with damage after it occurs. While it’s not likely that your insurance will cover proactive upgrades, your insurer may offer an incentive or discount for certain improvements. In some cases, home improvements like fire-resistant siding or shatterproof windows could lower your insurance premiums. Be sure to check with your insurer.

High-return investments for disaster resilience

If you’re looking to strengthen your home’s ability to withstand disasters, here are some top investments to consider:

Reinforce your home’s structure

Depending on when your home was built, it could lack the level of structural support available today. Luckily, you can reinforce your house against earthquakes, hurricanes, and other forces with improvements. For example, you can use hurricane straps or clips to secure your roof, install wall braces to improve wind resistance, and use deadbolt locks and security plates to keep doors closed.   

Strengthen doors and windows

Standard glass windows and doors can shatter with high-impact winds or flying debris. Consider stormproof high-impact glass, shatter-resistant window film, and storm shutters that will help prevent the glass components of your home from breaking.

Waterproof your basement

Basements often fall victim to water damage, especially in areas prone to flooding. Water in your home can lead to foundation damage, ruined belongings, mold growth, and other costly and dangerous issues. Upgrades like improving drainage, installing a sump pump, and sealing any cracks with caulk can help keep unwanted moisture out of your living space.

Upgrade your roofing and siding

While new roofing and siding can become an expensive undertaking, it could save you a lot of money in the long run. For example, asphalt shingles can often fly off much more easily in high winds than roofing made with metal. Upgrading your roof now can help prevent damage associated with leaks during a storm. Siding upgrades are also smart investments. Homes in areas with frequent wildfires may benefit from fireproof siding materials.

How to balance a rainy day fund with renovation financing

Many people strive to have a rainy day fund and an emergency fund to take on small and big life disruptions. However, you may not want to completely drain your existing funds in the event of major damage to your home.

Evaluate the cost of your desired renovations against your savings. If the renovations would deplete your backup funds, you may choose to explore financing options, such as a personal loan, to cover your home’s expenses. If you’re wondering how much should be left in your emergency fund, experts often recommend three to six months of living expenses to be safe.

Smart budget strategies for disaster-resilient renovations

Want to start budgeting now so you’re more confident making disaster-resilient renovations? Check out these tips:

1. Protect your emergency savings: Don’t take from your emergency fund unless you absolutely have to. Think about keeping these funds in a dedicated savings account, separate from your day-to-day spending money.
2. Prioritize and plan your upgrades: Home upgrades don’t have to all be done at once. Make a list of everything you want done, and prioritize based on what is most important and realistic with your current budget.
3. Explore financing options: Financing options can be a great way to borrow a large lump sum of money with the ability to pay it off over time. Depending on your eligibility, you could take out a home renovation loan to help with your resilient upgrades.
4. Weigh the potential savings: If your home is in relatively good shape and you’re not sure if you need upgrades, think about the potential long-term savings. Acting now to strengthen your home against disaster could end up saving you a lot in the long run.

Final thoughts

If you know your home has room for improvement when it comes to disaster resilience, don’t delay. Understand the risks you face and determine what renovations could improve your home’s ability to withstand extensive damage from natural events like storms, floods, or earthquakes. No matter how big or small, thoughtful upgrades can make a huge difference in protecting your living space, your family’s safety, and your long-term peace of mind. Investing in prevention today can save you from costly repairs and hassle down the road.