Home design changes can increase risk

Homeowners’ quest for convenience might outweigh potential maintenance risks when it comes to new-home construction, according to a recent examination of building trends by Seattle-based PEMCO Insurance.

According to Spokesman Jon Osterberg, current building-design features, such as laundry room placement, add convenience but can affect the total cost of ownership. A laundry room next to a master bedroom instead of downstairs in the basement can increase potential for damage, he said.

“Sure it’s convenient to do laundry next to the bedroom … but just a cracked hose can cause thousands of dollars in water damage … [on] carpet, hardwood floors, walls, clothes, furniture, you name it.”

To read about other home-building design trends that could affect risk, visit www.pemco.com.