With the first day of fall landing this month, it’s peak season for finally tackling that backyard project list. One is done before lunch. One is a legitimate half-day undertaking. And one is a legitimate weekend commitment. Here’s how three popular projects rank, from quickest to most involved.
1. The Quick One: String the Patio Lights
Outdoor string lights are one of the fastest ways to change how a backyard feels in the evening. Making sure you are using only outdoor-rated cords and lights, plugging into an outlet protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter, and keeping everything clear of standing water are quick checks worth making before you plug in.
2. The Half-Day Project: Build a Compost Bin
A simple compost bin is a satisfying half-day project that pays off for months. A dry, well-drained spot near a water source works best, with a bin built so there are no gaps larger than a quarter inch to keep pests out.
3. The Weekend Commitment: Build a Fire Pit
This is the one worth clearing real time for. Placement matters as much as construction — making sure the fire pit is at least 10 feet from your home or anything that can burn is worth confirming before you pour a single paver.
Where Umbrella Coverage Comes In
Projects like these can turn into group efforts — a neighbor lending a hand with the fire pit, a friend stopping by to help haul pavers. And once a project is done, a backyard that gets used more often means more chances for the everyday moments your homeowners or auto policy’s liability limits are meant to cover.
An umbrella policy extends liability coverage beyond those limits, covering things those policies alone may not — like a guest who’s injured during a visit, an accident on your property such as a fall, or an incident involving your dog. It may be worth having in place before a weekend project turns into a backyard people spend time in.
Get an umbrella insurance quote or contact a Westwood agent to get started.
Please note: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not represent any specific insurance policy and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions of any current policy.
