Construction class

Construction class tells an insurer what the house is made of and how it resists fire. Common categories are frame (wood framing and siding), masonry veneer (wood frame faced with brick or stone), masonry (load-bearing brick or block walls) and fire-resistive (concrete and steel). ISO's commercial program uses six construction classes, but personal lines plans usually use fewer, and names differ by insurer.

The class affects two numbers. First, the fire rate: a masonry house typically earns a lower fire charge than a frame house, all else equal. Second, the rebuild cost estimate that sets your dwelling limit, because brick, stone and concrete cost more to replace than wood framing and siding. A wrong class means a wrong price and possibly a wrong limit.

The classic mistake is brick veneer entered as solid masonry, or the reverse. Many brick houses are wood-framed with a thin brick facing, and most insurers' forms ask which. Check the construction type on your quote or declarations page, and tell the agent about additions, a new roof structure or a change of siding. Unusual construction such as log, adobe, steel or stucco over foam may need a specialist form. See construction type and rates: frame, masonry and more and use the home replacement cost estimator to sanity-check your limit.