Supplements & Negotiation

Code Upgrade Supplement

A supplement filed to cover the cost of bringing damaged areas up to current building code requirements that exceed what was originally installed. Code upgrades are covered under ordinance or law provisions.

What Is a Code Upgrade Supplement

A code upgrade supplement covers the additional cost of bringing damaged areas up to current building code requirements when those requirements exceed the original construction. Building codes evolve over time, and what was code-compliant when the home was built may no longer meet current standards.

Common Code Upgrade Items

Frequent code upgrade items in roofing claims include ice and water shield in eave areas, drip edge where none was originally installed, proper ventilation (1:150 or 1:300 ratio), upgraded fastening patterns for high-wind zones, and starter strip at eaves and rakes. Each item must reference the specific code requirement.

Filing the Supplement

A successful code upgrade supplement includes the specific code section requiring the upgrade, the current condition showing the original installation does not meet current code, and the Xactimate line items for the additional work. Having the local building inspector confirm the requirement strengthens the supplement significantly.

Frequently asked questions

A code upgrade supplement requests payment for the cost difference between repairing to the original standard and meeting current building code. For example, if the original roof had no ice barrier but current code requires it, the ice barrier material and labor are code upgrade items.

Code upgrades are covered if the policy includes ordinance or law coverage (sometimes called code upgrade coverage). Most standard homeowners policies include a limited amount. Without this coverage, the policyholder pays the code upgrade costs out of pocket.