Prepping a Home for an Art Collection
As art collectors know, there are three features that matter most to ensuring your works stay safe in your home—lighting, fire suppression, and climate, including temperature, humidity, and exposure to excessive heat and moisture.
But preparation really begins with installation, says Laura Doyle, senior vice president, fine art and valuable collections product leader at Chubb Insurance. “Homeowners should work with architects, a professional art handler, and art advisors to design an installation plan,” she says. “Those experts will advise you on the fragility of the work and the weight of the pieces to make sure everything is installed with the right weight gradings.”
Once all of your artwork is placed, homeowners should check the installation hardware every decade. “This is critical, as hooks and wires can weaken over time,” Doyle says.
Lighting
The most important thing you need to consider from a lighting perspective is that you’re minimizing direct light on works of art.
“Certain works are more sensitive to light damage,” Doyle says. “These include textiles, works on paper, and photographs.”
Consider installing works away from windows or installing film on your windows. In addition, since ultraviolet light is extremely damaging to artwork, fine-art lighting systems are important.
“There are lighting designers who offer specific components for at-home art collections,” she says. “In addition, if you have a home with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, think about what artwork will be in that area, and consider installing works that are less light-sensitive in rooms with light flooding in.”
Fire Suppression
In California specifically, fire is a huge issue for homeowners and homebuyers. As such, insurance rates are often higher, too.
“Unless you’re living in an old house, you have fire suppression set,” says Ginger Martin, senior associate, Sotheby’s International Realty—St. Helena Brokerage, who specializes in California’s wine region. “Anything newer than 20 years ago requires fire protection.”
Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to have centrally monitored heat- and smoke-detection systems set up in your home, says Doyle.
“There should be at least one smoke detector every 900 square feet, especially in rooms with artwork,” she says. “Smoke can cause extensive damage so it’s critical to have heat detectors in your garage, attic, and kitchen, too.”
In addition, consider installing a monitored system to alert a third party so, if you’re not home, smoke can be addressed immediately.
Climate Control
You don’t want the humidity to get too high in a home with artwork, Martin says. “The key is making sure there’s minimal fluctuation in temperature and humidity,” Doyle says.
One option is to install climate controls that are tied to your home alarm systems.
“This way if the temperature or humidity exceeds the preset range, you would get an alert,” Doyle says. “This is critical for clients who travel extensively.”
Finally, if you have an extensive outdoor sculpture garden, protect it by considering all the elements.
“You don’t want them to be installed in an area where there could be water pooling at the base,” Doyle says. “Make sure they’re elevated and always check nearby trees, and make sure no loose branches can fall down and damage the artwork.”
To best prepare your outdoor space for outdoor art, consult with a landscaper or, better yet, work with outdoor sculpture conservators who will come and inspect your works on a regular basis. Plus, “hand-trim around sculptures,” she says.
Security
“Make sure your security system aligns with the value of your collection,” Doyle says. “In addition, be sure to install a multilayered security system that will alert a third party if the system is activated. Perimeter contacts on doors and windows, interior motion sensors, and glass-break detectors are all critical, too.”
Finally, don’t forget to secure each and every level of the home.
“We frequently see break-ins targeting second-story doors and windows,” Doyle says.
Plus, Doyle says, getting the most coverage is the way to protect your home and the valuables inside it. “Any claim payout can be affected by the terms, conditions, and exclusions contained in the applicable policy.” In order to best protect valuable pieces, she says, collectors should consider purchasing an “all-risk” valuable- articles policy from a carrier “having deep knowledge and experience regarding the unique exposures involving outdoor sculpture and claims arising from perils like flood, fire, and breakage.”
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