When should I get buildings insurance for my project?

One Answer

1. Erika Chaffey says:

   28th February 2024 at 9:01 am

   Hi Jeremy,

   Thanks so much for getting in touch with your question. There are a few things to consider here. Firstly, a standard home insurer would normally expect your home to be ‘fit for occupation’ and occupied by yourself at the time of purchasing, and therefore incepting, buildings insurance.

   Secondly, many insurers will ask, “is your property undergoing building works?” Some may subsequently decline to quote buildings insurance if you answer “yes”.

   The definition of building works will vary from insurer to insurer. Therefore, it may take a bit of calling around and searching online to establish who can help. If they agree, it will often be for cosmetic works only, subject to a financial limit, and must not involve works carried out by contractors.

   It is important to consider that even if a home insurer agrees to provide buildings insurance coverage, most home insurance providers will not cover you for loss or damage caused by alterations, renovations, extensions or repairs. Therefore you must consider the outstanding works required to achieve building control completion, as incidents arising from these are likely not to be covered.

   Site Insurance, which provides an ‘All Risks’ policy for the contract works (including any existing structure forming part of a conversion, extension or renovation) will usually cover you up until the point property is complete and taken into full use. By default, that’s when you would purchase buildings insurance.

   Best of luck with your project,

   Simon Middleton (Build It’s Insurance & Structural Warranties expert)

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