Self Build Insurance: The Ultimate Checklist

Creating your own bespoke home is a life-changing investment. Self-Build Zone’s Jake Fitness reveals how to insure your build for peace of mind
Self-Build Zone Insurance & Warranties
by Self-Build Zone
19th December 2023

3. Set the Start Date & Policy Duration

Specialist insurers understand the complexities of the self build journey, and have developed flexible products to match your project timescales. Here’s what you need to know:

  • You can purchase self build insurance when you are within 90 days of the works starting.
  • Cover should either start once you’ve bought the plot or property, or when work is about to begin.
  • If there will be a delay between a land purchase and starting work, landowner’s liability insurance may be sufficient pre-build.
  • Good providers offer policy lengths from three to 24 months to provide tailored cover for the anticipated duration of your scheme.

4. Get Quotes from Reputable Providers

Policy fees vary according to project. They are mainly based on the cost to professionally rebuild the property if there was a total loss, eg due to fire, when near completion. Follow these steps to secure a realistic quote:

  • Work with your architect, mortgage provider and other key parties to understand the professional reinstatement cost of your project.
  • Seek quotations as soon as you have final planning drawings, so you can start working the policy cost into your budget. The Self-Build Zone website allows you to get a good idea of costs via a quick and efficient online quote form.
  • If the policy cost feels high, bear in mind your insurance is likely to pay for itself if you have to make even a single claim during the project. And, if you don’t, you will at least have peace of mind that your investment is protected if anything goes wrong.

5. Be Ready to Switch Policy Post-Build

At this point, you’ll need to move on to a general buildings insurance policy:

  • You should be ready to switch on the date the project is signed off by building control – not the date which you move into the property.
  • If you’re near completion and want a quick and easy transition, self build insurers can also provide standard buildings insurance.
Jake Fitness is team leader at Self-Build Zone, which offers a comprehensive range of specialist self build, renovation, extension and site insurance cover, as well as self build warranties. Call 0345 230 9874 or visit Self-Build Zone for more.

Header image: iStock.com/SewcreamStudio

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