INSURANCE & WARRANTIES

Essential advice on your problems with building, budgeting, DIY & planning from the most experienced names in the self build industry

When should I get buildings insurance for my project?

We are in the process of a self build. The house is now watertight with first fix electrics and plumbing completed, and water has also been connected. The kitchen is due to be fitted soon, with other second fix items to follow shortly after. At what stage can we get buildings insurance for our project?

There are a few things to consider here. Firstly, a standard home insurer would normally expect your home to be fit for occupation and therefore for you to be living in the property at the time of purchasing and commencing a buildings insurance policy. Secondly, many insurers will ask whether your property is undergoing building works. Some may subsequently decline to quote for buildings insurance if the answer is yes.

The definition of building works varies from insurer to insurer. So, it may take a bit of calling around and searching online to establish who can help. Even if they agree, your cover will often be for cosmetic works only, subject to a financial limit, and will not necessarily extend to works carried out by contractors.

It’s important to consider that even if a home insurer agrees to provide buildings insurance coverage, most of them will not cover you for loss or damage caused by alterations, renovations, extensions or repairs. You must, therefore, consider the outstanding works required to achieve building control completion on your property, as it’s unlikely that incidents arising from these will be included in your cover.