Self Build Insurance

All self-build projects need insurance cover to protect you and your sub-contractors against unforeseen problems.

Your own home is probably the biggest investment you will ever make. Unlike motor insurance, self-build insurance is not always a legal requirement. However, if you do not insure yourself, and a major problem such as an accident arises, you could find yourself seriously out of pocket. Bear in mind that self-build insurance protects you from claims by others who are affected by an accident as well as losses, which you yourself suffer.

Would self build insurance protect me if someone was seriously injured on my site?

You would not be covered yourself, but anyone you employ would be covered against injury whilst working on the site. Anyone visiting the site would also be covered as you have public liability cover as part of your package.

You are expected to abide by health and safety regulations on the site but accidents do occur on even the best-run jobs, and this is why it is vital that you insure yourself.

How much cover can I get and how much do I need?

You can get as much cover as you want, but it makes no sense to either over-insure or to under-insure. To over-insure is just to waste money, but if you underestimate your risks and you have to make a major claim, the assessors will reduce your claim accordingly.

Premiums are based on the rebuilding costs of the property. This figure does not include the cost of the land but what a builder would charge to reinstate the building if a disaster occurred just before you were about to move in.

How much does insurance cost?

A full self-build insurance policy, which can give you cover for up to 18 months should cost you approximately 0.65 per cent of the total building costs. For example, a £100,000 project will cost about £650 for all the cover including Employers and Public Liability as well as hired in plant, materials and the site works under construction
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Won't my builder have his own cover? If he does, why do I need my own?

If you are placing the contract with one main builder, he should have all the necessary cover. If for example, you employ your own painter or other contractor separately, you could be liable for any injury sustained by him.

Most self-build projects are intended to save money. The property owner (you), normally engages the various tradesmen rather than a main builder. Unless you pay each trade on a contract price basis, you are responsible at law for any injury they may sustain. Similarly, if you have a friend or other acquaintance, who helps you out with the job, whether you pay them or not, you can also be successfully sued for injury.

Can I get insurance for a conversion project - is there a separate policy for conversions?

Yes, full cover is available for clients undertaking conversion or renovation work, or simply extending an existing dwelling. We can provide you with a quote specific to your needs

What if I discover a defect in the house in a couple of years time? Would I be able to insure now to cover myself against legal expenses?

Any new build should be protected by a structural warranty issued by the likes of the National House-Building Council

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