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Undergoing Work Property Insurance
Undergoing works property insurance, sometimes called renovation insurance, is a specific insurance policy you might take out as a homeowner.
Ordinary homeowners’ insurance types include building insurance and home contents policies. However, undergoing works property insurance specifically covers any renovation, refurbishment, or building work you have completed within your building.
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We need undergoing works property insurance for many reasons. Your home is at greater risk of damage while renovators work. Making alterations to your home adjusts the structure of your house. Depending on the project, you could significantly alter the price it would cost your insurer to rebuild, should your whole house fall one day. If you change your home enough, it will invalidate your existing policy.
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Home insurance is also needed for the new build once it is complete. If a homeowner added a garden room and failed to tell their insurer, it would not be part of the insurance policy. Should the worst happen and the outdoor room sink, crumble, or catch fire, you would not receive any of your investment back.
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Key features of Undergoing Works Property Insurance
Undergoing works property insurance covers certain aspects of building work that a standard building insurance policy doesn’t cover.
The key features of undergoing works/renovation insurance include:
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Cover the areas of the home that are not undergoing renovation, particularly to protect it against construction damage.
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Liability covers the off chance that a construction worker becomes injured in your home.
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Structural damage covers the whole house.
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Protection against deliberate destruction caused by an unhinged worker.
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Cover for acts of God.
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It also covers unoccupied buildings that are undergoing renovations without the owners present.
Do you need to tell your insurer about renovation works?
Yes, you do need to tell your insurer before you take on a renovation project in your building. Making additions and subtractions to your home means construction workers will come and go. They may dabble with your electrics, plumbing, gas, or flammable insulation. Each new worker brings a new potential risk, especially given the nature of their work. A standard home insurance package does not cover these excessive risks.
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While redecorating a room is a perfectly valid change to improve your quality of life, any structural alterations you make to the property take you farther from the house described in your home insurance policy. Whether you are adding a garage, putting in a second bathroom, or even adding another window to a room, there are steps you need to take to protect your investment.
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Do you need insurance for a house renovation?
If you are refurbishing your home, it is advisable that you take out undergoing works insurance/renovation insurance. Any structural alterations to your home will require you to inform your insurer, who may point out the invalidity of your insurance policy during the construction process.
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Is it illegal not to have work insurance?
​It is not unlawful to forego work insurance when you are rebuilding or renovating your home. If damages happen or a tradesperson becomes injured, you may be liable to pay huge cash sums. Insurance is the safer option, particularly if you leave your home empty for over 30 days.
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How to Protect Yourself with Self-Build Insurance
Let's begin with a brief overview of Self-Build Insurance. Essentially, obtaining self-build insurance is essential if you're constructing a new home from scratch or making additions like an extension. Renovations may also fall under this category. Given the significant nature of this undertaking, it's crucial to ensure you're adequately protected, as there are numerous pitfalls when managing your own build.
Here are some of the key aspects that Self Build Insurance can cover:
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Site Insurance (or Contract Works) protects against risks associated with the construction process from start to finish.
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Equipment & Plant insurance covers your tools, machinery, and equipment (whether owned or rented) against fire and theft.
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Public Liability insurance safeguards you against injury or damage to third parties, such as children who might accidentally enter the site.
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Employers' Liability insurance protects you from injuries sustained by anyone you employ, directly or indirectly, including subcontractors.
Key Features
✅ Protection against construction damage
✅ Liability coverage if a construction worker becomes injured
✅ Structural damage cover for the whole house
✅ Protection against deliberate destruction caused by an unhinged worker
✅ Cover for acts of God
✅ Cover for unoccupied buildings that are undergoing renovations without the owners present
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Do I require renovation or extension insurance?
Absolutely! When you're renovating or extending your home, it's essential to have self-build insurance. Most standard home insurance policies typically do not cover you during processes, as they are considered a higher risk by insurers compared to a property that is not undergoing any work.
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Question: Is renovation insurance valuable?
It's crucial to recognise that construction projects can expose your home to various risks, making home renovation insurance a worthwhile investment. The hazards associated with renovations are not included in a standard home insurance policy.
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Question: Should I tell my insurance company about building work?
You should get in touch with your insurer before the work is carried out - at least a couple of weeks before the work is due to start. Then your insurer can: Assess the risk to your property. Talk with you about different levels of cover and confirm if you still be covered or would need undergoing work property insurance.
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Question: Do I need to tell my home insurance about building work?
If you plan to carry out any structural works to your property you should inform your insurer to check that the work you're doing won't invalidate your policy, and to check that you have sufficient cover in place.
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Question: Do I legally need building insurance?
Buildings insurance isn't compulsory but it is advisable. Think about how you would afford to rebuild your house if it were damaged or destroyed.
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Question: Is it illegal for a builder not to have insurance?
Insurance is essential for builders to maintain compliance and credibility within their industry and is often mandated by law. Many regulations require builders to have specific insurance types to operate legally.​​
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Question: Is flooring covered under buildings insurance?
The type of damage is also important as building insurance will not pay out for general wear and tear to any type of flooring and your flooring will only be covered for events specified in the policy, such as vandalism, flooding or fire.
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Question: Can I claim on my buildings insurance for a leaking roof?
Your home insurance might cover you - if the leak was caused by storm damage to your roof. In general, if a storm has damaged your roof, you'd expect to see signs of damage to the exterior, like lots of missing tiles. If that's the case, you should be covered by your home insurance.
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Question: Can you get home insurance while renovating?
Renovation insurance provides cover from the start of your home renovation until it's finished. It's a type of buildings insurance policy that covers the structure, fixtures and fittings of the building. Policies differ between providers but you're typically covered for: Accidental damage.
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Do you have a question about unoccupied commercial property insurance? Submit your question here
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