EXTENDING IN A PANDEMIC: A QUICK GUIDE
Site insurance is more important than ever, say the experts from Self-build Zone
Most people assume because they are simply doing an extension their home insurance will cover them. However, relying on your builder to have sufficient insurance often isn’t enough. Most only have Public Liability Insurance which will require negligence to be proven, which can be extremely time consuming and expensive.when doing an extension, conversion or renovation you do need Site Insurance to cover the existing structure and the new works you are carrying out.
WHAT DOES SITE INSURANCE COVER?
Site Insurance, also known as self-build insurance, covers the project from the moment you purchase the plot right up to completion. Self-build Zone are the market leaders in Site Insurance and Structural Warranties for selfbuilders and we’re the provider for the National House Building Council (NHBC). We’re backed by an ‘A’ rated insurer and our policy is unique in covering even the existing structures on site. We can cover the entire site and structures including losses as a result of fire, theft, flood, storm damage, vandalism, and accidental damage.
HOW DOES COVID-19 AFFECT MY BUILD?
It’s still a tough task to coordinate suppliers and installers at the moment. So if nobody’s on site, how do you keep your project safe and secure? There’s little issue with leaving blank plots unattended: as long as you have at least Public Liability Insurance on the site and have put up suitable perimeter security, you’ll be covered. If you have a project underway and no trades on site, a good insurance policy should give some protection if something goes wrong. Even then, insurers will expect you to demonstrate a duty of care to them.
If you have a live build but you can’t move forward on it, the first step is to secure the site and everything on it. Or, better still, take items away and store them somewhere safe (along with returning hired tools and plant). Make sure that entrances and openings are made secure, site containers locked and alarms set. Remove ladders or padlock them to something immoveable.to minimise any risk of arson, take away any fuel lying around. And if you don’t live within earshot then tell the police that you have an unattended building site. Think ahead, too, on things like organising site inspections for building control (which are your responsibility) or warranty technical audits.
DEALING WITH LONG DELAYS
Notify your insurer in good time if no works are being undertaken for a long period (usually 60 days).this may affect the amount and scope of cover insurers are prepared to grant, given the site is not being checked or worked on. If your project is underway but not yet wind and watertight, and will be left vacant for a long time, your warranty provider will want to know.
It may be worth conducting another survey before work restarts, to ensure the project has not been prejudiced by, say, having open wall cavities during bad weather. It’s also worth keeping digitally dated photographic records, pre- and post-lockdown, and detailed diary notes.