Self Build Zone – Site insurance and structural warranties. Avoiding costly self–build, extension, renovation and home improvement project insurance pitfalls

1. Avoiding costly self–
build, extension, renovati
on and home
improvement project
insurance pitfalls
Insurance for self-
builds, renovations, conv
ersions and extensions...

2. Remember, the
renovation, extension or
conversion project you
are embarking on is
unique, so deal with an Insurance for self-
expert that understands builds, renovations, conv
that. ersions and extensions...

3. Home Insurance
Exclusions!!

4. All new build projects are
different, so talk to an
expert that understands
that.
Insurance for self-
builds, renovations, conv
ersions and extensions...

5. £220,000 Fire Loss
£492 premium

6. New Build
Site Insurance
Legal Expenses
Structural Warranty

7. Conversion
Extension
Renovation
Site Insurance
Existing Structure
Legal Expenses
Possibly a Structural
Warranty

8. Site Insurance Site Insurance should be
purchased when you
exchange contracts on
the plot or building you
wish to renovate.

9. Site Insurance
New Works
Public Liability
Employers Liability
Plant & Equipment
Caravan & Contents
Personal Possessions
Personal Accident &
Broken Bones
Legal Expenses
Has work started?

10. Party Wall Act
Party Wall Liability
You are contractually
responsible for damage
to the Party Wall so make
sure it’s covered.

11. Structural Warranty Arrange this PRIOR to
submitting a Building
Regulation Application to
SAVE money.
Get the warranty provider
to quote for Building
Control!!
– it removes duplicated
inspections and can save
you money!
We can cover properties
that have been
completed and require a
warranty retrospectively
to sell on.

12. Contracts
Just how trusting are you
going to be?
A building contract for a
Self-builder is just
£19.50
www.selfbuildzone.com

13. Some general tips...
Claims

14. Some general tips...
Security
ID Visitors/Delivery
Drivers
Out of Sight out of Mind

15. Some general tips... Health & Safety
Self builders will have duties
under workplace health and safety
law if:
a) they intend to sell the property
on completion, in which case
they would be considered to
be a developer
b) the self builder directly
employs (even if only
temporarily), workers to build
the property
c) they choose to manage the
project taking on contractors to
do the work

16. Some general tips... Health & Safety
Self-Build Category Application of Health & Safety at Work
Legislation
Level 1 
Entirely DIY – not selling on completion
Level 2
Self-managed with own labour & Subcontractors 
Level 3
Self-managed with own subcontractors 
Level 4
Kit Home with self-managed trades  at the point the kit supplier hands over.
Level 5
Watertight Shell with self-managed finishes  at the point the contractor hands over.
Level 6 
Turnkey project with active client
Level 7 
Custom Homebuilding

17. Some general tips... Health & Safety
Practical Guidance... The self builder who takes on
the project management role
HSE Website at:- would have duties to ensure:
www.hse.gov.uk/construction
•Health and safety risks are
properly controlled throughout
the project
•Activities are coordinated to
ensure the work is done safely
•Contractors they appoint are
competent to do the work
safely, and
•Those working on site co-
operate with each other.

18. Some general tips... Health & Safety
There are a number of well
known duties under CDM which
are NOT required of self builders
•There is no requirement to
notify HSE of the project
•A CDM Coordinator need not be
appointed
•A health and safety plan does
not have to be prepared
•A health and safety file does not
have to be prepared for the
completed structure/building

19. FAQ
My contractor has
Insurance already, do I
need Site Insurance?

20. FAQ
Will Public Liability be
enough?

21. FAQ
Do I have to have Site
Insurance?
• Storm Damage

22. Do I have to have a
Structural Warranty?
• Structural Failure

23. Structural repairs are
expensive!

24. Thanks for listening, are
there any questions?
We are on stand
K170