Renovation Checklist for Homeowners

A lot comes with doing building work. There are also an unusual number of insurance policies covering (or should be) all the various parties involved. Do not start without answering these questions and having everything in place.

Have you notified your home insurance you are having building work?

Most standard home insurers do not cover properties under renovation for projects over £25,000- £50,000, if at all

Have you started talking to a specialist Contractors All Risk (CAR) insurance broker who will help arrange an insurance policy for your existing building and the contract value?

If you have a mortgage have you notified your bank and are not breaching the agreement by having restricted cover if you haven't taken out a CAR policy yet?

Banks require their borrowers to maintain full comprehensive buildings insurance

Does your Architect have adequate Professional Indemnity Insurance to cover you in case they have made a mistake that comes to light now or much later down the line?

Has your Architect obtained Outline Planning Consent?

Has your Architect provided Detailed plans and obtained consent?

Have you obtained multiple quotes from Building Contractors?

Has the Quantity Surveyor got adequate Professional Indemnity in case they have made a mistake that comes to light now or much later down the line?

Have you or your Architect instructed a Building Contractor?

Does the Building Contractor have adequate Public Liability Insurance to cover your project value and existing buildings in the event of a total loss?

Does your Building Contractor's insurance cover them to work at depths you require?

Does your Building Contractor's insurance cover hot works?

Does your Building Contractor's insurance cover them for Hired Plant and Machinery?

Does your Building Contractor's insurance cover them for all sub contractors?

Is the Building Contractor complying with the terms and conditions of their insurance policy?

Have you signed a JCT or similar contract?

Pay close attention to the Insurance clauses and who is asking you to agree what

Has your Building Contractor asked for your Contractors All Risk policy to be in joint names?

Consider this carefully as this means the policy you take insures the Building Contractor on it instead of their own policy.

Does your Structural Engineer have adequate Professional Indemnity Insurance?

Do the Sub Contractors have adequate Public Liability Insurance?

Naturally we are more than happy to help quote for your CAR insurance as a homeowner so please either call us or complete our online quote form here.