There is a lot of confusion amongst self-builders surrounding site insurance for self build and structural warranties. We have pulled together some information below to help put you in the picture.

Why do I need site insurance for self build?

Public liability for one. The moment you take ownership of your plot you become the landowner. Even if you haven’t started building, from day one you will be liable for any injuries to the public on your land so it’s imperative you’re covered.

What else does it cover?

A self-build or major renovation project is likely to involve trades working in risky situations like on a roof, up high scaffolding, with heavy machinery and using expensive building materials. Even with the best intentions to secure your site it’s likely to remain unattended at night and could be vulnerable to vandalism or theft. There’s also the possibility of something going wrong that’s out of your control, such as a fire, high winds or heavy rain that causes flooding. Site insurance covers you for these eventualities so you’re not left out of pocket.

• Public liability – provides protection against claims in respect of damage or injury to members of the public
• Employer’s liability – a legal requirement if you’re employing anyone on site as you assume the position of being an employer. Provides protection against injury claims from sub-contractors
• Building works and materials – protects the building and the building materials on site during construction
• Plants, machinery and tools – hire or owned
• A caravan if you’re living live on site, site storage and site huts
• Legal expenses if you need to take legal action against a trade or supplier

My building contractor says he has insurance, why do I need site insurance too?

Even if you’re not directly employing any subcontractors and you don’t have any plant and materials of your own on site, you’re still liable for public safety. Your building contractor’s insurance won’t be valid until they start on site and you also have to be absolutely certain their cover protects your interests too. Having your own cover gives you peace of mind, especially should anything go wrong between yourself and the contractor.

What about a structural warranty? Do I need one if my architect certifies my house when it’s complete?

An architect’s certificate states the house has been built to a good standard, according to the approved plans and complies with building regulations. However, it isn’t an insurance policy. You’d need to prove negligence if there was a problem further down the line.

A self build structural warranty is an insurance that covers you for structural defects in the property for up to ten years. Broadly, this includes the cost of rebuilding – partially or completely – and making good any poor workmanship.

When do I need to buy the site insurance and self build structural warranty?

Site insurance needs to start from the day you own the plot and last for the duration of the build. Typically, policies are valid for one to two years. Make sure there is the option to extend if you run over the deadline.

A ten-year structural warranty needs to be taken out at the start too. Site inspections by the provider throughout the project ensures your build complies with building regulations. Note that a structural warranty isn’t a legal requirement but some mortgage lenders insist on one. It may also prove difficult to sell your house within ten years without one – a valid structural warranty can be transferred to the new owner.

What are my health and safety responsibilities?

Self-builds have to conform under the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2007. All the details can be found here: selfbuildportal.org.uk/healthandsafety.