Building Work Planned? Your Insurer Needs to Know.

Planning Home Improvements? Always Tell Your Insurer First

There is something undeniably exciting about improving your home. Plans are drawn up. Colours are chosen. Pinterest boards take over your evenings. Whether it’s a new kitchen, a loft conversion, or a long-awaited extension, renovation projects, although challenging, are inspiring too.

Yet amid the dust sheets and design decisions, one important step is frequently overlooked.

Telling your insurer

Many homeowners assume their home and contents insurance will simply continue as normal while work is underway. After all, the property is still insured, so what could change?

Quite a lot, as it happens.

Why renovations affect your insurance

Building work alters the risk profile of your property. Even relatively modest projects can introduce conditions that standard policies were not designed to cover.

During renovations:

• Parts of the home may be temporarily exposed

• Security measures can be reduced

• Contractors may be working on site

• Tools and materials are often stored at the property

• Fire and escape of water risks can increase

Insurers calculate cover based on a “usual living conditions” scenario. Renovations change that scenario.

What happens if you do not tell your insurance company

This is where problems can arise. If building works are not disclosed:

• Claims may be restricted

• Damage linked to the works may be excluded

• Theft cover may be affected

• Liability issues could become complicated

Discovering this at renewal is frustrating. Discovering it during a claim is far worse.

The reassuring part

Not every renovation requires specialist insurance. Simply reach out to a member of our team who will be happy to investigate further. That might involve speaking to the insurer to discuss the nature of the project, revising sums insured, or applying specific terms for the duration of the works. For larger structural projects, more tailored arrangements may be needed.

Either way, the key is timing.

Why timing is critical

Insurance adjustments must be agreed before building work begins.

Not midway through.

Not after completion.

And certainly not once something has gone wrong.

Because insurance, sadly, does not run on a retroactive wish system.

Thinking about renovations? Speak to us first

If you are planning improvements to your home, contact Grove & Dean before work starts. A quick conversation now can prevent serious headaches later.