Renovation Insurance

Renovation Insurance: Protecting Your Home During Building Works

Renovating a property can significantly enhance its value, functionality and character. However, building works also introduce new risks that are not always covered by standard home insurance. Whether you are undertaking a full refurbishment, structural alteration or a high-value extension, renovation insurance is essential to ensure your home remains protected throughout the project.

At Eagle Oak Insurance, we arrange specialist insurance solutions for properties undergoing renovation across the UK.

What Is Renovation Insurance?

Renovation insurance is designed to protect a property while building works are in progress. It provides cover for the structure, materials, and associated risks during periods when standard home insurance may be restricted or invalidated.

Renovation insurance is commonly required for projects involving:

• Structural alterations

• Extensions or conversions

• Major refurbishments

• Roof works

• Rewiring or plumbing upgrades

• Renovation of listed or heritage properties

Why Standard Home Insurance May Not Cover Renovations

Most standard home insurance policies contain exclusions or restrictions once building works begin. Common issues include:

• Removal of accidental damage cover

• Exclusions for structural alterations

• Limited cover during unoccupied periods

• Reduced escape of water protection

• Lack of liability cover relating to works

Without specialist renovation insurance, homeowners may be exposed to significant financial risk during construction.

Key Risks During Renovation Projects

Renovation works introduce a range of risks, including:

• Fire caused by hot works

• Storm damage to exposed structures

• Theft of building materials

• Accidental damage to the existing structure

• Escape of water from temporary plumbing

• Damage caused by contractors or subcontractors

Specialist renovation insurance ensures these risks are properly covered.

What Renovation Insurance Typically Covers

A comprehensive renovation insurance policy may include:

• Buildings insurance based on full reinstatement value

• Cover for the existing structure and new works

• Protection for building materials stored on site

• Public and property owners’ liability cover

• Cover during periods of unoccupancy

• Fire, storm and flood protection

• Theft and malicious damage cover

Cover can often be extended to include specialist requirements for high-value or non-standard properties.

Renovation Insurance for Listed and Heritage Properties

Renovating listed buildings or period homes requires specialist insurance. Repairs and alterations must comply with conservation requirements and often involve traditional materials and skilled craftsmen.

Specialist renovation insurance ensures:

• Like-for-like restoration using approved materials

• Cover for specialist labour and heritage contractors

• Protection during extended project timelines

• Compliance with conservation regulations

Contractor Insurance vs Renovation Insurance

While contractors are required to hold their own insurance, this does not replace renovation insurance. Contractor policies may not cover:

• Damage to the existing structure

• Gaps between contractor responsibilities

• Insufficient liability limits

• Disputes over fault or negligence

Renovation insurance protects the homeowner directly, regardless of contractor arrangements.

The Importance of Accurate Rebuild Valuations

Renovation projects often change a property’s rebuild cost. Ensuring your insurance reflects both the current structure and completed works is critical to avoid underinsurance.

Regular valuation reviews during the project help ensure continuous protection.

Why Use a Specialist Renovation Insurance Broker?

At Eagle Oak Insurance, we work with specialist underwriters who understand the complexities of renovation projects. We assist clients with:

• Tailored renovation insurance policies

• Cover for structural works and extensions

• Solutions for listed and heritage homes

• Flexible terms for unoccupied properties

• Clear policy wording and expert claims support

Our experience ensures your renovation project is protected from start to finish.

Protect Your Renovation With Confidence

Renovation projects represent a significant financial investment. With the right insurance in place, you can proceed with confidence knowing your property is protected throughout the build.

For a renovation insurance quote, please contact us at 01202 440350.