Forum Topic

If you are having building work done at home

I have heard of 2 cases recently where people were having substantial building work done. An insured risk event occurred and the insurers declined to pay because the homeowner hadn't notified them about the work. The requirement to notify them is a standard clause in all building policies I have seen so make sure you do. The consequences of not doing so can be horrific.

david ward ● 402d6 Comments

Grateful thanks to Janice, Sean, Alan, Julian and above all David for starting this post. Am about to have roof leaks repaired requiring scaffolding.

James Petri ● 401d

Also check your scaffolders have relevant insurance. I know of a case where huge amounts of very expensive glass below and surrounding a large property and the scaffolders said they had insurance on the phone. Told to turn up with it on the day and they gave some excuse on the day so they were stood down and told to leave.You never know ?

Julian Pavey ● 401d

A clarification regarding the Party Wall Act, you only need to serve notice if you doing works on the party wall line, or you are digging deeper than your neighbour's foundations within 3m, or in some circumstances 6m. I think both those distances are too onerous, but that is what it says in The Act.

Alan Green ● 401d

Thank you, never knew that.

Janice Evans ● 402d

Good call. Also check your builder has the relevant insurance.  On the matter of a party wall agreement this also applies to detached properties if within 3-6 meters of neighbouring property.

Sean Wales ● 402d

Thank you I believe ther is something that requires you to specify the party wall as often not automatically included (if you have a party wall)

Janice Evans ● 402d