Renovating? The insurance checklist to complete before building work starts

The most expensive renovation mistakes aren’t always about tiles or timelines – they’re often paperwork problems that show up when something goes wrong. Once your home becomes a building site, the risks change (theft, water damage, structural works, people coming and going), and your insurance needs to keep up.

Why not take a page out of the Renovation Plan team’s notebook before work starts so you can begin day one feeling organised, protected, and in control?

How to get the most from this checklist: Work through each section, tick off what applies, and keep a single “insurance folder” (digital or physical) where you save every confirmation email, policy schedule, certificate, and photo.

1. Check what your standard home insurance may exclude (or limit) during renovations

• Unoccupancy rules: If you’re moving out (even temporarily), check how many days your policy allows the home to be empty before cover changes
• “Building works” definitions: Many insurers treat structural changes differently from cosmetic updates. Confirm whether your scope counts as building works
• Theft conditions: Scaffolding and open access can affect theft cover. Ask what security is required (locks, alarms, boarded windows, tools stored offsite, etc.)
• Water and fire exclusions: Temporary plumbing/electrics can increase risk. Check if higher excesses apply or if certain claims are excluded during the project
• Cover for materials: Clarify if delivered materials (kitchens, tiles, timber, appliances) are covered before installation – and whether there’s a sub-limit
• Accidental damage: Don’t assume it includes contractor-caused damage. Ask where responsibility sits (your policy vs their insurance)

Renovation Plan tip: If anything in your renovation changes the rebuild cost (extensions, loft conversions, layout changes), your buildings sum insured may need updating sooner than you think.

2. Decide if you need specialist renovation cover

You might be fine with your existing insurer – or you might need a specialist home renovation/building works policy. The quickest way to decide is to match your project against these triggers:

• Structural works: removing load‑bearing walls, altering the roof, underpinning, basements, major extensions
• High project value: many insurers use spend thresholds to decide whether standard cover still applies
• You won’t be living there: full or partial unoccupancy during the works
• Long duration: projects running for months may need different terms from “normal home” cover
• property: listed buildings, unusual construction, or a history of subsidence/flooding
• Self-managed builds: if you’re coordinating trades yourself, you may take on extra responsibilities

If one or more apply, don’t guess – speak to your insurer (or a specialist) and get a clear yes/no in writing.

3. Ask your insurer these key questions (and get the answers in writing)

• Do you cover the planned works? Share scope, start date, duration, and estimated cost
• What exactly changes while work is underway? Ask about exclusions, special conditions, and any increased excess
• Am I covered if the property is unoccupied? Confirm time limits and any inspection/security requirements
• What’s covered on site? Materials delivered but not installed, temporary structures, and any outbuildings
• Who is expected to insure what? Your buildings/contents vs the contractor’s responsibility and their “works”
• Do I need to update my sums insured now? Buildings and contents can both change during a renovation
• What do you need at completion? Some insurers want a final update when the home is habitable again

Practical rule: If it matters, get it confirmed by email. Phone calls are helpful – written confirmation is protective.

4. Confirm your builder’s insurance (and agree who covers what)

Your insurance is only one half of the renovation picture. Before anyone even removes a nail, ask your builder for proof and clarity of the following:

• Public liability insurance certificate: confirms they’re covered if they injure someone or damage property
• Employers’ liability insurance: essential if they have employees (many legitimate firms will have this)
• Contract works/contractors’ all risks: covers the work in progress and (sometimes) materials on site
• Professional indemnity (if applicable): relevant if they’re providing design advice or drawings
• Subcontractors: confirm whether subcontractors are covered under the main contractor’s policy or their own

Next step? Align it with your own cover, checking who insures the existing structure, who insures the new works, and what happens if a claim involves both parties.

5. Gather the documents and details you’ll need before works begin

• Your current policy documents: schedule, wording, excesses, and any endorsements
• Written insurer approval: confirmation that the planned works are noted and covered (plus any conditions)
• Builder contract and scope: a signed agreement, payment schedule, start/end dates, and change-control process
• Plans and permissions: drawings, party wall agreement (if relevant), building control notices, and any planning approvals
• Site security plan: who holds keys, alarm settings, where materials are stored, and who locks up
• Photo record: date-stamped photos/video of the property before works start (inside and out)
• Emergency contacts: builder, site manager, electrician, plumber, and your insurer’s claims line

Final pre-start check: If your insurer requires specific security (certain locks, boarded doors/windows, weekly inspections), set reminders now – missing a condition is one of the easiest ways to weaken a claim.