Building insurance
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Compare insurance for homes built from non-standard construction materials
Houses of non-standard construction are generally built from materials not considered ‘standard’ by insurers.
Most standard UK houses are made from brick or stone with a tile or slate roof. Insurers treat anything that falls outside this trend as ‘non-standard construction’.
Insurers can be wary of non-standard homes because the risks and repair costs are less predictable.
That means home insurance for them tends to be more expensive, or there’ll be less choice of insurers that’ll cover them at all.
Non-standard homes can have reduced structural integrity or be made from dangerous and outdated materials, like asbestos.
They’re generally harder to insure than standard homes, because:
Repairing or replacing parts of your home is probably more expensive
Non-standard materials are more likely to need ongoing maintenance
Building materials might be harder to find or vulnerable to further damage
You might need a specialist tradesperson
Rebuild and repair processes could take longer, increasing labour costs
Getting home insurance for the following types of build could be complicated:
Some insurers on our panel can quote for some of these builds. But not all. You'll be asked how your house is built when you're getting quotes with us. If you don't see your build type or you're unsure if an insurer can cover you, it's best to call and ask.
If you need to claim on your home insurance - for example, if your building is damaged by subsidence or your possessions are stolen - your free home excess cover will refund up to £250 of your excess.
There’s no hidden charge. But you won't be covered for things like accidental loss such as leaving a laptop on a train or accidental damage, such as spilling wine on your carpet or drilling through a pipe.
^UK residents and home insurance purchases only. Excess refunded after claim settled. Excludes accidental loss or damage claims made on your home insurance. Full T&Cs apply.
After World War II, prefabricated houses were a part of the government’s effort to rebuild Britain.
The University of the West of England reports that 1.5 million prefab buildings were built in the UK in between 1945 and 1955,
Because the lifespan of a prefab house is just 10 years, insuring them now is very difficult because they’re labelled as ‘defective’.
Arcon bungalows and Phoenix prefabs are just two examples.
Steel-framed houses made by the British Iron and Steel Federation (BISF) were built to last and should still be insurable.
But getting a mortgage - particularly if you’re a first-time buyer - can be another issue altogether.
Some pre-fab homes will have a brick facade, sometimes known as brick veneer.
Brick veneer homes usually have ‘weep holes’ for air to circulate and water to drain, so check the row of bricks just above the foundation.
If these bricks have finger-sized holes drilled every so often, your house has brick veneer walls.
Homes with lintels above windows and doors, and deep windowsills usually have true brick walls.
When you get quotes for home insurance, you’ll be asked:
Have your home survey report, if you have one, and other important property documents to hand to help you answer your insurer’s questions.
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