Building a new home is one of the most rewarding projects you can undertake, but it is also one of the largest financial commitments you will ever make. Many self-builders assume their contractor’s insurance will protect them.
However, in reality, builders' insurance is designed to protect the builder, not you or your investment. This is why specialist site insurance from providers like Self Build Zone should be considered essential from the outset of any new build project.
Protect your new build investment from the unexpected
Construction sites are inherently exposed. Extreme weather, fires, flooding, and accidental damage can occur without warning, often resulting in costly repairs and delays. Site insurance protects works in progress, materials on site, and any existing structures, helping ensure that unforeseen events do not derail your project.
If storm damage affects partially built walls or stored materials are destroyed by water ingress, the cost of replacement can quickly escalate. Without insurance in place, these costs would fall directly on you, potentially straining your budget and timeline. Site insurance provides reassurance that your project can continue, even when the unexpected happens.
Theft and vandalism on site
New build sites are attractive targets for theft. Valuable tools, materials and plant are often left on site overnight or at weekends, making losses more common than many people realise.
If you invest in specialist site insurance that includes cover for theft and malicious damage, you can recover costs and minimise disruption. Even with strong security measures in place, insurance is vital to preventing stolen items from bringing work to a standstill.
Manage liability risks with cover for accidents
As a self-builder, you are responsible for site safety. Accidents involving contractors, visitors or members of the public can result in serious injury claims and legal costs.
Public Liability cover forms a core part of site insurance and protects you financially if someone is injured or property is damaged as a result of your build. This is particularly important if you are managing the project yourself and coordinating multiple trades.
Without appropriate cover, a single incident could have serious long-term financial consequences. Employers' Liability is also important if you directly engage labour on site, providing protection should a worker be injured while carrying out work on your project.
Meet lender and regulatory requirements
Many mortgage lenders require proof of site insurance before releasing funds at each stage of the build. Local authorities may also expect confirmation that adequate cover is in place before work begins.
Arranging site insurance early demonstrates effective and responsible project management and helps avoid delays. It also provides reassurance to lenders that their investment, and yours, is protected throughout the construction phase.
Get peace of mind throughout your entire build
Delays are one of the most frustrating aspects of any construction project. Without insurance, even a minor issue can lead to significant disruption. Site insurance provides a safety net that allows your build to continue smoothly, helping you focus on progress rather than problems.
Ultimately, it is about peace of mind. Knowing your project is protected from the ground up lets you focus on building your new home with confidence.
Consider organising a structural warranty
While site insurance protects you during construction, a structural warranty protects your home long after it is complete. Defects in design, materials or workmanship often only become apparent years later. These latent defects can be expensive to fix and may require extensive remedial work.
A structural warranty provides up to ten years of protection against these defects, including critical elements such as waterproofing and drainage, and should be arranged through an established ‘A’ Rated provider. It is required for most self-build projects, including new builds, conversions, and extensions; it is often a condition of mortgage lending and is transferable to future owners, adding reassurance and long-term value.
Specialist support you can trust
With decades of experience supporting self-builders across the UK, Self Build Zone provides specialist site insurance and structural warranties designed specifically for new build projects. Find out more via the Self Build Zone website
