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Contract works insurance

At Abode, we understand the unique challenges and rewards of restoring historic properties.

We’re dedicated to providing specialised insurance cover that caters to the needs of historic restoration and renovation projects.
Historic restoration projects often involve numerous contractors, subcontractors, and visitors on-site.
With our proper protection, you have peace of mind, knowing that you’re safeguarded against potential accidents, damages to your listed building, or injuries that may occur throughout the duration of the works.
We understand the unique risks of restoring listed buildings and can provide cover tailored to these specific challenges.

A stack of bricks next to a trowel covered in mortar, in front of a partially built brick wall outside.

Listed building Contract Works insurance

Whilst you may already have a specialist listed building insurance policy in place, what you may not be aware of is that standard home insurance often doesn’t cover building works.

Undertaking works on your listed building without informing your current insurance provider, or taking out a separate policy, if necessary, could you leave you without cover. Simply relying on your contractors policy doesn’t leave you covered should some issues arise.

What are Contract Works?

Contract works refer to the construction, renovation, or alteration activities carried out to your listed building under a contract. This includes all the tasks and materials required to complete a project, from initial groundwork to final finishes. For listed buildings, contract works often involve sensitive restorations and renovations to preserve the historical and architectural integrity of the property.

Contract works insurance is designed to cover these activities, protecting against risks such as damage to the property, theft of materials, and liability for accidents on site.

Planning work on your listed building? Here’s what you need to know:

Building works can invalidate your existing insurance
Even if your project value is below your home insurance notification threshold, it doesn’t guarantee cover for works claims
Relying solely on your contractor’s insurance is not advisable for protecting your home or the value of your works
Your mortgage contract may be at risk if you don’t maintain adequate insurance during building works
Liability cover is essential during works to protect against personal injury claims

A large brick house is surrounded by scaffolding for renovation. Two yellow dumpsters are in front, along a brick wall.

Person in a high-visibility vest hammering a nail into wooden boards at a construction site.

Steps to ensure your home and building works are properly insured:

Review your mortgage contract to understand the minimum insurance requirements
Share details of your planned works with your insurer or broker, including start date, duration, value, description, and contractor information
Obtain quotes for contract works insurance and choose one that suits your needs most adequately

Planning your project:

Insist on a JCT contract to ensure a legal agreement between you and your contractor, offering additional protection and a resolution mechanism for any issues
Discuss with your contract administrator or architect about managing the insurance for your home and works under the JCT contract. It’s crucial to control the insurance to avoid unexpected issues with the contractor’s insurance

Contact your insurer or broker as early as possible. Arranging bespoke insurance cover can take time as insurers require detailed project information, so don’t delay!

Frequently asked questions for Contract works insurance

What makes a building listed?

A building is listed when it is of special architectural or historic interest, warranting extra legal protection within the planning system. There are three grades of listed buildings:

Grade I: Buildings of exceptional interest.
Grade II*: Particularly important buildings of more than special interest.
Grade II: Buildings of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve them.

What is a JCT contract?

A JCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal) contract is a standard form of building contract widely used in the UK construction industry. It sets out the responsibilities and obligations of all parties involved in a construction project, providing a clear framework for managing the project from start to finish. JCT contracts are known for their fairness and clarity, making them a popular choice for both simple and complex projects.

Do I need listed building consent to do any work on my listed building?

Any changes to a listed building, including alterations, extensions, or demolitions, require listed building consent (LBC) from the local planning authority. This ensures that any modifications are appropriate and sympathetic to the building’s character.

Unauthorised work on a listed building is a criminal offense and can result in prosecution.

For enquiries and quotes, contact our experienced team

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“

“ Vikki Rushbrooke was very helpful and was able to tailor policy to meet my needs and reduced premium which was very much appreciated. Very efficient service. Resulted in accepting Cherish policy recommended.”

Abode Insurance client, via Feefo

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Contract works insurance – Building work, restoration and renovation cover for listed buildings

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