Non-Standard Construction Insurance

What qualifies as non-standard construction?

Standard construction typically refers to buildings with brick or stone walls and slate or tile roofs. Non-standard construction encompasses everything outside these conventional methods, including:

• Timber-framed buildings – These structures have wooden frames supporting the walls and roof, often with infill materials like brick or wattle and daub. Many historic properties in the UK feature timber framing, as do some modern eco-homes.
• Concrete construction – This includes properties built using prefabricated concrete panels, poured concrete, or concrete blocks. Many post-war homes used concrete construction methods.
• Steel-framed buildings – Common in commercial properties but also found in some residential homes, particularly those built during housing shortages.
• Thatched roof properties – Traditional homes with roofs made from straw, reed, or other natural materials require specialist insurance due to unique fire and maintenance risks.
• Flat roof buildings – Properties with flat roofs constructed from materials like felt, asphalt, or EPDM rubber present different water damage and maintenance considerations.
• Wattle and daub – Historical construction technique using wooden strips (wattle) covered with a sticky material (daub) made from soil, clay, and other materials.
• Cob construction – Buildings made from a mixture of subsoil, straw, and sometimes lime, forming thick, natural walls.

Each non-standard construction type presents unique insurance considerations that standard policies rarely address adequately.

What does our non-standard construction insurance cover?

Our tailored non-standard construction insurance policies can be customised to your specific requirements, typically covering:

Buildings insurance

Comprehensive protection for the physical structure of your non-standard property, including all permanent fixtures and fittings. This covers the full rebuilding cost, accounting for specialist materials and craftsmanship.

Contents insurance

Protection for your personal belongings and furnishings against risks like fire, theft, and accidental damage. We understand that some non-standard properties may have unique internal features requiring specific coverage.

Public liability

Essential protection against claims made by visitors who suffer injury or property damage while on your premises. This covers legal costs and compensation payments, providing peace of mind.

Alternative accommodation

Should your non-standard property become uninhabitable due to an insured event, we cover reasonable costs for temporary accommodation while repairs are completed.

Accidental damage

 Optional additional coverage for unintentional damage to your building or contents, providing extra protection against unexpected incidents.

Legal expenses

 Cover for legal costs associated with property disputes, including boundary issues, which can be more common with unique properties.

Every non-standard property has unique characteristics, so we create tailored policies rather than off-the-shelf solutions.