Self build Extensions
Adding more space to your home through self build extensions is a great way to not only make your life at home more comfortable, but also add value. Just make sure you don’t fall into the same dangerous trap as other self builders by presuming that your existing buildings and contents insurance will cover you for the building work and the new structure itself. It’s actually fairly unlikely to provide you with the cover you need, which could leave you in a difficult situation should things go wrong along the way. This is where Self-builder’s house extension insurance can help.
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Top Tips for Self Build Extensions
- Purpose – think carefully about what you intend to use the house extension for and realistically what furniture you wish to have in there to make the best use out of the space
- Make sure it’s balanced - if you want to add another bedroom, will you also require an additional bathroom? Future buyers will expect one bathroom for every four or so bedrooms and without the additional bathroom you could be limiting the value you add. A shower room should be considered if space is limited
- Avoid through rooms – work out the most efficient use of the space you are creating, there is no point in splitting existing space to create access to your home extension
- Minimum room size – most local authorities can provide a guide for minimum room sizes for rooms to function properly. For example, a double bedroom should be more than 10.2m2, a single bedroom 6.5m2 and a dining room 9.5m2.
- Planning permission - seek advice from your local council regarding planning permission before you start building to avoid any unnecessary disappointments or issues further down the self build process
- Building regulations – ensure that your building work meets set regulations, which again, is something that your local council will be able to assist with
- Cost – if you are planning to self build an extension it is likely that you’ll end up cutting costs in the long run, however it’s still important to monitor all costs closely as they can soon mount up
- Neighbours – out of courtesy it is wise to chat to your neighbours once you have approval on the building work, even if just to let them know that there will be a bit of disruption during the building stage
- Completion certificate – when you come to sell your house your buyers’ solicitor will request a certificate to prove that the self build extension has been built to meet certain standards. This should be obtained by a building inspector upon completion
- Advice – seek advice from as many sources as you can, including Self-builder! There are many speciality magazines and websites that can provide you with all the information you need, which is particularly important if you are planning to self build an extension
Why you need House Extension Insurance
If you’re taking the plunge and extending your property, you’re probably hoping to increase the value of your home in the long run. If something was to happen to jeopardise a successful self build extension, the cost for rectifying the problem could exceed any profits you are hoping to make, which is why home extensions insurance is absolutely vital. It’s unlikely that your existing building and contents home insurance policy will cover the self build extension, as there are are particular risks being faced during the building process which require specialist house extension insurance.
Key features of Self-builder House Extension Insurance
Our house extension insurance provides:
How to arrange insurance for your Self Build Extension
To arrange House Extension Site Insurance with Self-builder, call FREEPHONE 0800 018 7660 and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Download Summary of Cover
Get House Extension Site Insurance quote online now