Having work done to your listed property

Contractor works: why tell us about works to your listed property?

An insurance policy is like a photo.

What do we mean by this? It’s very simple. Your buildings and contents insurance (or any insurance) is a snapshot in time. Everything is valued, and insured based on the present.

For example, if you arranged contents insurance and followed this up by investing in a diamond caked shoehorn – this (as you can imagine) would increase the sums insured of your contents.

Farewell luxurious shoehorn!

Now let’s say that shoehorn vanished; was stolen by fairy folk, or buried in the woods by your dog (if you have one), it doesn’t matter – only that it disappeared. If you’d told your insurer about this lavish, yet impractical purchase, your sums insured would cover it. If not, you get the picture.

The same applies to home improvements…

…Not only when it comes to the sums insured of your property and contents, but also the risks involved with contractor’s handiwork. Sometimes even the friendliest contractor can mess up.

Why it helps you to tell us

Getting a lovely new extension? Before work starts, and long before you drive yourself crazy looking through paint swatches – please tell us.

After you’ve confided in us, we can –

• Make any necessary policy amendments to ensure you have the right cover in place.
• Make any temporary or permanent changes to any sums insured.

It’s rare an add-on to a property such as an extension will decrease its value.

You’ve knocked down the wrong wall!

There will always be one. One who charges peanuts and promises the world – and delivers nothing but difficulties. To avoid careless workmanship it’s best to seek a professional contractor with the right accolades and insurance in place.

To find approved contractors you could visit https://www.trustmark.org.uk/

TrustMark is the only scheme for trades backed up by The Government. They assess contractors based on good trading practices, customer service and technical competence.

During the works – keep your eyes peeled

Whilst works on your property are in flow, it’s worth paying attention to what’s going on. If any fire hazards crop up (if not previously discussed) it’s worth raising them with the contractor.

This applies on a daily basis, because home improvements can be messy. At the end of a day either you or the contractor (ideally the contractor) should make safe, and tidy up any potential fire risks.

Of course, you’re not expected to know everything- and there are health and safety guidelines surrounding this issue which contractors need to follow. More than anything it’s food for thought.

What does all this have to do with my insurance?

If you’ve followed our advice and found a decent contractor, described above – this means:

• If the contractor caused damage to your property it would be easier for us to extract the money from their insurers – reducing the monetary impact to your policy.

AND…

• You’d be outraged to cover a hefty bill if your appointed contractor damaged your property and you hadn’t fully informed us of your intended works.

It’s also useful for us to point out that your insurance will not cover the costs of a contractor’s tools or materials – if lost or damaged.  

Your plan of action

• The moment you’re aware, please inform us of any works.
• Call us as a soon as an estimated completion date is available

If you have any question marks floating about, you’re welcome to call or email us for a friendly chat:

Tel: 01787 880338 / 0800 413935

Email: listed@lloydwhyte.com