SELF BUILD: PLANNING FOR BAD WEATHER
Demand for self-built and custom-built homes across the UK continues to be strong, with a third (31%) of people considering a self-build project. Over 50,000 people are currently on local authority Right to Build registers, and it’s believed that this is only a proportion of those who like to build their own homes. There’s a lot of debate about the impact of weather on self-build projects, so Selfbuild Insurance looks at how self-builders can prepare for unpredictable weather.
Planning for bad weather
Self-builds require meticulous project management to manage the different tasks and trades on site and to minimise costly delays. While weather can impact the timeframe of a self-build project, this summer’s weather shows that unpredictable weather is a year-round consideration for self-builders. However, as we enter the Autumn, factoring inclement weather into plans helps ensure it doesn’t derail timelines or costs.
Contingency Budget
As with all self-build projects, having a contingency budget from day one can be a lifeline. Contingency budgets cover a range of issues and provide some peace of mind that if something goes wrong other aspects of the build don’t have to be sacrificed and or additional loans taken out. Self-builds can be lengthy projects, making it helpful to plan for material price increases. The National Custom and Self-Build Association advises contingency budgets should be around 10-15% of the total build budget.
Bad weather planning
Starting a self-build throughout Autumn and winter requires planning around changeable weather and shorter days. Working on a self-build brings challenges regardless of the time of the year, so planning key stages, such as the foundations and making your building watertight, can be prioritised more heavily than other aspects of the build.
Insurance protection
Self-build insurance protects the entire project if it’s taken out early on (before work has started).
Site Insurance – covers the plot of land up to the point before work starts on the self-build property (including but not limited to site clearance, demolition, or construction).
A self-build plot is land that you have purchased and demonstrated that there is a clear and demonstrable intent to use the land for a self-build project such as:
a) plans being drawn up for construction that will take place on the land
(b) an application for planning permission has been submitted that applies to this land
(c) work taking place on this land.
Policies do not cover land purchased and where this intent cannot be demonstrated. Call SelfBuild Insurance for further information on 0800 230 0225.
Self-build Insurance is designed to cover the new work, existing structure and rest of the site.
the construction of the self-build property and includes:
| Public Liability Insurance |
- £2 or £5 Million |
| Employers’ Liability Insurance |
- £10 Million |
| Various cover options |
- 3, 6, 9,12, 18 & 24 months (can be extended) |
| Contract Works |
- £50k to £1M |
| Tools insurance |
£1,000 |
| Personal Possessions |
£5,000 |
| Period of cover |
Build start to completion |
Self-build insurance is an important part of undertaking a self-build project. Building a new home is rewarding but challenging and minimising but self-build insurance offers a vital protection so self-builders aren’t left to cover the costs if something goes wrong.
Self-build insurance offers vital protection for any self-build project. Building a new home is rewarding but challenging, so minimising some of the risks with self-build insurance ensures that self-builders aren’t left to cover the costs if something goes wrong.
If you’d like to learn more about any of our insurance products or would like to arrange cover, give us a call today on 0800 230 0225.