Non-Standard Construction Insurance
Are you struggling to find appropriate insurance for your non-conventional property? At Chris Knott Insurance, we understand that not all buildings follow standard brick-and-mortar construction methods. Our dedicated non-standard construction insurance offers comprehensive protection for properties built with unconventional materials or techniques, ensuring your unique home or commercial building receives the specialist cover it deserves.
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.
Why do you need specialist non-standard construction insurance?
Our insurers tailored non-standard construction insurance policies can be customised to your specific requirements, typically covering:
Buildings insurance
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 and theft. We understand that some non-standard properties may have unique internal features requiring specific cover.
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, our insurers over reasonable costs for temporary accommodation while repairs are completed.
Accidental damage
Optional additional cover 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 our insurers can create tailored policies rather than off-the-shelf solutions.
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.
Why choose Chris Knott for your non-standard construction insurance?
We have been sourcing specialist insurance solutions since 1983. Our expertise extends to all types of non-standard construction properties, from historic timber-framed cottages to modern eco-homes built with alternative materials.
Our team takes time to understand your property’s unique construction characteristics, ensuring we recommend appropriate cover that addresses specific risks without unnecessary costs.
Contact us today for a non-standard construction insurance quote. Our knowledgeable team is ready to help you find the right cover to protect your unique property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Several factors influence the cost of insuring non-standard construction properties:
- Construction materials and methods – Different materials carry varying risk profiles, affecting premium calculations. For example, timber-framed buildings may have different fire risks compared to concrete structures.
- Property age – Older non-standard properties often require more maintenance and may use building techniques that are less common today, potentially increasing insurance costs.
- Location and environmental factors – Properties in flood-prone areas or exposed coastal locations may face higher premiums, particularly if the construction type is vulnerable to these elements.
- Security measures – Robust security systems can offset some of the additional risks associated with non-standard properties, potentially reducing premiums.
- Rebuilding costs – Specialist materials and craftsmanship often cost more than standard construction methods, affecting the overall sum insured.
- Claims history – Previous claims may influence future premiums, making proactive maintenance particularly important for non-standard properties.
Yes, we specialise in providing insurance for listed buildings with non-standard construction elements. Listed properties often feature historical construction techniques that require additional consideration:
- Conservation requirements must be met during repairs, often necessitating specialist craftspeople and materials.
- Like-for-like restoration is typically mandatory, which can significantly increase rebuilding costs.
Our policies for listed non-standard properties account for these additional complexities, ensuring you have appropriate cover that satisfies conservation requirements while protecting your investment.
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