Renovation, Extension & Home Works
Embarking on a significant residential project – whether a new build, a large-scale extension, or a high-end refurbishment – requires a level of protection that standard home insurance is simply not designed to provide.
At Howe Maxted, our Home Works Division specialises in bespoke coverage for homeowners. We ensure that your existing property, the new works, and your legal liabilities are seamlessly protected from the first spade in the ground to the final sign-off.
The Challenge for Homeowners
Notifying a standard insurer of a renovation often leads to immediate difficulties. Most household insurers reduce cover to “FLEA” only (Fire, Lightning, Explosion, and Aircraft), leaving you in breach of mortgage obligations. Furthermore, standard policies exclude “Contract Works”—the kitchens, tiles, and timber that are not yet “contents” but are vital assets on-site.
We provide a “Home Works” solution that bridges these gaps:
Existing Structure: We maintain full “All Risks” protection for your home, outbuildings, and walls, even if the property is unoccupied pending works.
The Contract Works: Comprehensive cover for all materials, including those for self-build projects, preventing reliance on a contractor’s potentially inadequate policy.
Liability Safeguards: Ownership liability for the land and the construction phase. This includes Employers’ Liability for self-builds, protecting you where a “master-servant” relationship might be deemed to exist between you and the tradespeople.
JCT Contract Expertise: We specialise in arranging JCT Clause 6.5.1 (formerly 21.2.1) and 6.2.4 non-negligent liability insurance. This is often a mandatory requirement from architects and structural engineers that standard brokers struggle to place.
Structural Warranties: We provide 10 or 12-year structural defects policies that satisfy lenders and solicitors far more effectively than a standard Architect’s Certificate.
Why a Specialist Broker is Essential
Relying on a contractor’s insurance is a common pitfall. Contractors may breach their policy conditions, fail to include specific sub-contractors, or lack the “All Risks” depth required for a high-value project.
By appointing Howe Maxted, you gain:
Unified Protection: We can often wrap the home and the works into one policy, ensuring that if a loss occurs, there are no delays caused by two different insurers arguing over responsibility.
Structural Peace of Mind: Our warranties cover rebuilding or rectifying work due to defective design or materials for up to 12 years—including the “waterproof envelope” (roof and windows) and drainage.
Claims Advocacy: If the worst happens, we cover the costs of demolition, professional fees for reinstatement, alternative accommodation, and the removal and storage of your contents.
As the saying goes: “If you think a professional is expensive, wait ’til you try an amateur.” At Howe Maxted, we don’t just sell a policy; we sell the peace of mind that your investment is professionally shielded.
Our Commitment
Our objective is to remove the insurance-related stress from your development. From initial land ownership liability to the final structural warranty, we provide a personal, accessible service backed by ‘A-rated’ security. If the standard market cannot meet your needs, we will assess, design, and manage a tailor-made programme specifically for your site.
Before you sign a building contract or begin works, ensure your assets are fully protected. Speak with our specialist Home Works team on 020 8309 1717 or contact us.