Buildings insurance/ poor state of repair?

Ohgoodnessme

Some advice on where to go for buildings insurance needed please... We've a house bought as a renovation project which we're living in until we can afford to start the work.

It is habitable but does have some problems with damp, rot, roof/ chimney issues identified on the survey. We are planning to do a huge renovation job all at once but realistically this won't be for a couple of years and we're doing what we consider to be essential repairs as we go.

I'm unwilling to do a huge amount now when it's all going to be ripped up soon anyway.

How do I get buildings insurance for a house which may not be in a good state of repair but not currently being renovated?

Any experience gratefully received!

Brodiebobs

Go to a broker lots of specialist insurers offer building in course of alteration insurance, also need to think about insuring the improvements under a 'contract works' insurance as the building insurer will only insure the existing structure.

Brodiebobs

Should also say as its unoccupied there will probably be limited cover and lots of conditions. i.e its inspected weekly, water, elec, gas turned off, has lots of security etc.

Ohgoodnessme

Thanks, but it's definitely occupied and no timetable for major work yet.

Who are the good brokers? I've only used comparison sites before.

vaio

why do you think you need special rather than standard insurance?

*Scarlett

Insurers may ask if the home is in good state of repair, weatherproof, well maintained, etc before considering cover. If the home is not, it would be a higher risk for certain claims.

You could try

http://www.homeprotect.co.uk/property-condition/home-renovation-insurance

I know you say it is not presently being renovated but you bought it as a renovation project and I presume you will be carrying out certain works whenever you can to upgrade the property.

There will probably be restrictions on the cover - check with the insurer.

Ohgoodnessme

Thank you, it was the good state of repair question that was the issue really. Standard insurers ask for it to be so but no one would give me a definition so I was wary of leaving myself open to a potential claim being declined.

I'll try homeprotect, fingers crossed.