What insurance does my builder need?

bouncydog1

We're having work done including removal of a load bearing wall. There is no increase in the size of the building just making it more open plan.

Is it enough for all of the contractors involved (all work for themselves) to have public liability cover or do they need more than this? The structural engineer who did the calculations has PI cover, but what if the builder installs the steelwork incorrectly and there is a resulting problem with the roof?

I will be contacting my property insurers to verify exclusions under my own policy.

Thanks.

dacouch

How much work are you having done?

What contract terms is it under eg JCT

bouncydog1

Its only the removal of a wall between two rooms - one room is a conservatory so we need an rsj to support the roof and the structural engineer has also designed supports to support the box gutter of the conservatory. Total value for this work is under £6k. There is no written contract - just a quote setting out the work and a breakdown of the costs involved.

So certainly not like major construction contracts. We've had a think about the potential risks and the major ones are the glass roof of the conservatory being damaged - which isn't too much of a problem as it is being replaced after the construction work. Other potential damage is internal damage if the steel hits something whilst being lifted into place. The major one in my view is the steelwork to support the box gutter not being installed correctly, causing twisting/collapse of the conservatory roof at a later date. I can't for the life of me conclude whether the public liability policy would pick this up.

He's a one man band - highly recommended and we would like to use him but.....

dacouch

If it was a bigger job a contract would be very recommended, it may be worth you putting an outline of what's expected from both sides and time scales to protect you both.

I would strongly recommend you take a photocopy of his Public Liability Schedule as many builders tend not to answer the phone if they cause damage so it's a good safety precaution.

Inform your Insurers, they may apply some temporary restrictions to the policy.

bouncydog1

Happy to report that the builder has purchased an extension to his liability policy to cover contract works. I have a copy of all of the documents and I will be advising my insurers.

Thank you very much for your help.

dacouch

bouncydog1 wrote: »

Happy to report that the builder has purchased an extension to his liability policy to cover contract works. I have a copy of all of the documents and I will be advising my insurers.

Thank you very much for your help.

What do you think Contract Works covers him for?