Building Insurance - not sure of construction type

m0bov

Hi all. I had a valuation on our "soon to be - hopefully" property and the lender would not lend as they said it was timber construction (non standard - timber frame in load beating walls). I had a buildings survey which said it may not be standard as whilst its got brick party walls, the front and rear are very thin walls. We believed it to be timber frame, crosswalled construction.

So, I got some quotes on buildings insurance, not too bad. I then had another valuation done by another lender. This time, they passed it but ticked the box saying conventional masonry (brick, block or stone). They did not tick the timber frame construction option. It also shows Building Insurance Code 01.

So, I'm confused now, I know I can ask the insurance broker, but in the eyes of MSE, should I be selecting brick, or timber frame with brick walls, or timber frame with plaster walls?!! Its an end of terrace townhouse, the gable wall is cavity brick as is the party wall. The front and rear have UPVC shiplap and full height windows and flat roof. Interested to hear of anyone's views. The difference in quotes isn't huge.

rs65

m0bov wrote: »

So, I'm confused now, I know I can ask the insurance broker, but in the eyes of MSE, should I be selecting brick, or timber frame with brick walls, or timber frame with plaster walls?!!

Insurance aside, if I was you I would be finding out the true answer before buying.