Garage Conversion and Insurance

birminghamuniv

Hello,

I am planing to convert an internal garage to a living room and wondering how to deal with insurance. Specifically, how it works if damage happens to the house because of the conversion work? Is it covered by home building insurance (I have had a look at the policy but it seems this is not within its coverage) or should it be covered by the contractor who does the conversion work (in this case, do I have to check with them?). I just want to make sure who is responsible for this insurance before doing the work? Anyone has any experience about this?

Thank you.
BU

davidmcn

Your household policy is not going to cover the risk of "inviting someone in to knock down walls" or whatever is involved. If there is damage caused by your contractors' negligence then they'll be liable, whether or not they have insurance (and they almost certainly do, but it would be wise to see evidence of that).

birminghamuniv

Thank you very much. It is very helpful.

theartfullodger

Suggest you discuss it with your insurer. Terms vary by company and policy. Normally the contractor has insurance cover (well, he should..), but it depends on circumstances - eg if you tell contractor "go ahead and demolish that load bearing wall, don't be a wuss..." within the hearing of the Archbishop of Canterbury I doubt your case against contractor would succeed."

As it happens we had substantial works done - demolish garage, new 2-story extension - and never bothered to check if builder had insurance.

birminghamuniv

Yes, I checked with my insurer and they said it is ok- just to let them know once I have finished it there is any major change (e.g. additional room or so) apart from them garage conversion

theartfullodger

Any mortgage lender also probably wants informing: And building regs: Maybe planning?

birminghamuniv

Yes, I think the building regs and planning are common things we have to sort out first. Btw, I have checked with the contractor and they say they have public liability insurance for their business - is that what I need?

Davesnave

birminghamuniv wrote: »

Yes, I think the building regs and planning are common things we have to sort out first. Btw, I have checked with the contractor and they say they have public liability insurance for their business - is that what I need?

You may need to send a copy of that to your insurer, which is what mine requested.

I don't have a mortgage, so I'm not sure what happens with lenders.