A loft conversion is one of the most popular ways to add space and value to a UK home. But it also changes the risk profile of the property overnight: you’re opening up the roof, adding structural steel, bringing trades on site, and often leaving the home exposed to weather and theft.
That’s why “loft conversion insurance” matters. In practice, it usually means a combination of covers across the homeowner, the builder, and sometimes specialist construction policies—so that if something goes wrong (fire, flood, injury, theft, structural damage, or a dispute), you’re not left paying out of pocket.
This guide breaks down the key construction insurance policies and how they apply to loft conversions in the UK.
Often, yes—because standard home insurance may have limitations during major building works.
Many UK home insurers:
Require you to notify them before structural alterations begin
Impose conditions (e.g., approved contractor, certain security measures)
Exclude or restrict cover for damage caused by building works
Increase your excess or premium during the project
Decline cover entirely if the work is extensive or the property is unoccupied
A loft conversion typically counts as “major works” because it can involve structural changes, roof alterations, and extended timeframes.
Think of loft conversion risk in three buckets:
Your home and existing structure (your responsibility as homeowner)
The works and materials (often shared responsibility; depends on contract)
People and liabilities (builder’s responsibility, but you can still be exposed)
The right insurance setup makes sure all three buckets are covered with no gaps.
Before work starts, contact your buildings insurer and ask, in writing, what happens to your cover during the conversion.
Key questions to ask:
Will my buildings insurance remain valid during the works?
Are there exclusions for damage caused by contractors or structural alterations?
Are theft and escape of water covered during the build?
Do you require a specific contractor type (e.g., FMB, TrustMark)?
Do you require the contractor to carry minimum public liability limits?
Are you covering the increased rebuild value during and after the conversion?
A loft conversion increases the rebuild cost (not just the market value). If your sum insured is too low, you risk underinsurance—meaning a claim could be reduced proportionally.
Contract Works Insurance (often part of a Contractors All Risks policy) is one of the most important covers for loft conversions.
What it covers (typically):
Accidental damage to the works in progress
Damage to materials on site
Damage caused by fire, storm, flood, vandalism, and theft (subject to security conditions)
Why it matters:
If a storm damages the exposed roof mid-build, repairs can be expensive
If materials are stolen (tiles, copper, tools), the project can stall
If a fire starts due to hot works, the cost can be catastrophic
Who should have it?
Many reputable builders carry it, but don’t assume—ask for evidence.
Some homeowners buy a specialist policy if the builder doesn’t have adequate cover.
Common pitfalls:
Theft exclusions if the site isn’t secured to insurer standards
Limits on unattended tools or materials
Exclusions for defective workmanship (the “making good” cost)
A loft conversion brings third-party risk: neighbours, visitors, delivery drivers, and passers-by.
Public Liability Insurance covers the contractor if their work causes:
Injury to a third party
Damage to third-party property (including neighbouring homes)
Examples:
A tile falls from scaffolding and damages a neighbour’s car
Dust and debris cause damage to a neighbouring property
A visitor trips over building materials and is injured
Typical limits:
Many residential projects expect £2m to £5m minimum.
Homeowner tip:
Ask for a copy of the builder’s certificate and check the policy is current for the full project period.
If the builder has employees (including labour-only subcontractors), Employers’ Liability is usually a legal requirement in the UK.
It covers:
Injury or illness suffered by employees due to their work
Why you should care:
If a contractor is uninsured and someone is seriously injured, disputes can drag homeowners into costly legal territory—even if you’re not legally liable.
Not every loft conversion is “design and build,” but many involve structural calculations, drawings, and design decisions.
Professional Indemnity Insurance is relevant if:
The builder provides design services
You use an architect or structural engineer
There’s complex structural work (steel beams, dormers, load-bearing changes)
It covers:
Negligent design
Errors in professional advice
Breaches of professional duty
Example:
A design error leads to structural movement or water ingress after completion.
This is where many loft conversion disputes start.
If the builder accidentally damages your existing home (not just the new works), which policy responds?
Possible outcomes:
The builder’s public liability may cover damage to third-party property (your home), but some policies have exclusions or limitations.
Contract works may cover the new works and materials, but not always the existing structure.
Your buildings insurance might respond, but could pursue recovery from the contractor.
Best practice:
Clarify in the contract who is responsible for insuring the existing structure during the works.
Ensure the builder’s policy wording doesn’t exclude “property being worked on.”
Loft conversions often rely on:
Scaffolding
Tower scaffolds
Power tools
Temporary roofing
Hired-in plant (hoists, lifts)
Relevant covers include:
Own Plant Insurance (builder)
Hired-In Plant Insurance (builder)
Tools Insurance (builder)
Why it matters:
If equipment is stolen or damaged, delays can increase costs and create disputes.
If you’re using a formal contract (common on larger projects), you may see Non-Negligence Insurance referenced.
This covers:
Damage to neighbouring property caused by the works, even if no negligence is proven
It’s particularly relevant for:
Terraced houses
Semi-detached homes
Tight access sites
Loft conversions can run into disagreements about:
Variations and scope creep
Delays and liquidated damages
Quality of workmanship
Payment schedules
Consider:
Legal Expenses Insurance (homeowner or contractor)
Clear written contract with staged payments
Documented change control for variations
Even a small dispute can become expensive if solicitors become involved.
Some builders offer workmanship guarantees, and some projects may include structural warranties.
Important distinction:
A warranty is not the same as insurance.
Insurance responds to insured events; warranties often have exclusions and require the builder to still be trading.
If you want longer-term reassurance:
Ask about an insurance-backed guarantee (where available)
Keep completion certificates, building control sign-off, and structural calculations
Insurers typically focus on these risk drivers:
Hot works (welding, torch-on felt, cutting)
Roof exposure (temporary weatherproofing)
Fire separation and escape routes
Water ingress during storms
Theft of materials and tools
Structural alterations (RSJs, load-bearing walls)
Unoccupied periods (if you move out)
If you can demonstrate good controls—competent contractor, scaffolding safety, secure storage, hot works permits—you often get better terms.
Use this as a practical pre-start checklist.
Homeowner:
Confirm your buildings insurer is aware of the works and cover remains valid
Review sums insured and rebuild value
Keep a written contract with scope, start/end dates, and responsibilities
Confirm the builder’s insurance certificates and limits
Builder/contractor:
Public liability (typically £2m–£5m+)
Employers’ liability (if applicable)
Contract works / contractors all risks
Professional indemnity (if providing design)
Tools/plant/hired-in plant cover
Project controls:
Site security (locks, alarms, secure storage)
Hot works controls and fire extinguishers
Weatherproofing plan for roof opening
Documented variations and progress photos
There are two common approaches:
This is common when you hire a reputable contractor.
Pros:
Simpler for the homeowner
Builder’s policy is designed for construction risks
Cons:
You must verify cover is adequate and in force
Some builders have low limits or exclusions
This can work when:
You’re acting as project manager
You’re using multiple trades
The builder doesn’t have contract works cover
Pros:
You control the policy and claims process
Can cover existing structure + works under one umbrella (depending on insurer)
Cons:
More admin and cost
You still need contractors to have liability cover
Sometimes, but you must notify your insurer. Many policies restrict cover during structural works or apply conditions.
At minimum: public liability and (if they employ staff) employers’ liability. Ideally they also have contract works/contractors all risks, and professional indemnity if they provide design.
It depends on the contract and the cause. Contract works insurance may cover accidental damage; defective workmanship is often excluded. Your buildings insurer may also be involved.
Usually not. Scaffolding and hired-in equipment are typically the contractor’s responsibility, insured under hired-in plant or contract works (depending on the setup).
The contractor’s public liability usually responds if negligence is proven. Non-negligence cover may apply where required by contract or where liability is unclear.
A loft conversion is a major investment—and the right construction insurance setup is a big part of protecting it. The key is to avoid assumptions: confirm your home insurer’s position, verify the builder’s insurance, and make sure the “existing structure vs works in progress” gap is closed.
If you want, tell me:
Whether you’re the homeowner or the contractor
The property type (detached / semi / terrace)
Whether you’re living in the property during the works
…and I’ll tailor this into a more conversion-focused Insure24 blog with a stronger CTA and UK-specific wording for your audience.
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