Builders Alterations & Extensions Insurance

GET A QUOTE SPEAK TO A SPECIALIST

Insurance for builders carrying out alterations, extensions, refurbishments and structural changes where existing property, contract works, tools, plant, subcontractors and public liability need careful treatment.

Home / Contractor Insurance / Builders Alterations & Extensions Insurance

Alterations and extensions insurance for builders

Extension and alteration work can involve existing homes, commercial premises, neighbouring property, temporary works, materials, structural openings, subcontractors and work in progress.

  • Allianz
  • Aviva
  • QBE
  • RSA
  • Zurich
  • NIG

Insurance for Alteration and Extension Builders

Builders alterations and extensions insurance is designed for contractors working on extensions, refurbishments, conversions, structural openings, layout changes, repair projects, reinstatement work, garages, outbuildings and other building work around existing premises.

This page is broader than the private dwelling house and commercial alteration pages because many builders carry out a mix of domestic and commercial work. The insurance conversation should reflect the type of premises, whether the building is occupied, the contract value, the condition of the existing structure and who is responsible for the works before handover.

Who This Page Is For

  • Builders carrying out extensions, alterations, refurbishments, conversions and repair projects.
  • Contractors forming structural openings, removing walls, extending roofs, adding rooms or adapting existing layouts.
  • Small building firms using employees, labour-only subcontractors, bona fide subcontractors, tools, plant or hired-in equipment.
  • Self-employed builders who need evidence of public liability, employers' liability, contract works or tools cover.

What Cover Can Include

  • Public liability for injury or property damage involving clients, visitors, neighbours, other trades or members of the public.
  • Employers' liability for employees, apprentices and labour-only subcontractors where required.
  • Contract works cover for partly completed alteration and extension works, temporary works and materials.
  • Tools, owned plant, hired-in plant, site huts, welfare units, legal expenses, personal accident and commercial vehicle cover.
  • Optional professional indemnity where design, specification, calculations, project management or advice is provided.

Existing Property and Work in Progress

Alterations and extensions often involve work around existing structures, live services, occupied rooms, neighbouring property, gardens, access routes and client possessions. Claims can involve escape of water, accidental damage, fire, theft, weather ingress, structural movement, defective temporary protection or disputes over unfinished work.

Builders alterations and extensions insurance

Underwriting Questions

  • What alterations, extensions or refurbishment work is carried out?
  • Are premises occupied during the works?
  • Do you undertake structural openings, roof work or underpinning?
  • What are the usual and maximum contract values?
  • Do you use subcontractors, heat work, plant or hired-in equipment?

Extensions, Structural Work and Public Liability

Extension and alteration projects can create injury and property damage exposures around access, temporary supports, open structures, excavations, roofing, neighbours and the client's existing property. Public liability limits should match the contracts and premises involved.

Contract Works, Tools and Subcontractors

Contract works cover can be important where the builder is responsible for partly completed extension works or materials on site. Tools, plant, labour setup and subcontractor checks also shape the quote, especially where several trades are coordinated on one project.

Related Pages

BUILDERS ALTERATIONS & EXTENSIONS INSURANCE FAQS

+-

What does builders alterations and extensions insurance cover?

It can include public liability, employers' liability, contract works, tools, owned plant, hired-in plant, materials, temporary works, existing structures and legal expenses depending on the policy.

+-

Do extension builders need contract works cover?

Often yes, especially where the builder is responsible for partly completed extension works, unfixed materials, temporary works or reinstatement after insured damage before completion.

+-

Is alterations and extensions insurance different from new-build builder insurance?

Yes. Alterations and extensions usually involve existing structures, occupied premises, customer possessions, neighbouring property and temporary protection, while new-build work is more focused on a new structure under construction.

+-

What information helps insurers quote?

Insurers usually want work types, premises types, contract values, labour setup, subcontractor use, contract works values, tools and plant values, claims history and required liability limits.