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Non Standard Property Insurance Policy Features

NON STANDARD CONSTRUCTION

Non Combustible Pre Fabricated

Also known as prefabs, there are over 1.2 million of these homes in the UK. Modern prefabs can be vast, offering multiple stories and even basements. Each section or module is constructed off site in a factory before being delivered and constructed on site, which speeds up the build and keeps down the costs.

Steel Framed

Steel frames are not combustible and are immune from rot or decay. However, be aware that in some older steel framed houses, asbestos may have been used as insulation. If you think your house could fall into this category, have your house checked by a professional for any signs of asbestos as this could be deadly in the long run.

Timber Framed

A timber framed home replaces the inner wall with timber, which is still strong enough to support the load of the whole house. The outer wall is often clad in brick which can give the building the appearance of a typical brick built home. Other forms of cladding include stone, block and render, or plain timber boarding.

Wattle and Daub

A 5,000 year old technique comprising a mixture of mud, straw and dung, compressed into a hard building material. Typically used with a timber framework, and a popular choice for enthusiasts of sustainable living. Any repairs will need to be undertaken by a specialist.

NON STANDARD ROOFING

Flat Roofs

Flat roofs are prone to leaking, yet are easy to inspect and should be done on a regular basis.

Shingle Roofs

Shingles are flat rectangular shapes which are laid in rows across the roof from the bottom upwards. Each layer overlaps the joint with the previous one, making it water tight. Older shingle roofs use copper or lead sheeting as underlays, whereas more modern ones will have a layer of plastic.

Thatched Roofs

Thatch is layers of dry vegetation including straw, water reed, sedge, heather or rushes and has an increased fire risk. Contact a thatched roof specialist to find out which vegetation yours is made of so you can provide the details to your insurer.

Listed Buildings

A listed building is a structure that has been placed on the UK Statutory List of Buildings of Architectural or Historic Interest.

Data from 2016 shows there were over 375,000 listed buildings in England. There are 3 levels:

• Grade I: Buildings of exceptional interest. These make up only 2.5% of listed buildings.
• Grade II*: Particularly important buildings of more than special interest
• Grade II: Buildings that are of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve them

Generally speaking, the older your home is the higher the chance it will fall into one of the above categories.

As they are protected by law you will still require special permission to make any repairs or alterations to the building, and will more than likely be required to use very specific, and usually very expensive, materials so that the repairs are in keeping with the rest of the building.

Other Factors

The more unusual the property, the trickier it will be to insure and the higher the price of the premium. This is because the cost of the rebuild will be greater than a regular building, and the risks are harder for the insurer to assess.

If your home is left empty for a prolonged period of time, you will need to buy a specific unoccupied property policy.

The same applies if you are trying to insure a holiday home; you will need holiday home insurance.

Subsidence and Flooding

If you live in an area that is particularly prone to subsidence or at a high risk of flooding you will require non-standard property insurance, regardless of what material the building is constructed from.

This is because claims associated with these things are usually very high, hence the higher price of premiums in affected areas.