The uninsured risk

Renovations and extensions may add thousands to a house’s value, but they might not be covered by existing insurance, explains Tim Slattery

A luxurious mews home is undergoing renovations when a fire takes hold, causing extensive damage to the entire building. Unfortunately the owners had not advised their home insurer of the renovations and their losses aren’t covered under their standard policy. Scenarios like these not only create expensive issues for the homeowner but can also create friction between them and their broker, with a lack of insurance cover when it comes to renovation and extension work a common source of complaints