If I decide to stay in my property during the works, how should I insure my contents?
Some renovators decide to live through the renovation process on site. This can take the form of remaining in the property or using temporary accommodation such as a mobile home. Most insurers will remain sympathetic and provide you with at least limited cover.
The general exception to this is where the Joint Contract Tribunals (JCT) contract specifies that the employer’s content, in addition to that in the building, should be insured in the joint names of the employer and contractor.
In this situation, you should amend the JCT and strike through the word ‘contents’ under the relevant joint names clause so that your household insurer maintains their right to sue the contractor should a loss caused by their negligence occur.
Some renovators decide to live through the renovation process on site. This can take the form of remaining in the property or using temporary accommodation such as a mobile home.
This is one of the only times we would recommend a change to an insurance clause within a JCT.
Protect your valuable items
You would be wise to remove to storage any items of high value such as fine art or jewellery and personal effects not absolutely essential for every day living.
Insurers will be reticent to give cover for items of high value during a renovation so please be aware that a prudent approach is advisable.
However, your household insurance will cover contents temporarily removed as long as they are stored in a manner acceptable to the underwriter.