Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is ‘Self Build Direct’ Insurance?

A. Self Build Insurance is a product designed to protect you, as Project Manager, during the construction of your home. It is a package that includes Material Damage (fire, storm, malicious damage, theft of plant etc.), Employers Liability for all the workmen you engage and Public Liability for other callers to the site, such as neighbours, delivery men and even trespassers. You have ultimate responsibility relating to any incident on site.

Q. What are the requirements regarding Scaffolding?

A. This is probably the most asked frequently asked question of the Self Build Team. It is the law of the land that anyone who erects, dismantles or alters scaffolding must do so in accordance with the Approved Code of Practice. In effect, this means that only a suitably qualified person can perform these functions. A suitably qualified person is often known as someone who holds a ‘scaffolding ticket’. This ticket is granted to the person and not the Company he may work for. There is nothing to prevent you engaging such a person to look after your scaffolding requirements and our policy does not require him to have his own insurance

Q. What should I insure the property for?

A. One of the most confusing aspects has to be how much it should I insure the property for. There are so many voices throwing in an opinion and we would like to take this opportunity to clarify the ONLY basis that concerns Insurance Company.

The phrase the Insurance Industry uses on this issue is Reinstatement Value.

Basically, reinstatement value means the commercial contractor’s rate to remove debris from a damaged property, then the cost of professional fees required with rebuilding, followed by the cost of materials & labour. Because of the extra work involved, it will be far more expensive than building from scratch on an empty site using direct labour.

In calculating your Sum Insured, you should be aware that the Building comprises of the Structure, Foundations and all Fixtures & Fittings which are permanently fitted (Kitchens, Fitted Wardrobes, Bathroom Suites etc.)

The figure you choose should represent these costs on the worst possible day for your circumstances i.e. the day you are due to complete your extension.

This policy only covers the cost to rebuild the extension. Your Home Insurance Company maintain responsibility for the existing structure

Q. All of my subcontractors have Insurance policies, surely I have no need for cover?

A. You do! First of all, it is highly unlikely that all will have their own cover –some trades such as blocklayers and other labour only contractors, working on their own account, probably do not have adequate cover. Secondly, as owner of the site, you have an overall responsibility to members of the public, whether they enter your site with permission or not, and to any workers engaged on the construction of your house.

Q. My Mortgage Provider has advised me that they can issue a policy during the construction of the house, is this sufficient?

A. A policy issued by a Mortgage Provider generally only provides Fire cover during construction of the Building itself. Some will extend cover to include Storm Damage. There is no ‘All Damage’ on the Property, no Plant & Equipment cover, no Personal Accident, no Liability cover and no 24 hour Legal Advice Helpline associated with these policies. Our policy wording meets the requirements of all the major lending institutions and an Indemnity Letter noting their Interest is issued immediately when cover is taken out.

Q. I have already started to build my home, can I still take out this policy?

A. Normally, this policy is intended to cater for new build from scratch. However we can accommodate some projects that have already commenced, depending on the circumstances.

Q. How long does the policy last?

A. The policy starts when you begin work on your site and ends when you obtain a Certificate of Completion or reach practical completion, subject to a maximum period of 24 months.

Q. The house I am building will eventually be used as an investment property, can you offer a quotation?

A. Unfortunately not. The policy is designed for people building a house for their own eventual use as either a main residence or a holiday home

Q. Am I covered for Plant & Equipment on site?

A. Yes, up to a limit of €30,000 for your own plant and plant hired in. For theft cover to operate, plant must be kept in a locked container or stored in the dwelling when it is fully secured. i.e. there must be forcible entry or exit.

Q. How much does it cost?

A. Quotations can be easily obtained by completing the online enquiry form or phoning the team at 053-9165600. Cover can be effected immediately on receipt of a completed proposal form.