Contract works insurance to cover renovations and extensions

Make sure your property is properly protected during building works.

Renovations and extensions can add thousands to the value of your farm or estate. Whatever the reason for the building works – personal pleasure or business diversification, it is essential that you have adequate insurance cover throughout the duration of the work – and after completion.

The popularity of holiday sites such as Airbnb and Canopy & Stars has fuelled a surge in demand for UK holidays with a difference. Camping, glamping, farm-stays and even shepherd huts and treehouses are big business right now. So despite the associated costs and risks, converting derelict barns into a wedding venue – or diversifying unused farmland into a glamping site makes good, long-term business sense.

Or maybe your motivation for embarking on a major renovation is purely aesthetic such as adding a striking orangery – or practical – like adding a spacious annexe or converting loft space.

Whatever the reason, a property improvement project can be an exciting time. But it’s also a busy and often stressful one. And sometimes details like updating insurance can get overlooked.

You may not be aware, but the presence of building works can invalidate your policy entirely, leaving your property potentially uninsured.

That’s why it pays to talk to the experts at Lycetts before you begin the process to ensure you have the cover you need.

Contract works insurance tailored to your project

Lycetts contract works insurance provides protection for items not necessarily covered by your contractor or your existing home or business insurance policy for the duration of the building works.

The cover will ensure your project is promptly back up and running should the worst happen and ensure the work is finished to your exacting standards. It covers the existing structure, building materials and equipment plus contents in your home, in storage or at another property.

How Lycetts supported one couple’s complex renovation

 Ailsa and James Clark have realised their dream with the renovation of a derelict farm steading into six luxurious farm-stay cottages after a 3 year search to find the perfect property. They moved to Blairmore in 2013 after saying goodbye to the stress of city living to start their country lifestyle business.

They wanted to ensure that they created the perfect space for the most discerning customers so decided to project manage the build themselves. The complex project took over four years to complete so insuring it had to be just as specialist as the building works. From the removal of dry rot and woodworm to painstakingly preserving the original stone and use of specialist hoist equipment.

Ailsa has been a loyal customer of Lycetts which previously insured her physiotherapy business and home in Edinburgh for over 12 years. She says; “Lycetts offered first-class personal service from start to finish ensuring we had one less thing to worry about during the busiest time of our lives! They came to the farm regularly to review what cover we needed – and their quote for Contractor All Risks insurance was very competitive which was a bonus.”

 Now that Blairmore (www.blairmorefarm.com) is up and running, Lycetts has provided insurance to suit their diversified self-catering and party venue business – along with ensuring the resident Highland Cattle and on-site pub are also fully covered.

 Lycetts understands that every building project is unique and requires specialist, individual insurance advice. If you are about to embark on building works or diversify your farm or estate, please contact James to review your insurance requirements.

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