A structural warranty is one of the most important risk-management protections you can put in place when undertaking a self-build or conversion — it is far more than an optional extra for peace of mind. This is precisely why mortgage lenders insist on one.

A robust structural warranty provides cover for defects in the design, workmanship, and materials used in the build. If you encounter issues such as a leaking roof, failed cavity trays, or structural movement, the policy should respond. Structural defects are rarely minor; claims typically start in the tens of thousands of pounds and can escalate significantly depending on the severity of the problem.

A comprehensive policy should also extend to contaminated land and, crucially, non-compliance with building regulations. As a self-builder, you remain legally responsible for regulatory compliance even after Building Control has issued a completion certificate. If you later sell the property and the new owner identifies defects, you may be liable for remedial works under the Defective Premises Act. A structural warranty provides vital protection against that ongoing exposure.

Another key benefit is independent oversight. Warranty providers carry out staged inspections during construction, effectively auditing the quality of the work. For self-builders without construction expertise, this third-party scrutiny can be invaluable — helping to ensure standards are maintained and reducing the risk of costly mistakes.

Finally, a self-build structural warranty also forms an important part of demonstrating eligibility for certain Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) exemptions.

In short, a structural warranty protects your investment, facilitates finance and resale, and significantly reduces your long-term liability risk.

A significant update in Building Regulations is the introduction Principal Designer (BRPD). So what is the role of principal designer on a self-build project?

One of the most significant updates in recent changes in Building regulations is the introduction of the Building Regulations Principal Designer (BRPD). The role of BRPD is not just for self-builders—it is a fundamental shift in the industry.  It is designed to influence how architects, consultants, and construction professionals collaborate to ensure robust compliance.

How does the introduction of the Building Regulations Principal Designer (BRPD) role affect you as a self-builder?

The legislative updates are focused on improving construction compliance, safety, and sustainability. To counter these issues, the government has created this new role. The BRPD’s core function is to embed regulatory compliance, safety, and sustainability from the earliest stages of a self-build project. This proactive approach involves coordinating with design teams. Identifying risks before they cause delays. Managing all documentation for regulatory approvals, and ensuring designs meet the highest energy and sustainability standards.

This new requirement for principal designer on a self-build project is in addition to the existing obligation under the CDM (Construction Design and Management) Regulations 2015. The CDM role focuses on planning, managing, monitoring, and coordinating health and safety during the pre-construction phase of a project, including domestic ones. Consequently, clients now face the requirement of making two separate Principal Designer appointments. Both of which must be confirmed before construction commences.

For domestic projects, if only one designer is involved, that individual must perform the duties for both the CDM Regulations and the new Building Regulations principal designer role. Clients can satisfy the Building Regulations requirement by appointing the same person who holds the CDM principal designer role. Critically, if no principal designer is formally appointed, those duties fall to the client. 

Utilising Protek’s Self-Build Structural Warranty uniquely helps self-builders risk manage their exposure to Building Regulation compliance as principal designer on a self-build project.

 

 

Homebuilding & Renovating Masterclass 15th & 16th November 2025

 

Protek’s Nicola Collins  will be hosting a Masterclass Session at the South West Homebuilding & Renovating Show .

This session, titled Protection Pays: ‘Why Insurance & Warranties Matter’ is designed for anyone undertaking a self build, renovation or extension project.  Nicola will be looking at the types of risks self builders and home renovators are confronted with all the time. She will share images and videos of the types of claims that can occur on these sites. 

11:30 Sunday 16th November 2025 Bath & West Showground

You will face many risks when you start you build journey and not all will be immediately apparent. When things do go wrong, you need to know you have the protection in place to ensure you do not fall into a financial nightmare. During the masterclass, we will explain why insurance & warranties are must-haves on a self build or extension/renovation project. The session will fully detail the insurance and risk management product solutions that are available to you. Ultimately it will better prepare you to protect your finances in the event of a loss, damage or injury occurring on your site. 

If you would like to attend, simply click here which will open the free ticket registration page.  We will be hold the session (which is in the Masterclass Theatre) on Sunday 16th November at 11:30AM.

If you are extending or altering a property you probably didn’t realise that the average home insurance policy is unlikely to provide sufficient cover. This is especially if there is an element of self-build or self-management. The assumption is that your contractor will be covering the works, but invariably that just isn’t the case.

That’s why it’s so important to purchase specialist insurance to cover your scheme.

Protek’s extension insurance provides you with the specific cover you need to ensure the site works.  Your home will be properly protected throughout the build program. The cover is available for a wide range of home improvement projects, including loft and garage conversions, side and rear extensions, basement additions and more, irrespective of who is carrying out the works.

The product is specifically designed to cover the building works, plant hire, tools, materials and equipment, and any consequential loss or damage that may occur to the existing dwelling. For example, if there is a collapse whilst the structure is temporarily being propped to create a new opening.

This insurance is available for short periods of time and includes protection for both public and employers’ liability. If you need a Party Wall Agreement with a neighboring property, then you will be assuming liability for rectifying any damage you cause to their property, which can become quite serious. Protek can include the optional cover required to adequately protect you in these situations.

A 10-year structural warranty is also available, which will protect the completed works against defects in design, workmanship, or materials, should issues appear in the future. Importantly, Protek’s cover protects you against a future claim for failing to comply with building regulations. This is an important point in the new Building Safety Regulations. A structural warranty is often a requirement of a prospective purchaser’s lender.

Protek’s friendly team of experienced staff will be happy to guide you through the risks and help you get the protection you need.

The garden will be a part of the home that will be enjoyed for years to come, plan it well and it will be worth the added work.

There seems to be a romantic image that surrounds the words, build your own house. A mock Tudor set in the countryside, an ultra modern town house built of glass, perhaps an Eco-friendly barn type building. Weve all seen the programmes and dreamed the dreams. Reality is a different prospect and many dreamers drop at the first hurdle. How about you?

A bonus for self-builders is that they are able to claim back the value added tax (VAT) at the end of the build. At a time when money will be tight after spending so much on the build it is a treat to have a substantial amount of money to perhaps treat the family to a holiday after a year of hard work.

These days it is becoming popular to have as many bathrooms in the home as there are bedrooms – more in some instances. We look at the ensuite, where and when you should instal one and whether it will add value to your home.

When planning your self-build home the flooring has to be decided upon when the house designs are being drawn up. Consider whether you require under floor heating, as this will have to be integrated into the plans before any flooring is fitted.

By using reclaimed materials in a new build you can be assured you have built a home that is unique.