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.

How do you know that a particular builder is the right person to build your home? Here are ten questions to ask.

As we reach middle age some thought must be given to where we will live once we retire. Many eventually move into retirement homes where they can be looked after but what about the self-builder?

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.

Planning an underground house can have some very tricky elements and although underground homes are still rare, they are increasing in number, particularly for self-builds, because they can be built on land where a normal house simply could not be built.