Introduction - when you insure your
property, whether it is a for residential purposes or commercial, your insurer
will require confirmation that the building is of standard construction and is
not unusual in any way. When calculating their insurance premiums insurers use
this standard definition and the bulk of UK property falls under the
description. If of course, yours does not happen to fit within this standard
definition, it does not mean that you will not be able to obtain building
insurance but it does mean you are likely to have to pay an increased premium.
Standard construction is usually defined as a building that is built of brick
stone or concrete and roofed with slate tiles or concrete. Some insurance
companies extend this definition to include the materials felt and metal. With
regard to the roof of the property, most insured are referring to a structure
that is pitched in design, flat roofs often made of timber covered with felt
only have a certain life expectancy and most insurers will tell you that they
have a tendency to leak. In fact 10 years seems to be the maximum you can expect
a flat roof to last and really it should be checked at least once every two
years and repaired if necessary. If the portion of you roof that is flat does
not exceed approx 20% of your property (which is the case with a lot of property
that have been extended at the rear), you should be able to obtain a building
quotation at normal terms. So bricks, stone and mortar are the accepted norm and
most building techniques in the UK have changed little in over 200 years.. Some
other building techniques that are employed and perhaps not so wide known are
listed below. In many cases, you will be able to obtain insurance and to help
secure a quotation it is a good idea to have as much information as possible as
to the exact construction. If you suspect your building is of non standard
construction, you must inform your insurers prior to cover being accepted.
Thatched Roof -
thatched roof houses are
still very popular in the UK today, and this is classed as non standard
construction mainly due to the increased fire risk. There are various type of
reed covering available for roofs and some insurers will charge extra depending
on the type of covering used. The method of heating and age of wiring also play
an important factor in rating and you should have this information at hand to
obtain a quote.
Cob Construction - Cob is an ancient
form of building block that has been in existence for over 600 years.
Originating in Devon its main constituent is mud, this is often mixed with straw
and sometimes animal dung. (The introduction of animal dung was a by product of
the mud being having to be continually trampled by horses and cattle to give it
the right consistency) It is often rendered with cement and often this does not
allow it to breathe and dry out properly which can result in its collapse over a
period of time. Modern Cod techniques can now produce a block which is pre dried
and thus produces a minimal amount of shrinkage.
Timber Framed - many modern home
buildings are now constructed of timber frames and it is a safe an reliable form
of building with all new construction having to meet certain building
regulations and standards Many older style buildings that are listed are timber
framed and often these are sometimes considered to be standard because of the
sturdiness of construction. Buildings made entirely of wood such as
holiday
chalets are always considered to be non standard an appropriate insurance rating
charged if acceptable
Weather Boarding - weather boarding
which is particularly prevalent in a number of areas is usually added to
property for decorative reasons and not part of the main construction. Vertical
battens are usually fitted to brickwork or in place of brickwork as an
attraction or to provide some extra protection against the elements.
Mundic Block - during the early to
mid part of the last century many houses particularly in Devon & Cornwall were
constructed either whole or in part with mine waste materials. This waste or
aggregate was available very cheaply from mines in the area, was of poor quality
and riddled with impurities. These impurities have lead to chemical reactions
over a period of time resulting in much crumbling of many buildings constructed
with this technique. It is highly unlikely that you will be able to obtain
either insurance or a mortgage for any property that is constructed of mundic
block.
Wattle & Daub - in constructing a
property or part of a property from Wattle & Daub, a woven latticework of poles
or stakes are daubed with a mixture of clay & sand sometimes straw and dung( a
little like the cob construction as mentioned above.) The wattle and daub is
then whitewashed to help keep in waterproof.
As well as the above which are
techniques, you may find that you property contains to varying degrees any of
the following. Asbestos, corrugated Iron, Plastic Sheeting, Metal, Prefabricated
materials, Strammit. Whilst the lay person can not be expected to be well versed
in the construction of property, surveyors are and you should look to your
survey report to obtain a description of the property and its construction
method. If you make a false declaration to your insurance company with regard to
the construction of your property, you may find that a claim will be declined.
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Copyright Assetsure Limited 2007
Building Construction and Insurance