Does Non-Standard Home Insurance Cover Renovations?

​Renovating a property is an exciting journey, whether you’re modernising, expanding, or restoring your home.

Before the work begins, however, it’s vital to check your insurance policy. A standard home often excludes building or structural work, and even non-standard home insurance may have specific limitations.

If your home has an unusual structure or construction, you should ask: Does your existing policy still protect you during renovations, or do you need separate cover? Let's take a look.

Does Home Insurance Cover Renovations?

In most cases, standard home insurance for renovations offers limited protection. Many insurers will not cover major structural work, such as extensions, loft conversions, or wall removals, once the project begins. This is because renovations can change the risk profile of the property.

If your property is classed as non-standard (e.g built with timber or steel frames, listed buildings, etc.), those risks increase further. When structural works or long unoccupied periods occur, your existing cover may be reduced or suspended entirely unless you inform your insurer in advance.

What Non-Standard Home Insurance Usually Covers

Insurance for home renovations can vary between providers, but most non-standard home policies include:

• Protection for the existing structure and permanent fixtures
• Cover for theft or fire damage during renovation (depending on occupancy)
• Optional accidental damage to the existing property caused by contractors
• Liability cover for injuries to third parties

However, these policies often exclude loss or damage caused by the renovation work itself. For instance, if a contractor accidentally knocks through a supporting wall or damages the roof, the responsibility typically falls under their professional indemnity insurance.

For large or high-value projects, a separate renovation or “building works” policy may be needed to cover materials, tools, and site risks while work is in progress.

When To Update Or Change Your Cover

If you’re planning renovation work, it’s important to notify your insurer before you start. Failure to do so could invalidate your policy. Most providers will ask for details such as:

• The type and scale of work being carried out
• Whether the property will be occupied during renovations
• The estimated duration and cost of the project

If the property will be unoccupied for more than 30 or 60 days, standard cover typically lapses, and you’ll need a specialist provider who understands non-standard or renovation risks. Working with a broker is the simplest way to ensure your home remains fully insured during the project. They can advise whether your current policy covers renovations or if a dedicated renovation plan is required.

Protecting Your Project

Renovating a non-standard property involves more than just design decisions. It’s also about protecting your investment from the unexpected.

At Crowthorne Insurance, we work with specialist insurers to arrange home insurance for renovations and non-standard home insurance policies. These safeguard your property before, during, and after the work. As members of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA), we provide clear, impartial professional advice and access to insurers who understand renovation risks.

Start your project with confidence. Contact Crowthorne today to find out if your home insurance covers renovations and how we can help keep your property protected throughout the process.

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