Non-Standard Vs Standard Homes: Know The Difference

Your house is your home, your investment, and an island of stability in an increasingly uncertain world. As such, you know how important it is to protect. While your insurance policy is a huge part of this, things get complicated when it comes to non-standard homes. Here, we'll take a look at what we mean by a non-standard home, why they typically have different insurance needs, and why having the right policy and accurate disclosure can protect you from issues with claims later down the line.

What Is A Non-Standard Home?

A non-standard home is a property that uses non-standard materials in all or any part of its construction. In the UK, standard materials are brick and stone for walls and foundations, with slate or tiles for roofing.

Common examples of non-standard construction include:

• Properties with timber or steel frames beneath the brick
• Properties with thatched roofs
• Properties with shingled or flat roofs
• Prefabricated post-war era concrete houses
• Cob buildings (typically seen around Cornwall and Devon)

Why Do I Need Non-Standard Home Insurance?

Homes made from non-standard construction materials require specialist non-standard construction home insurance. This is because they represent a greater degree of risk for insurers. For instance, flat or shingled roofs are highly susceptible to weather damage. Thatched roofs can be a fire hazard and subject to waterlogging, while steel construction frames may be vulnerable to corrosion.

This additional risk necessitates a policy from specialist non-standard home insurance providers.

How Do I Know If My Home Is Non-Standard?

While some non-standard construction features like thatched roofing or cob construction are plain to see, some are less obvious. As such, if you're viewing or purchasing a home, you may not necessarily know whether or not your home is a non-standard home.

This is why it's so important to enlist the help of a surveyor. They will be able to advise you on any non-standard construction elements and their implications for not only insurance but value appreciation and maintenance. Your local council's building control department can also be a useful resource, providing access to records that may provide a clearer picture of your property's construction.

What Happens If I Just Choose A Standard Home Insurance Policy?

If you live in or intend to buy a non-standard home, it is vital that you have an appropriate insurance policy. Non-standard construction home insurance is designed around the unique properties and risk factors your home represents. If you choose a standard home insurance policy, this may give rise to disputes that could invalidate any future claims you make.

How Can We Help?

As specialist non-standard home insurance providers, we provide policies designed with homes like yours in mind. Whatever the size, age or construction of your property, we can help you find a policy that's uniquely suited to your needs and budget.

This includes tailored policies for non-standard homes, homes at high flood risk, properties with current or historical subsidence, listed buildings, and even those operating a business from home.

Whatever the unique traits of your building's construction, our expert team of brokers can help you find the right non-standard home insurance to bring you lasting peace of mind. Get in touch today.