Insurance for non standard construction homes, unusual buildings and converted properties

Insurance for unusual homes, converted buildings, historic properties and specialist construction

Non standard construction can include timber, steel, concrete, prefabricated, system-built, thatched, cob, flat-roofed and mixed-construction properties.

Cover may also be required for listed homes, converted barns, chapels, mills, factories, railway buildings and many other properties whose materials, design or former use falls outside conventional construction.

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Non Standard Construction Converted And Unusual Properties

Historic And Specialist Buildings

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Construction types, materials, frames and roofs

Wall, frame and roof systems all matter. These compact sections cover traditional, post-war and modern construction without treating every unusual building as the same risk.

Timber framed house insurance

Timber construction covers much more than one type of property. A house might have a traditional oak frame, a modern engineered timber frame, timber cladding, structural timber panels or a mixture of timber and masonry.

Wooden house insurance

Wooden houses, timber lodges and residential properties where the majority of the external construction is timber can require specialist consideration. Important details can include whether the property is permanently occupied, whether it has permanent foundations, the type and thickness of external walls, roof construction, heating and proximity to neighbouring buildings.

Steel framed house insurance

Steel-frame properties may include purpose-built houses, post-war construction, modern architect-designed homes and buildings converted from agricultural, industrial or commercial uses. The insurer may need to know whether the structural steel is combined with brick, block, concrete, timber panels, cladding or other external materials.

Concrete house insurance

Concrete construction can include poured concrete, reinforced concrete, precast concrete panels, concrete frames, large-panel systems and houses constructed under particular post-war building systems. The precise construction method matters. A property described simply as a “concrete house” can be very different from another property carrying the same broad description. Read about Concrete block of flats insurance.

Prefabricated house insurance

Prefabricated properties can use factory-manufactured panels or structural components assembled on site. Some are historic post-war homes while others are modern high-performance modular properties. A specialist broker may ask for the exact construction system, age, current condition, external finishes, roof and any structural alterations.

System built house insurance

System-built properties can include BISF houses, Airey houses, Cornish Unit properties, Woolaway houses, Wimpey No Fines construction, Laing Easiform properties, PRC houses and large-panel systems. The precise system, repair history, certification, cladding and alterations should be described.

BISF House Insurance

British Iron and Steel Federation houses commonly combine a steel frame with prefabricated components and distinctive external construction. Owners should give the broker as much detail as possible about the property's current wall finishes, roof, alterations and any refurbishment undertaken.

Airey house insurance

Airey houses are another recognisable non traditional construction type. Where repair or improvement works have been completed, the nature and certification of those works can be important to an insurer.

Cornish Unit house insurance

Cornish Unit properties can require specialist consideration because of their original construction method and any subsequent structural repair scheme. The insurer should be given the precise property type rather than simply being told the walls are “concrete”.

Woolaway house insurance

Woolaway properties and other precast concrete systems can create similar specialist underwriting questions around structural form, repairs, alterations and reinstatement.

Wimpey No Fines house insurance

Wimpey No Fines houses use a distinctive concrete construction method and can sit outside the construction preferences of some mainstream home insurers.

Laing Easiform house insurance

Laing Easiform houses use an in-situ concrete construction system found in a range of post-war properties. A specialist broker may ask about the precise form, structural condition, repairs, external finishes, alterations and any professional reports or certification.

PRC House Insurance

Precast reinforced concrete properties can have a wide range of repair histories. A specialist broker may need to know whether the property remains in its original form or whether recognised structural repair work has taken place.

Modular home insurance

Modern modular homes can use factory-produced timber, steel or composite sections, specialist insulation and engineered assembly methods. Non standard construction does not necessarily mean that a property is old, defective or undesirable.

Composite panel property insurance

Some buildings incorporate composite or insulated panels within walls or roofs. The insurer may need details of the panel core, external finishes, fire performance and how extensively the material is used. This can be particularly relevant where a commercial or industrial building has been converted for another use.

Mixed construction property insurance

Many unusual buildings cannot be described using one construction type. A single property might combine a stone original building, timber-framed extension, block walls, steel beams, tiled pitched roof, flat-roof extension and extensive modern glazing.

Flat roof house insurance

A flat roof does not automatically make a property unacceptable, but insurers can ask what percentage of the roof is flat, what material is used, when it was last replaced and whether there has been previous water ingress.

Unusual roof construction insurance

Unusual roofs can include lead, copper, zinc, corrugated metal, green, turf, specialist membrane and mixed-material systems. Insurers may ask about the covering, supporting structure, age, maintenance, drainage, previous leaks and proportion of the building affected.

Thatched property insurance

Traditional thatch remains one of the clearest examples of specialist construction. See pages for a number of thatched commercial and hospitality properties, including Thatched property insurance, Thatched Bed And Breakfast Insurance, Thatched Guest House Insurance, Thatched Holiday Cottage Insurance, Thatched Hotel Insurance, Thatched Pub Insurance, Thatched Restaurant Insurance and Thatched Tea Room Insurance.

Cob house insurance

Cob is a traditional earth-based wall construction found in many older British properties. Properties may combine cob with stone foundations, timber roof structures, lime render and later extensions. Specialist repair costs and the importance of appropriate breathable materials can make the building different from a modern masonry home.

Wattle and daub insurance

Historic timber-framed buildings may retain original or replacement wattle-and-daub infill alongside lime plaster, masonry and later alterations. Traditional materials, condition, repair methods and realistic reinstatement costs should be explained to the specialist broker.

Rammed earth house insurance

Modern and historic earth construction can include rammed-earth walls and hybrid properties combining earth with timber or masonry.

Straw bale house insurance

Straw-bale construction can be used within timber frames or as a substantial wall system in its own right. A broker may want to know about external render, internal finishes, fire protection, foundations, damp protection and reinstatement methods.

Thatched accommodation

Thatched Bed And Breakfast Insurance, Thatched Guest House Insurance and Thatched Holiday Cottage Insurance address unusual roof construction alongside guest and holiday accommodation.

Thatched hospitality properties

Thatched Hotel Insurance, Thatched Pub Insurance, Thatched Restaurant Insurance and Thatched Tea Room Insurance provide more specific guidance for customer-facing hospitality buildings.

Construction details and supporting documents

Plans, surveys, repair certificates and specialist reports can help explain construction that is difficult to summarise in a standard proposal form.

Modern home combining timber masonry glazing and non standard construction materials

Historic, listed, converted and former-use properties

Age, listing, conservation and original use can affect repairs and reinstatement. Converted buildings may retain structural features that were never designed for ordinary domestic occupation.

Listed building insurance

Listed buildings can contain traditional materials, specialist architectural features and restrictions on the way damaged parts of the property are repaired or reinstated. Related guidance is available through Listed buildings insurance and Grade 2 Listed Buildings Insurance pages.

Grade II listed building insurance

Grade II buildings may include cottages, townhouses, farmhouses, converted buildings, commercial properties and much larger homes. The listing itself should be disclosed together with rebuilding costs and any unusual construction.

Grade II star listed properties

Grade II\* properties can contain particularly important architectural features and potentially complex reinstatement requirements. A specialist broker may ask for supporting details so the construction, use and rebuilding exposure can be assessed accurately.

Grade I listed properties

Grade I buildings form another useful specialist search term. Where a building is exceptionally important historically or architecturally, specialist reinstatement and conservation requirements can become particularly significant.

Historic house insurance

A historic building may need specialist treatment even where it is not formally listed. Age, construction, historic materials, roof design, specialist plasterwork, stonework, timber framing and previous alterations can all influence the insurance discussion.

Heritage property insurance

Heritage properties can include houses, mills, railway buildings, chapels, schools, country houses and former industrial premises. Historic And Heritage Building Restoration Contractor Insurance provides related information for businesses carrying out specialist restoration work.

Georgian property insurance

Georgian houses can contain solid masonry walls, cellars, sash windows, timber floors, leadwork, slate roofs and later extensions. Where a Georgian building has been converted into apartments, See Georgian house converted into flats insurance.

Victorian property insurance

Victorian properties range from conventional terraces to substantial villas, schools and former industrial buildings. Victorian House Converted Into Flats Insurance is relevant where an older house has been divided into apartments.

Edwardian property insurance

Edwardian properties can contain original construction alongside later extensions and alterations. Edwardian House Converted Into Flats Insurance is relevant where an older house has been divided into apartments.

Manor house insurance

Large manor houses may combine generations of stone, brick, timber, lead, slate, flat roofing and historic plasterwork, together with cellars and outbuildings. Manor House Insurance provides specialist information for these properties.

Country house insurance

Country houses can introduce high rebuilding values, extensive grounds, outbuildings and mixed construction. Use Country house insurance.

Castle insurance

Castles can involve historic masonry, towers, unusual roofs, high reinstatement costs and specialist conservation work. Castle Insurance provides more specific information for these exceptional buildings.

Converted property insurance

A building does not have to use unusual materials to require non standard consideration. Its previous use can itself make the property unusual. A residential conversion may retain structural features, cellars, industrial floors, steel frames, large open spans, unusual glazing, roofs or historic fabric from its former life.

Converted barn insurance

Barn conversions can include stone, brick, timber framing or former agricultural steelwork. Converted Barn Insurance provides more specific guidance for these unusual homes and buildings.

Tithe barn insurance

Large tithe barns and historic agricultural buildings deserve separate treatment because of their age, scale, timber or masonry construction and heritage features. Use Tithe barn insurance.

Converted chapel insurance

Converted chapels often retain tall windows, stonework, vaulted roofs, roof trusses, galleries and other features not normally found in domestic houses. Use Converted chapel insurance.

Converted church insurance

Former churches can become single homes, apartments, holiday accommodation or mixed-use buildings. Tall windows, towers, vaulted roofs, stonework, galleries, historic joinery and conservation requirements can make repair and reinstatement particularly specialised.

Converted mill insurance

Former mills may contain heavy timber, stone walls, industrial floor structures, watercourses and historic machinery. See the Converted mill insurance.

Converted mill house insurance

A converted watermill may retain a waterwheel, mill race, sluices, machinery or historic structural features. Converted Mill House Insurance provides more specific guidance for this type of home.

Watermill insurance

A residential or commercial watermill can retain a waterwheel, mill race, sluices, machinery, culverts or waterways. Watermill Insurance provides specialist guidance for these buildings.

Windmill insurance

Windmills can feature circular masonry, timber or brick construction, multiple narrow floors and specialist roof structures. Use Windmill insurance.

Water tower insurance

Converted water towers can involve height, balconies, steel or concrete structures, unusual access and specialised roofs. Use Water tower insurance.

Oast house insurance

Oast houses can include roundels, kilns, cowl structures and a combination of agricultural and residential construction. Use Oast house insurance.

Converted factory insurance

Factories converted into homes, apartments, offices or mixed-use properties can retain steel frames, concrete floors, saw-tooth roofs, industrial windows and large open spans. Use Converted factory insurance.

Converted warehouse insurance

Former warehouses can contain steel or timber frames, exposed brick, flat roofs, concrete floors and large glazing. Where the building remains a warehouse rather than a conversion, use Warehouse insurance.

Converted prison insurance

Former prisons converted into apartments, hotels or other uses can have exceptionally unusual layouts, thick masonry walls, secure former cells, internal landings and heritage features. Use Converted prison insurance.

Former military building insurance

Converted bunkers, barracks, military offices, defence buildings and other former military premises can contain concrete, steel and specialist construction. Use Former military building insurance.

Former railway building insurance

Use Former railway buildings insurance and, where specifically relevant, Former Railway Station Insurance. A specialist broker may ask for supporting details so the construction, use and rebuilding exposure can be assessed accurately.

Railway carriage holiday let insurance

Converted railway carriages are another example where both the construction and the intended use are unusual. Use Railway carriage holiday let insurance.

Former canal building insurance

Canal-side warehouses, toll buildings, lock buildings and other former waterways infrastructure may have been adapted to residential or commercial use. Use Former canal buildings insurance.

Former cinema insurance

Former cinemas may contain large-span roofs, substantial auditoriums, unusual floors and complex conversions. Use Former cinema insurance.

Former school insurance

Converted schools can contain halls, high ceilings, large windows, roof spans and several phases of construction. Use Former school insurance.

Converted bank insurance

Former banks can include strong rooms, basements, stone façades, reinforced structures and large commercial spaces converted to alternative uses. Use Converted bank insurance.

Converted hospital insurance

Former hospitals can contain multiple wings, corridors, flat roofs, institutional construction and mixed-age extensions. Use Converted hospital insurance.

Lighthouse insurance

Lighthouses and converted lighthouse buildings can involve exposed coastal locations, towers, specialist masonry and difficult access. Use Lighthouse insurance.

Boathouse insurance

Boathouses can have unique waterside construction and may combine residential, storage and marine use. Use Boathouse insurance.

Homes and cottages with waterwheels

House With Waterwheel Insurance and Cottage With Waterwheel Insurance cover related waterside homes where retained wheels, races, sluices or machinery affect the building.

Working and commercial watermills

Working Watermill Insurance, Watermill Business Insurance and Visitor Attraction Watermill Insurance address active machinery, visitors and commercial use.

Former railway stations

Former Railway Station Insurance is relevant to converted stations retaining platforms, canopies, booking halls, signal structures or other distinctive railway features.

Understanding a conversion

Conversions can retain industrial floors, substantial openings, unusual glazing, towers, water features or complex roof spans. Original plans, conversion records and professional surveys may help explain the completed structure.

Specialist insurance for unusual and converted properties

Describe the exact walls, frame, roof, previous use, listed status, rebuilding value, alterations and current occupancy so a specialist broker can understand the whole property.

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Historic British property with specialist stone construction and unusual architectural features

Occupancy, location, condition and specialist property types

Owner occupation, letting, commercial use, renovation, flood, subsidence and unusual outbuildings can be as important as the principal construction material.

Owner occupied non standard homes

A non standard property may be the owner's main residence. The broker should understand whether it is permanently occupied, used partly for business, undergoing alterations or contains separate accommodation.

Non standard construction landlord insurance

Landlords may own timber, concrete, system-built, listed or converted rental properties. Construction and tenancy type are separate underwriting considerations. See Buy To Let Insurance for related guidance.

Property owners insurance

Freeholders, landlords and property investors can own unusual buildings that require specialist construction consideration. Use Property owners insurance.

Non standard construction commercial property

Non standard construction is not limited to homes. Commercial buildings can contain timber frames, steel frames, concrete systems, flat roofs, composite panels, heritage construction or converted industrial structures. Use Commercial property insurance.

Commercial combined insurance

Where an owner-occupied business premises combines building, contents, liabilities and business interruption requirements, Commercial combined insurance may also be relevant.

Blocks of flats insurance

Non standard and converted construction can apply to entire residential blocks. Blocks Of Flats Insurance provides related guidance for freeholders and others responsible for arranging buildings cover.

Freeholder block of flats insurance

Use Freeholder block of flats insurance where a freeholder is responsible for the building. A specialist broker may ask for supporting details so the construction, use and rebuilding exposure can be assessed accurately.

Management company flats insurance

Use Management company flats insurance for relevant management-company arrangements. A specialist broker may ask for supporting details so the construction, use and rebuilding exposure can be assessed accurately.

Residents management company flats insurance

Use Residents management company flats insurance. A specialist broker may ask for supporting details so the construction, use and rebuilding exposure can be assessed accurately.

Right to manage flats insurance

Use Right to manage flats insurance. A specialist broker may ask for supporting details so the construction, use and rebuilding exposure can be assessed accurately.

Block of converted flats insurance

A former house, school, chapel, office, factory or warehouse may be divided into flats while retaining much of its original structure. Block Of Converted Flats Insurance provides related information for these buildings.

Listed block of flats buildings insurance

Use Listed block of flats buildings insurance for listed properties divided into apartments. A specialist broker may ask for supporting details so the construction, use and rebuilding exposure can be assessed accurately.

Mixed use block of flats insurance

Converted buildings may contain shops, restaurants or offices beneath residential accommodation. Use Mixed use block of flats insurance.

Holiday flats buildings insurance

Use Holiday flats buildings insurance where appropriate. A specialist broker may ask for supporting details so the construction, use and rebuilding exposure can be assessed accurately.

Block of student flats insurance

Converted or unusual buildings used for student accommodation may require consideration of both construction and occupancy. Use Block of student flats insurance.

Subsidence and underpinned non standard property

Non standard construction and subsidence history can occur together. Previous movement, its cause, structural reports, underpinning, repairs and monitoring should be described. See Subsidence And Underpinned Property Insurance for related guidance.

Properties with previous mining

Where ground conditions may be influenced by historic mining, use Land with previous mining insurance where the land exposure is appropriate.

Flooded buildings insurance

An unusual property may also have a previous flood history. Flooded Buildings Insurance and Flood Insurance provide related information for buildings with flood exposure or earlier flooding.

Waterside and water related properties

Watermills, boathouses, converted canal buildings and properties with waterwheels can combine unusual construction with watercourses, flood exposure, culverts, sluices, machinery and difficult access. Every retained feature and current use should be disclosed.

Coastal non standard properties

Lighthouses, boathouses, beach buildings, unusual coastal homes and converted structures near the sea can combine non standard construction with wind, storm, salt exposure and flood risks. Use Lighthouse insurance, Boathouse Insurance and Beach Hut Insurance where appropriate.

Properties under renovation

Renovation should be disclosed where substantial works are underway. Important differences exist between routine decoration and projects involving: structural alterations, roof replacement, extensions, removal of walls, major rewiring, plumbing replacement, conversion or periods when the building cannot be occupied.

Structural alterations

Properties may have been extended, opened up internally or substantially remodelled. Steel beams, new roof structures, glass extensions and modern additions can result in mixed construction even where the original building was conventional.

Unoccupied non standard properties

Unoccupancy can significantly change the insurance requirements. A property might be empty during: probate, sale, renovation, conversion, a gap between tenants or before an owner moves in. Construction and occupancy should both be described accurately.

Rebuilding costs for unusual properties

The market value of a property is not necessarily its rebuilding cost. Specialist construction can require: traditional trades, unusual materials, conservation work, specialist structural components, difficult access and bespoke architectural elements. Listed buildings, towers, mills, castles and historic conversions can have particularly complex reinstatement requirements. Read about Buildings insurance.

Architect designed house insurance

Bespoke architect-designed homes can use combinations of: steel, timber, concrete, glass, flat roofing, green roofing, unusual cladding and cantilevered construction. A property can therefore be modern and high quality while still falling outside standard insurer construction questions.

Eco house insurance

Eco homes may contain timber structures, natural insulation, green roofs, recycled products, specialist glazing, heat pumps and other sustainable systems. Specialist construction does not automatically indicate poor quality, but the exact materials and reinstatement method still matter.

Earth sheltered property insurance

Properties constructed partly below ground or incorporated into slopes can have specialist waterproofing, drainage and roof structures.

Underground homes

Underground and partly earth-sheltered homes can involve retaining structures, waterproof membranes, drainage, ventilation, specialist access and landscaped roofs. Insurers may ask for design information, professional reports, construction details and evidence of maintenance or previous water ingress.

Treehouse insurance

Permanent or commercially used treehouses can involve timber structures, elevated access and unusual foundations or supports. Treehouse Insurance provides more specific guidance for these unusual structures.

Shepherds hut insurance

Shepherds huts can be used residentially, recreationally or commercially. Use Shepherds hut insurance. A specialist broker may ask for supporting details so the construction, use and rebuilding exposure can be assessed accurately.

Chalet insurance

Chalets may use substantial timber construction and can be used as homes, holiday properties or leisure accommodation. Use Chalet insurance.

Luxury lodge insurance

Lodges can involve timber, modular or park-home style construction. Use Luxury lodge insurance. A specialist broker may ask for supporting details so the construction, use and rebuilding exposure can be assessed accurately.

Detached garage buildings insurance

Non standard property owners may also need to insure substantial detached garages, workshops or other buildings separately. Use Detached garage buildings insurance.

Homes with large outbuildings

Country houses, converted agricultural buildings and rural properties can include: barns, workshops, garages, studios, stores, stables and former agricultural buildings. The broker should know the construction, size and use of each significant outbuilding.

House with swimming pool insurance

Properties with specialist leisure features can need wider consideration beyond construction alone. Use House with swimming pool insurance.

Non standard holiday properties

Converted barns, mills, railway carriages, shepherds huts, chalets, lodges and historic properties can all operate as holiday accommodation. The insurer should know whether the property is: owner occupied, a second home, holiday let, long-term let or mixed between personal and commercial use.

Landlord income and legal risks

Landlords Rent Guarantee Insurance and Landlords Legal Expenses Insurance provide related information for eligible rental-property income and legal exposures.

Personal possessions

Personal Possessions Insurance provides related guidance for eligible belongings, while the non standard construction policy discussion focuses principally on the building and declared property risks.

Underwriting information, risk management and realistic claims

Detailed construction information helps a specialist assess fire, water, security, rebuilding and structural exposures. These examples explain possible claims without promising that every loss is covered.

Fire in a timber framed property

A serious fire damages structural timber, internal finishes and part of the roof. Specialist reinstatement may be required depending on the original construction.

Storm damage to a thatched roof

Severe weather damages part of a traditional thatched roof. The cost and availability of specialist trades may affect reinstatement.

Escape of water in a converted barn

A burst pipe damages timber, stone, floors and specialist internal finishes within a barn conversion.

Damage to a listed building

An insured incident damages historic architectural features that may need to be reinstated using appropriate specialist materials.

Flood at a watermill

Floodwater damages a converted watermill containing residential accommodation and retained historic features. A specialist broker may ask for supporting details so the construction, use and rebuilding exposure can be assessed accurately.

Subsidence at a concrete property

Movement affects a property constructed using a non traditional structural system. Investigation may require specialist structural expertise.

Storm damage to a flat roof

High winds and rain damage a large flat-roof membrane and allow water to enter the building.

Fire in a converted factory apartment building

A fire affects a building that retains industrial structural elements and has since been converted to residential use. Keep every example conditional. Whether any particular event is insured depends on the policy wording, cause of loss, limits, conditions and exclusions.

Wall construction

Describe every significant wall type rather than choosing the closest standard description. A specialist broker may ask for supporting details so the construction, use and rebuilding exposure can be assessed accurately.

Structural frame

Timber, steel, concrete, masonry or a combination. A specialist broker may ask for supporting details so the construction, use and rebuilding exposure can be assessed accurately.

Roof

Material, age and approximate percentage of flat roof where applicable. A specialist broker may ask for supporting details so the construction, use and rebuilding exposure can be assessed accurately.

Property age

Approximate year built and dates of major additions. A specialist broker may ask for supporting details so the construction, use and rebuilding exposure can be assessed accurately.

Original use

Particularly important for conversions. A specialist broker may ask for supporting details so the construction, use and rebuilding exposure can be assessed accurately.

Current use

Main home, second home, rental, holiday let, commercial, mixed use or unoccupied. A specialist broker may ask for supporting details so the construction, use and rebuilding exposure can be assessed accurately.

Listed status

Grade and any other relevant historic designation. A specialist broker may ask for supporting details so the construction, use and rebuilding exposure can be assessed accurately.

Rebuilding value

Use an appropriate rebuilding estimate rather than the property's sale price. A specialist broker may ask for supporting details so the construction, use and rebuilding exposure can be assessed accurately.

Extensions

Explain how later extensions are constructed. A specialist broker may ask for supporting details so the construction, use and rebuilding exposure can be assessed accurately.

Renovation

Describe any substantial current building work. A specialist broker may ask for supporting details so the construction, use and rebuilding exposure can be assessed accurately.

Previous subsidence

Include the cause, repairs and underpinning where relevant. A specialist broker may ask for supporting details so the construction, use and rebuilding exposure can be assessed accurately.

Flood history

Include previous events and any flood-resilience work. A specialist broker may ask for supporting details so the construction, use and rebuilding exposure can be assessed accurately.

Outbuildings

Provide construction, use and values for significant detached buildings. A specialist broker may ask for supporting details so the construction, use and rebuilding exposure can be assessed accurately.

Occupancy

Tell the broker if the property is regularly left empty. A specialist broker may ask for supporting details so the construction, use and rebuilding exposure can be assessed accurately.

Business use

Disclose offices, studios, workshops, holiday accommodation or other commercial activity. A specialist broker may ask for supporting details so the construction, use and rebuilding exposure can be assessed accurately.

Policy terms, limits and excesses

Cover depends on the insured events, declared construction, occupancy, sums insured, endorsements, exclusions, excesses and conditions shown in the final policy documents.

Specialist insurance for non standard and unusual properties

Quote Monkey can introduce suitable enquiries involving unusual homes, listed buildings, converted properties, specialist structures, mixed construction and difficult-to-place buildings.

Request A Non Standard Construction Insurance Quote

Frequently asked questions about non standard construction insurance

What is non standard construction?

Non standard construction generally describes a property that differs from the conventional construction expected by many mainstream insurers. This can involve the structural frame, external walls, roof, building system, materials used or the property's original purpose.

What types of property can be considered non standard?

Examples can include timber-framed houses, steel-framed houses, concrete properties, prefabricated homes, system-built houses, thatched properties, cob buildings, flat-roofed houses, modular homes and unusual conversions.

Is a timber framed house non standard construction?

It can be. The broker should know whether the property is traditional timber frame, modern timber frame, timber clad or a mixture of timber and masonry.

Can wooden houses be insured?

Potentially. Tell the broker about the wall construction, foundations, roof, heating, permanent occupation and distance from neighbouring buildings.

Can steel framed houses be insured?

Potentially. The exact structural frame and external wall construction should be disclosed.

Can concrete houses get insurance?

Potentially. Concrete construction covers several different structural systems, so it is important to identify the exact type where possible.

Can precast concrete houses be insured?

Potentially. The broker may ask about the construction system, repair history and any structural certification.

Can reinforced concrete properties be insured?

Potentially. Tell the broker whether concrete forms the structural frame, walls, panels or a combination.

Can prefabricated houses get insurance?

Potentially. Both historic prefabricated homes and modern factory-built properties can require specialist consideration.

Can system built houses be insured?

Potentially. The precise system should be disclosed rather than simply describing the property as prefabricated or concrete.

Can BISF houses be insured?

Potentially. Tell the broker that the property is BISF construction and describe any major refurbishment or alterations.

Can Airey houses get insurance?

Potentially. Any structural repair programme and certification should be mentioned.

Can Cornish Unit houses be insured?

Potentially. The precise Cornish Unit type and any recognised structural repairs should be disclosed.

Can Woolaway houses be insured?

Potentially. The broker should know the original construction and any subsequent structural improvements.

Can Wimpey No Fines houses be insured?

Potentially. This construction type should be identified specifically rather than being described simply as concrete.

Can Laing Easiform houses get insurance?

Potentially. Provide the insurer with as much information about the construction and alterations as possible.

Can PRC houses get insurance?

Potentially. Whether the property remains in its original condition or has undergone a recognised repair scheme can be important.

Can modular homes get insurance?

Potentially. Modern modular construction can use highly engineered timber, steel, concrete or composite systems.

Is a flat roof considered non standard?

It can be a factor. Insurers may ask what percentage of the roof is flat, the material used and its age.

Can a house with only a small flat roof be insured?

Potentially. Tell the broker the approximate percentage rather than simply describing the entire house as flat roofed.

Can properties with green roofs be insured?

Potentially. The insurer should understand the roof system, waterproofing and extent of the green roof.

Can houses with metal roofs get insurance?

Potentially. Describe whether the roof is steel, zinc, copper, aluminium or another material.

Can thatched houses get insurance?

Potentially. Thatch usually requires specialist consideration involving roof type, chimneys, heating, electrical arrangements and fire precautions.

Can cob houses be insured?

Potentially. Cob walls, external render, roof, maintenance and any later additions should be described.

Can wattle and daub properties get insurance?

Potentially. This may be particularly relevant to historic timber-framed properties.

Can rammed earth houses get insurance?

Potentially. Tell the broker about the wall system, external protection and any other construction materials used.

Can straw bale houses get insurance?

Potentially. The insurer may ask about the structural frame, render, insulation, damp protection and fire protection.

Can mixed construction houses be insured?

Potentially. This is common with older or heavily extended properties. List the significant construction types rather than selecting only the largest one.

What if my extension is built differently from the original house?

Tell the broker. For example, a stone house with a timber-frame extension and flat roof should be described as such.

Can listed buildings get specialist insurance?

Potentially. See Listed Buildings Insurance and Grade 2 Listed Buildings Insurance information.

Can Grade II listed homes be insured?

Potentially. The broker should know the listing grade and rebuilding requirements.

What about Grade II star properties?

Potentially. More significant heritage features can increase the complexity of reinstatement.

Can Grade I listed buildings be insured?

Potentially. These buildings can require particularly specialist underwriting and rebuilding arrangements.

Can an old house be non standard even if it is not listed?

Yes. Age, historic materials and unusual construction can create specialist requirements even without formal listed status.

Can Georgian homes get insurance?

Potentially. The broker should know about original construction, cellars, roofing, later extensions and listed status where applicable.

Can Victorian properties get insurance?

Potentially. Victorian buildings can range from fairly conventional masonry homes to substantially altered or converted properties.

Can manor houses be insured?

Potentially. See Manor House Insurance for related information.

Can country houses be insured?

Potentially. Large houses can involve high rebuilding values, outbuildings and several types of construction. Use Country House Insurance.

Can castles be insured?

Potentially. Historic stonework, towers, roofs, listed status and rebuilding costs can all require specialist attention.

Can converted barns get insurance?

Potentially. See the Converted Barn Insurance information.

Can converted chapels get insurance?

Potentially. Use Converted Chapel Insurance.

Can converted churches be insured?

Potentially. Tell the broker about the original building, retained historic features and current use.

Can converted mills get insurance?

Potentially. See Converted Mill Insurance information.

Can watermills get insurance?

Potentially. See a substantial specialist watermill and waterwheel insurance section.

Can windmills be insured?

Potentially. Use Windmill Insurance.

Can water towers be insured?

Potentially. Use Water Tower Insurance.

Can oast houses get insurance?

Potentially. Use Oast House Insurance.

Can converted factories get insurance?

Potentially. Use Converted Factory Insurance.

Can converted prisons be insured?

Potentially. Use Converted Prison Insurance.

Can former military buildings get insurance?

Potentially. Use Former Military Building Insurance.

Can converted railway buildings be insured?

Potentially. See Former Railway Buildings Insurance.

Can former canal buildings be insured?

Potentially. See Former Canal Buildings Insurance.

Can former cinemas get insurance?

Potentially. Use Former Cinema Insurance.

Can architect designed houses be insured?

Potentially. Bespoke properties can combine unusual glazing, timber, steel, concrete, flat roofs and specialist structural systems.

Can eco homes get insurance?

Potentially. Tell the broker about the structural system, insulation, roofing and renewable-energy features.

Can earth sheltered houses be insured?

Potentially. Waterproofing, drainage, structural construction and roof design should be described.

Can treehouses get insurance?

Potentially, depending on use and construction. See Treehouse Insurance.

Can shepherds huts be insured?

Potentially. See Shepherds Hut Insurance.

Can chalets and lodges be insured?

Potentially. The construction, use and occupancy should be described accurately.

Can a non standard property be rented out?

Potentially. The broker should know both the unusual construction and the tenancy arrangement.

Can non standard construction buy to let properties be insured?

Potentially. Use Buy To Let Insurance where relevant.

Can non standard holiday lets be insured?

Potentially. Converted barns, mills, chapels, railway carriages, lodges and unusual buildings can all be used commercially as holiday accommodation.

Can a non standard second home be insured?

Potentially. Tell the broker how often it is occupied and how long it may remain empty.

Can an empty non standard property be insured?

Potentially. Unoccupancy, construction and reason for the property being empty should all be disclosed.

Can a non standard property undergoing renovation be insured?

Potentially. The extent and cost of the works and whether structural alterations are involved can affect the arrangement required.

Can converted blocks of flats get insurance?

Potentially. Use Block Of Converted Flats Insurance. See a substantial flats and residential-block cluster.

Can listed blocks of flats be insured?

Potentially. Use Listed Block Of Flats Buildings Insurance.

Can concrete blocks of flats be insured?

Potentially. The construction and management arrangement should both be disclosed.

Can mixed use converted buildings be insured?

Potentially. Use Mixed Use Block Of Flats Insurance where relevant.

Can commercial non standard buildings be insured?

Potentially. Non standard construction can apply to shops, offices, warehouses, factories and other commercial premises as well as homes.

Is subsidence more difficult with non standard construction?

A previous subsidence history can add another underwriting factor. See Subsidence and Underpinned Property Insurance.

Can an underpinned non standard house be insured?

Potentially. Provide details of the cause, repairs, structural reports and monitoring.

Can a previously flooded non standard building be insured?

Potentially. See Flooded Buildings Insurance, Flooded House Insurance and Flood Insurance.

Do I need to provide a survey?

Not always, but surveys can be particularly useful for unusual construction, structural repairs, subsidence history or major conversions.

What information should I provide about the roof?

Give the broker the roof material, approximate age and percentage that is flat where relevant.

Do extensions need to be disclosed?

Yes. An extension may use an entirely different construction method from the original property.

Does the original use of a converted building matter?

Yes. A former barn, school, factory, prison, railway building or chapel may retain features from its previous use.

Does the rebuilding value matter?

Yes. Rebuilding cost can be very different from market value, particularly for historic, listed and unusual buildings.

Can outbuildings be included?

Potentially. Tell the broker about substantial garages, barns, workshops, stables and other detached buildings.

What does the broker need for a quote?

Provide as much information as possible about the walls, structural frame, roof, age, original use, current use, listed status, rebuilding value, extensions, outbuildings, occupancy, renovation, flood history and subsidence history.