Need to know: structural warranties

We often get asked about structural warranties and whether they’re needed, so we asked Frame Technologies Managing Director, Simon Orrells to explain why a structural warranty is so important.

What exactly is a structural warranty?

A structural warranty is an insurance policy that can cover the cost of rectifying defects in a self-build home. It covers the design, workmanship and materials used in the construction of a property should they subsequently fail causing damage or the possibility of damage.

It’s not compulsory, but if you think you might want to sell your home within ten years you should definitely consider it. It’s also worth bearing in mind that circumstances can always change, and if you find you need to sell your home within ten years, you might have problems selling it without a warranty.

Why do self-builders need to consider a structural warranty?

As with anything valuable in life, when it comes to building your own home, you should make sure that you consider insurance.

Firstly, many banks or building societies lending on the build will insist on structural warranties. But beyond this, there are other reasons to have one in place. A structural warranty product will include a series of technical inspections, which will check that the build is following the approved design and specification and is being constructed to a good standard of construction.

For those who are unfamiliar with good building practice, for instance if you’re a first-time self-builder, incorrect applications of product or poor workmanship may be missed. With a structural warranty in place, it gives you extra peace of mind.

I have an architect’s certificate; do I still need a structural warranty?

Yes. Many self-builders think that an architect's certificate protects them from structural defects and provides some kind of insurance, but it doesn’t. An architect's certificate merely states that the building meets the required minimum standard. In other words, should any structural fault arise as a result of the architect's negligence then it's down to the homeowner to take legal action and prove it.

What does a structural warranty cover?

With a standard structural warranty, the structural elements of a property are insured, but cover can also include the weatherproof envelope of the building, drainage and contamination control measures, which is particularly useful for if you’re building on a brownfield site.

At what stage should I get a structural warranty?

You should get your quote before your building designs are submitted for Building Regulation approval. Structural warranties are often provided alongside a site insurance quotation.

If you’ve already started building, it is still possible to arrange a warranty, but the premiums escalate relative to the stage of works the project has reached – so this is a more expensive way of doing it. We would always recommend making sure you have your warranty agreed before building starts.

Do you have any advice?

When looking into structural warranties, make sure you get quotes to compare, but remember - the cheapest solution isn’t always the best solution. Always check the cover offered as well as the financial limits and the number of inspections that will be carried out. It’s also useful to consider a company who understands timber frame.

If you’d like more information about Structural Warranties and Site Insurance, you can download our brochure, created in partnership with BuildStore, which offers BuildCare Structural Warranty and BuildCare Site insurance.

Or, if you’d like to discuss how we can help you with your project, please get in touch!