The Landsite Project Insurance and Build Warranty Guide
Developers and self-builders are well advised to put protection in place before starting a project, but the range of insurance and warranty products can be confusing. This guide explains the two main forms of project cover: site insurance, which deals with problems on site before and during construction, and structural warranties, which pay to put right defects that appear after completion.
Site insurance protects the owner through the planning and building phases against risks such as fire, theft and accidents. Reputable contractors usually insure their own plant and materials, but the owner still needs public liability cover and should make sure the builder keeps adequate insurance even when no one is working on site.
Structural or build warranties are normally arranged by the developer and cover structural defects in design, workmanship or materials for up to ten years. The warranty must be taken out before work begins, and the provider inspects at key stages; the ten-year cover only starts once the build is complete. Some providers also offer building control, but that is a separate function: building control checks compliance with building regulations and is a legal requirement, whereas a warranty is not, although very few lenders will offer a mortgage on a new build without one.
The typical process is to choose a provider once planning is granted, receive a quote after an initial site visit (usually based on floor area), accept the policy and technical manual, undergo stage inspections, and then pass a final inspection before cover begins.
For claims, problems arising in the first two years or so, known as the defects period, are the developer's responsibility, with the warranty provider sometimes offering conciliation if the developer fails to act or becomes insolvent. After that, homeowners can claim directly from the provider for covered defects, which typically include foundations, external render and roofs rather than minor fixtures and fittings.
Originally published on The Landsite (10 September 2026)
