- The Biggest Risks During a Self Build and How to Protect Against Them
Building your own home is an exciting journey, but every self build carries risks that have the potential to delay your project and increase costs.
- Should You Tell Your Home Insurance Provider About Renovation Work?
Planning a renovation is an exciting opportunity to improve how your home looks, feels and functions. However, one of the most commonly overlooked steps is informing your home insurance provider be...
- Site Insurance Claims and Theft: Protecting Your Assets During a Build
Construction sites are attractive targets for thieves. Valuable building materials, tools and plant equipment are often left on site, making self build, renovation and extension projects particular...
- Common Self-Build Mistakes That Can Increase Costs
Building your own home can be one of the most rewarding projects you’ll ever undertake, but it can also become significantly more expensive if common mistakes are made along the way.
- Eco Renovation Ideas to Transform Your Home While Protecting Your Investment
Retrofitting an older property has become one of the most effective ways to create a comfortable, energy-efficient and sustainable home.
- How to Choose the Right Extension Insurance for Your Project
Adding an extension is one of the most popular ways to create additional living space and increase the value of your home. Whether you’re building a larger kitchen, adding a second storey or ...
- Top Cost-Cutting Tips for Your Self Build Project
How can you reduce the cost of a self build project without putting quality at risk? The best approach is to plan carefully from the outset, keep the design practical, compare suppliers, manage lab...
- What Is Self-Build Site Insurance – And Do You Really Need It?
Self-build site insurance is a specialist policy that protects your building project, covering the works, materials, existing structures and public liability, from the moment you buy the plot until...
- What Is a 10-Year Structural Warranty? – And Why Every New Build Needs One
A 10-year structural warranty is an insurance policy that protects your completed new-build home against defects in design, workmanship or materials for a decade after completion.
- How a Structural Warranty Helps You Secure a Mortgage for Your Self-Build
Most UK mortgage lenders require a recognised 10-year structural warranty before they’ll lend against a newly built or converted property.
- How a Structural Warranty Can Help Secure Mortgage Approval for Your Self Build
Securing finance is one of the biggest challenges many self builders face, and lenders often look closely at how risk is managed throughout the project.
- Why You Should Arrange a Structural Warranty Before Starting Your Build
When planning a self build project, timing matters. One of the most common mistakes self builders make is leaving their structural warranty arrangements too late.
- Why a Structural Warranty Matters More Than You Think In Self Build Projects
A structural warranty is one of the most important protections you can put in place during a self build project.
- From Vision to Reality: Planning Your Self Build Project
Every successful self build starts with careful, considered planning. While the construction phase often gets the most attention, it is the decisions made early on that shape the outcome of your pr...
- Do Lenders Accept a Professional Consultant Certificate Instead of a Warranty?
If you’re planning a self build project, one of the key questions you’ll face is whether a Professional Consultant Certificate (PCC) can be used instead of a structural warranty when applying f...
- Planning Permission Made Simple: Your Roadmap to Getting Approved First Time
Securing planning permission is one of the most important early milestones in any self build project. It is the point where your ideas are formally assessed and either approved or challenged. While...
- Can I Get Insurance If My Build Is Delayed?
Delays are one of the most common and stressful parts of any self-build project. Whether it’s weather, material shortages, contractor availability, or planning setbacks, timelines rarely go exact...
- Smart Self Build Planning: How to Get It Right From Day One
A successful self build is rarely the result of luck. It is the outcome of careful planning, informed decision-making and a clear understanding of the process from the very beginning.
- Building Contracts Explained: What Every Self Builder Needs to Know Before Signing
A building contract is one of the most important documents you will encounter during your self build journey. It sets out the terms of your relationship with your contractor and provides a framewor...
- Do You Need Insurance Before Planning Permission Is Approved?
Planning permission is often the first major milestone in a self build project. However, many people wonder whether insurance needs to be arranged before planning approval is granted.
- Site Insurance vs Home Insurance: What’s the Difference?
When planning a self build, renovation or major extension, many people assume their existing home insurance policy will protect the project.
- Does Site Insurance Cover Theft and Vandalism?
When planning a self build, renovation or major extension, many people assume their existing home insurance policy will protect the project.
- How Conversion Insurance Provides Peace of Mind During Building Projects
Converting an existing building into your future home is one of the most rewarding forms of self build.
- Conversion Insurance for Developers A Practical Guide to Protecting Your Investment
For property developers, conversions present a strong commercial opportunity. Transforming barns, offices, mills or large residential properties into modern homes can unlock significant value.
- Protecting Your Self-Build Project: Tips and Best Practices
Self build projects demand careful planning, detailed budgeting and decisive project management. Yet one area that is often underestimated is risk.
- Why Site Insurance Is Essential Even for Permitted Development Projects
It is a common assumption that if planning permission is not required, the risks of a building project are lower. In reality, Permitted Development has no impact on construction risk.
- Planning Your Spring Building Project: A Practical Checklist for Self Builders and Converters
Spring is one of the most popular times to start a self build or conversion project. With longer daylight hours, improving weather and contractors becoming more available after winter, it often fee...
- Common Risks During the Early Build Stages and How to Protect Your Project
The early stages of a building project are among the most important and most exposed. Whether you are a self builder starting on a new plot or renovating or converting an existing property,...
- What the Labour Autumn Budget Means for Housebuilding and Self Builders
Rachel Reeves has delivered her first Autumn Budget as Chancellor, setting out Labour’s fiscal direction and funding priorities for the year ahead.
- Protecting Your Investment: Insurance for Renovations
Renovating your home is an exciting investment, but it also exposes your property and finances to new risks
- Renovation Project Insurance: What You Need to Know
Renovating your home is an exciting opportunity to improve comfort, increase value, and transform the way you live.
- Renovation Insurance Myths vs Reality
Renovating a home is an exciting project, but it also brings risks that many homeowners do not fully understand. As a result, renovation insurance is often overlooked or misunderstood.
- Steps to Secure the Best Home Renovation Insurance
Planning a home renovation is exciting, but before any work begins, it is essential to make sure you have the right insurance in place.
- Understanding Renovation Insurance A Beginner’s Guide
Renovating your home is an exciting opportunity to improve comfort, increase value, and create a space that truly works for you.
- The Shocking Truth About Builder’s Insurance You Need to Know
Many self builders assume that their builder’s insurance automatically protects them if something goes wrong during construction.
- Site Insurance: What Every Self-Builder Should Know
For anyone taking on a self build project, site insurance is not just another item on the to-do list, it is one of the most important safeguards you can have in place.
- Site Insurance: Exploring the Benefits of Self Build Insurance
From accidental damage to theft or on-site injuries, unexpected problems whilst doing a self build can quickly put your budget and timeline under pressure.
- Self-Build Zone to Exhibit at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show Somerset 2025
Self-Build Zone is delighted to announce its attendance at the
Self-Build Zone Proudly Sponsors the Build It Awards 2025 – Celebrating the Best in Self-Build and RenovationSelf-Build Zone is proud to announce its sponsorship of the Build It Awards 2025, supporting the Best Self Build or Renovation Project category.
- Avoiding Common Pitfalls with Builder’s Insurance
When choosing to do a self build project, many homeowners assume that their builder’s insurance will automatically cover every aspect of the work. However, this misconception is one of the most c...
- Comprehensive Coverage: Self Build Insurance Explained
Taking on a self build project is an exciting and fulfilling experience that allows you to create a home tailored to your lifestyle and needs. However, it also involves significant financial invest...
- The Rationale Behind Investing in Site Insurance
While most self builders carefully plan their design, budget, and timeline, many underestimate one of the most critical aspects of project security: site insurance.
- Top Reasons to Secure Site Insurance for New Builds
Building a new home is one of the most significant investments many people will ever make. Whether you are a self-builder managing your own project or hiring contractors, every stage of constructio...
- Why Choose Self Build Insurance Over Builder’s Insurance?
When planning a self-build, one of the most important considerations is how you protect your investment. Many assume that a builder’s insurance policy will cover the project, but this is a common...
- Homebuilding & Renovating Show London 2025
Planning a home project in 2025? Visit the Self-Build Zone at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show London, taking place from 19–21 September at ExCeL London, Stand F133.
- Meet Self-Build Zone at Build It Live South West
Self-Build Zone is delighted to announce we will be exhibiting at Build It Live South West 2025, taking place at the Westpoint Arena in Exeter on 13–14 September. Visit us on Stand D19 to discove...
- Autumn Build Projects: How to Prepare for Wet Weather and Site Risks
Autumn is a popular season for launching self-build and
extension projects, especially once
Complete Guide to Self-Build Insurance and WarrantiesFor every bespoke
self-build,
conversion or
Do I need Site Insurance AND a Structural Warranty when converting or extending?Site insurance protects your project during construction, from the start of works until completion. It covers risks such as fire, storm damage, theft, malicious damage, public liability and injury ...
- New Build Insurance: Your Questions Answered
Whether you’re embarking on a self-build project, managing a new-build development, or overseeing a custom build, insurance should be an essential part of your planning from the outset. At Se...
- Self-Build Zone is working with Wickes TradePro, to offer exclusive savings to customers
Self-Build Zone announces a new agreement with Wickes TradePro to bring exclusive benefits to its customers. The collaboration will allow our customers to register for a Wickes TradePro membership,...
- A guide to self build insurance
Site Insurance is necessary to protect your investment when you’re carrying out a renovation, conversion, extension, or self build.
- Does my existing home insurance cover home extension work?
Does my home insurance cover extensions? When you embark on a
home extension or renovation project, insurance is probably the last t...
- Your self-build and extension insurance questions answered
If you’re in the planning stages of a self-build housing project or a
home extension, insurance considerations need to be made to ...
- Unlocking Potential: House Extensions and Open-Plan Living
If you’ve ever felt squeezed for space in your home—whether you need room for a growing family, a dream home office, or a fresh, modern layout—house extensions are a...
- How to Lay House Foundations in Bad Weather
As winter sets in, the idea of laying the foundations in bad weather for a self-build home, extension, or conversion can feel particularly daunting. It’s common to assum...
- NaCSBA Appoints Sarah Kempton to Executive Committee
Sarah Kempton, Marketing Manager for Self-Build Zone, has been invited to join the NaCSBA (National Custom and Self Build Association) CIC Board as part of its Executive Committee.
- Self Build Insurance at Homebuilding & Renovating Show Farnborough
The first Homebuilding & Revonating Show 2025 takes place in Farnborough in January. Join Self-Build Zone for more insight into our site insurance and warranties.
- Do you need to insure your house extension project?
Carrying out a home extension can feel challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the design, planning, and construction stages. There’s a lot to consider—architectural and structural ...
- Harrogate Homebuilding & Renovating Show for Self Build Insurance
Join us this weekend at Homebuilding & Renovating Harrogate for more insight into our self-build site insurance and warranties! Doing a self build is likely to be one of the largest financial c...
- New Building Regulations Increase the need for Principal Designers on all Construction Projects
After the Grenfell fire killed 72 people, the Government brought in new legislation designed to improve building safety.
- Self-Build Zone Sponsors 2024 Build It Awards
The 2024 Build It Awards are now live, the judges’ shortlist of six incredible homes is in, and votes are now open for the best Self Build Home or Renovation Project 2024.
- Self Build Site Insurance and Warranties Featured at HBR London
Join us this week at Homebuilding & Renovating London for an insightful discussion on self-build site insurance and warranties! Building your own home is likely one of the biggest financial com...
- Protecting your Self Build Project from Start to Finish and Beyond
Building your own home comes with its share of risks and challenges. To alleviate these risks, securing appropriate site insurance to cover your project throughout your build and ensuring a structu...
- How Conversion Insurance Helps with Unexpected Project Delays
Conversion site insurance is a crucial safety net that can help protect you during unexpected project delays, especially in scenarios such as self-builds, renovations, or conversions where investme...
- Self Build Project Pre-Start Checklist
Undertaking a self build project – particularly if this is your first time – can seem overwhelming. So, before construction begins, it’s wise to take some basic preparatory steps that will sa...
- Custom and Self Build Market Report from NaCSBA 2023/2024
NaCSBA’s 100-page Custom and Self Build Market Report is an annual resource that provides critical insights and data for the sector, making it indispensable for anyone involved in the custom ...
- Join us at Build It Live Bicester in June
The team will be at Build It Live for all your self-build insurance and warranty requirements in June. Bringing the magazine to life, Build It Live in Bicester brings face-to-face inspiration, thou...
- Self-build Insurance and Warranties Featured at Homebuilding & Renovating Show
Join us this week at Homebuilding & Renovating to discuss self-build insurance and warranties! A self-build is usually one of the largest financial investments you will make, so you should ensu...
- Insurance & Warranties for Timber Frame Builds
Timber construction has surged in popularity among self-builders in recent years, offering sustainability, affordability, and aesthetic appeal. Whether it’s timber frame, structural insulated pan...
- Guide to Understanding Home Renovation Site Insurance
Undertaking a home renovation project is an exciting journey with potential ideas to improve your home’s layout, usability, and value. Familiarise yourself with many different stages, particularl...
- Custom and Self-Build Homes Outperform Standard New Builds in Generating Local Impact
In the newly released NaCSBA Custom and Self Build Homes Report 2023/24, groundbreaking research reveals that custom and self-build homes wield a substantially more sig...
- Self-Build Zone will see you at Build It LIVE – South East!
Build It LIVE South East is the longest-running show in the series, taking place in the heart of Kent. Self-Build Zone, along with hundreds of other companies, will be showcasing our products and s...
- A Guide to Planning Your Dream Kitchen Extension
A kitchen extension breathes new life into confined culinary spaces, transforming them into versatile hubs that cater to the entire family. Today’s kitchens have evolved beyond mere cooking z...
- Achieving Superior Energy Efficiency: The Advantages of Self-Builds to Passive House Standards
Building energy-efficient homes has become a top priority in an era of increasing environmental concerns and rising energy costs.
- Laying foundations during bad weather months
Laying foundations in bad weather. As winter is fast approaching, the prospect of laying the foundations for a self-build house, house extension, or conversion can seem particularly daunting.
- How Adding a Flat Roof Extension Improves Your Home
Adding an extension to your home, such as a flat roof extension, can be a great way to increase space and add significant value to your property.
- NaCSBA Launch Digital Right to Build Data Analysis Tool
Self-build and specialist custom-build experts
LivedIn and
A Solid Foundation: Why Site Insurance is Essential for Your Self-Build House ProjectEmbarking on a self-build house project is an exciting and rewarding journey. The opportunity to create your dream home, tailored to your unique requirements, is something many of us aspire to achi...
- Extending Your Home: A Short Guide to House Extensions, Average Costs, and Open Plan Living
If you’ve ever felt cramped in your home and often think about extending your living space to accommodate new family members, or you finally want to create the home office of your dreams, whateve...
- The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Home Renovation Site Insurance
Renovation site insurance: Undertaking a home renovation project is an exciting journey filled with potential ideas to improve your...
- Planning a Loft Conversion: Tips and Tricks
Are you considering a loft extension to add value to your home? If so, you’re not alone. Loft extensions are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners who want to make the most of their ...
- Considerations for laying the foundations of a house extension
Investing in well-designed foundations is vital. The foundations of any house extension are essential for ensuring your extension stays solid and stable for years.
- Renovation insurance is different to home insurance
Renovation Insurance: A home renovation project can improve your quality of life, increase the value of your property and turn a ba...
- Weighing up the Cost Benefits of Modular vs Traditional Construction Methods for Housing
When deciding what type of house build to undertake, modular and traditional construction methods offer different advantages.
- How to fund your self-build dream house
For most people getting their finances in order is the natural starting point when embarking on a self build project.
- Finding the perfect self build plot
Every year there are approximately 13,000 self build housing projects completed, and each one of those would have had to go through some form of plot-finding process.
- Does the future of housing sit with custom-build developments?
Custom-build housing is where an individual builds their own home or contracts a builder or developer to create a ‘custom built’ home for them.
- The importance of site insurance for home extensions
Embarking on a home extension can be the start of a very daunting journey, especially if you’re not familiar with the design, planning, and build stages.
- Levelling up and Regeneration Bill update for custom and self build housing
The government has set out the next steps for the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill (LURB) as it progresses through Parliament, with amendments tabled for custom and self build.
- We'll be in by Christmas!
That old chestnut? With just six weeks until the big ho ho ho, there will be lots of self builds and home extensions hanging precariously in the balance as the infamous Christmas deadline looms.
- Soaring prices and labour shortages could affect your self-build project
The ongoing construction materials shortage is starting to recover but continues to be hampered by price hikes, in the year to July 2022, material prices for all work have increased by nearly 25%.
- Building or extending your home in winter
Starting a build or extension during the winter months is perceived by many to be a ‘no-go’, with many worrying about how bad weather can impact build schedules.
- Cost of building new homes in UK accelerating significantly
Research, undertaken by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) for the housing association trade body National Housing Federation (NHF), has revealed that the cost of building new ho...
- New homes built from 2025 to produce 75-80% less carbon emissions
The Future Homes Standard is a set of rules that will come into effect from 2025 to ensure all new homes produce fewer carbon emissions.
- Managing your self-build during a heatwave
In the UK, we simply love to talk about the weather! Usually, we write articles to advise on laying foundations in bad weather, whether to pour concrete in the rain, managing flood risks on site etc.
- Insuring my self build: what you really need to know
Purchased your plot? The moment you purchase a plot you are responsible for it and more importantly if anyone gets hurt on your plot whether invited or trespassing.
- Do I still need site insurance if I'm using a main contractor?
When you’re in the planning stages of a house extension, conversion or self-build, your to-do list from the start is already quite lengthy, with broken down elements from the design, planning, an...
- Help to Build Scheme officially launches
Help to Build is now open to applications today Monday 27th June to help people with the cost of building their own homes.
- Bought your self-build plot? You need to insure it straight away
Once you’ve completed the conveyancing and bought a plot of land, no matter whether you’re ready to build now or at some stage in the future, you become immediately responsible for the land.
- What's the difference between an Architect Certificate and a Structural Warranty?
No, this isn’t a lead-in to a silly joke! It’s a question we get asked all the time. There is currently no legislation in place that requires you to have any particular cover for your new home ...
- Do I need structural warranty for my new home?
You will need a structural warranty insurance policy to gain protection against any fundamental structural problems with a new building, typically for up to 10 years after completion.
- What is site insurance?
Whether you are doing a self build, renovation, or extension, don’t forget about the importance of specialist
site insurance, it will s...
- Self-Build Zone is recommended provider of self build insurance for Scandia-Hus
Self-Build Zone is a recommended provider of self-build insurance and structural warranties for Swedish-heritage, timber-framed house builders, Scandia-Hus.
- Self Build Site Insurance – Top Myths & Misconceptions
