Which property types need Non-Standard Home Insurance?

It can be more difficult to secure home insurance for properties built using non-standard construction methods and materials, because not all insurers are prepared to provide cover for them. This is usually because insurers or insurance brokers are unfamiliar with unusual homes, making it more difficult for them to accurately estimate the rebuild or repair costs.

If you own a property that is made from alternative materials, features unusual designs or specialist technology, or has a higher-risk profile, you may require a specialist policy instead. Understanding which property types need Non-Standard Home Insurance can help you when it comes to arranging suitable protection.

How Naturesave can help 

Naturesave is an ethical specialist Home Insurance broker who can source and arrange non-standard home insurance to cover your property at the correct level. We arrange green Home Insurance for a wide range of unique property types, including cover for:

• Residential homes
• Rented property
• Holiday homes
• Holiday lets

Our experts have decades of experience arranging insurance for non-standard buildings, from eco homes and straw bale to self-builds and timber-framed houses.

However, if you are unsure whether your property falls into the non-standard construction category and whether it needs specialist insurance, please read on.

Standard vs. non-standard construction

Standard construction homes are usually built with brick or stone walls with a slate or tiled roof. A non-standard property is anything that is not built using standard construction materials. Alternative construction materials can include timber, steel, concrete, glass, prefabricated panels, thatch, straw bale, cob, turf (grass and peat), and wattle and daub.

Is your property considered to be non-standard construction?

In this section, we look at types of homes which usually fall into an insurer’s non-standard construction category. If your property generally fits one of the descriptions below, talk to our team regarding insurance for your Buildings and Contents.

Eco homes

Specialist components and design features found in eco homes can be more expensive to repair or replace than those found in conventional homes. Eco homes and environmentally-focused properties with the following construction methods and materials usually fall outside the scope of a standard home insurer or broker:

• Modular eco-build
• Passive home
• Highly insulated timber structures
• Green roofs
• Rainwater harvesting systems
• Sustainable materials such as hempcrete or reclaimed timber

Because eco properties often incorporate bespoke construction methods and advanced energy-saving features, it is important to choose a broker that understands these differences. A policy designed for sustainable homes can help insure your building(s) for an accurate rebuild cost, taking into account specialist materials and systems that may not be covered under a standard home insurance policy.

As an insurance broker with a strong environmental focus, Naturesave understands the needs of environmentally conscious customers and can consider homes with non-standard elements that many mainstream insurers may overlook. This can provide reassurance that both the property and its eco-friendly features are properly protected.

Renewable energy systems 

Homes powered by renewable energy systems can also fall into the non-standard category. We can provide insurance for the following property systems, ensuring that your home is back up and running should your installations become damaged or destroyed following an insured event:

• Solar panels
• Battery storage units
• Air source or ground source heat pumps
• Biomass boilers
• Micro-hydro systems
• Wind turbines

Standard cover may not always include accidental damage, theft, or breakdown of renewable equipment, but tailored Renewable Energy Insurance can help ensure these systems are properly protected.

Unusual or Architect-designed homes

Unusual or architect-designed homes will often fall into the non-standard construction category. They can include:

• Barn conversions
• Converted chapels
• Converted mills
• Self-build properties
• Contemporary designs with extensive glazing or bespoke materials

These homes are unique, meaning standard policies may not reflect their true rebuild cost or specialist repair requirements.

Because these properties are one-of-a-kind, repairs can involve specialist craftsmanship, non-standard materials, or complex design features that are more expensive to source and replace. Calculating an accurate rebuild value can also be more challenging for an insurer than for a conventional home, particularly where bespoke finishes, heritage features, or modern architectural elements are involved.

Naturesave can arrange insurance for a wide range of unusual and individually-designed homes, offering cover that takes into account their distinctive construction and specialist features. With extensive experience of arranging insurance for non-standard properties, we can arrange cover for a home that may not fit the criteria of some mainstream insurers, helping secure protection that better reflects the true nature and value of your property.

Self-build homes

We can help arrange self-build Home Insurance for completed properties, particularly where the home includes eco-friendly features, non-standard construction, or unique design elements. With experience of providing insurance for specialist homes, we will consider properties that may fall outside mainstream underwriting criteria. This helps ensure your self-build is protected with cover that better reflects its individual character, rebuild value, and construction type.

Why choose Naturesave for your Home Insurance?

We are a trusted choice for homeowners looking for insurance from a company with strong ethical values and expert service. We have:

• Achieved a top ethical score from Ethical Consumer
• Received the Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development
• Earned a perfect score from The Good Shopping Guide

Alongside our environmental credentials, we offer dedicated customer support from knowledgeable advisers who understand specialist Home Insurance and help customers find suitable cover for their unique home.

For a no-obligation discussion with us regarding your insurance needs, please get in touch today.

Call: 01803 864390

Or complete our quote form