Renovating a flat: who answers if something goes wrong
Short answer
During renovation liability for damage caused lies with the contractor where they are at fault, and the owner’s property policy may exclude or restrict cover during construction and installation works.
The policy may treat renovation differently
Many policy wordings treat periods of construction and installation separately — with exclusions, restrictions or a duty to notify. A renovation the insurer does not know about is the easiest way for an honest claim to meet a refusal.
Who pays the neighbour below
If the damage was caused by the contractor, liability is theirs. So check whether the tradesman carries professional liability insurance — and whether it covers this exact type of work. "We will sort it out if anything happens" is not security.
The two things done in advance
First: notify the insurer that works are starting and get written confirmation of how cover changes. Second: a written contract with the contractor stating who answers for damage to third parties. Each takes a day.
Frequently asked questions
- The works are small — do I still notify?
- It depends on the terms, but the rule is simple: if the work involves installations, masonry or demolition, notifying costs less than the risk.
- Can the renovation itself be insured?
- Yes, specific construction and installation covers exist. Whether they are needed depends on the scale and on the value of neighbouring property around it.
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