Loft conversions are a popular type of home improvement that enables the previously unused loft space to be converted into a beautiful, spacious and functional area that can be used in many different ways. 

When you choose to have a loft conversion, there’s a lot to look forward to. Will it be a home office? A stunning hangout space? A movie room? Of course, there are also lots of practical factors to focus on too, so that you know that your loft conversion is going to be safe and legal. 

When you work with a trusted loft conversion company, much of the more practical elements of the project are easier to get right because an experienced loft conversion company will work to extremely high standards. They will also take care to make sure you’re continuously in the loop throughout the entire process, from design to build. 

However, there are some areas of this kind of project where it’s important to do your own research so that you don’t get caught out. A really good example of this is with home insurance. Many people are unaware that home insurance is affected by newly completed loft conversions and by loft conversion work processes. Unfortunately, if you don’t make the right changes to your home insurance for your loft conversion project you might have to deal with a range of issues, including the possible invalidation of your policy, or the lack of ability to make a claim later down the line. 

To help make sure you have your home insurance correctly adjusted to accommodate this exciting home improvement project, let’s take a closer look at loft conversions and whether you need to upgrade your home insurance when you get one: 

What Is A Loft Conversion? 

A loft conversion is when the current loft space that you have is changed so that you can use it as safe, liveable space. You can get all different kinds of loft conversion depending on your house type, preference and budget. From skylight conversions, to huge L-shaped dormer conversions, there’s an option to suit your needs. 

Key Benefits Of A Loft Conversion: 

• Suitable for homes where gardens are particularly valuable, or where there is no garden 

• Adds value to the home

• Adds additional living space to be used in many different ways

• Can provide space with the potential for rental income

• Energy-efficient

• Potential for better views of the surrounding areas

• Saves the cost and stress involved in moving house

How Does A Loft Conversion Impact Home Insurance? 

There are multiple ways that a loft conversion can impact your home insurance. 

When you are planning on having loft conversion work done you must speak to your insurance provider and let them know well in advance of work starting. If you don’t let them know you could invalidate your policy completely, which leaves you out of pocket in the event you need to make a claim both whilst the work is being done and potentially for the remainder of the policy contract too. 

Once the loft conversion is completed you should speak to your home insurance provider again to let them know that the work is complete, and to then discuss your cover type moving forward.

In many cases, a loft conversion does render the previous policy as irrelevant because of the substantial change in house structure. More often than not, after a loft conversion you’ll find that a home is underinsured and so, you will need to upgrade your policy accordingly. 

Unfortunately, this upgrade may well result in higher premiums, but it’s important to remember that this is because your home is of a higher value now, which outweighs the potential negative impact of a small monthly increase on your home insurance. 

Your home is also more functional and spacious following a loft conversion, and so whilst your premiums might go up, the positives of this new building addition in regards to quality of life far outweigh this potential negative consequence overall. 

Lastly, your home insurance could also be impacted because you have furnished your loft conversion. You may have kitted it out with white goods, large furniture like sofas and beds, and various other valuables, which means your contents insurance should be higher now to cover the higher value of your house contents. 

Do You Need A Special Home Insurance When You’re Having Your Loft Converted? 

When you have your loft converted by a loft conversion company you may find that your home insurance provider will not provide cover whilst the work is being done. 

Whilst a trusted loft conversion company will have public liability insurance and employers liability insurance, those insurance types only offer protection if the house gets damaged during the building work, or if a person injures themselves as a result of the work being done. You’ll need to have your own cover to protect the home and possessions inside it, as well as extra cover for any legal costs, accidental damage and for your own public liability too. 

Usually, the types of insurer to offer the specialist cover you need when you have a loft conversion fall under the title of ‘construction insurance specialists’ or ‘renovation and extension insurance specialists’. 

Are you doing the building work yourself? If you are, and it is a big project, you’ll want to consider self-build insurance which is often a package of policies including public liability, accidental damage and more. At the very least, it is also advisable to extend your current policy or take out separate cover for the work. Most home insurance tends to only cover basic DIY and decorating, so it is unlikely to cover your self-build loft extension work. 

The Next Step…

The most important thing to do before you have a loft conversion is to speak to your insurer to find out how the work will impact your policy, and what you need to do next. When you’re informed, you’re in control and you’re much less likely to get caught out without cover down the line. 

It’s also smart to choose an experienced, trusted and knowledgeable loft conversion company so that you can be sure they will give you as much advice as possible when it comes to the legal side of the conversion, and the kind of changes you should be making to your insurance policies. 

Hopefully, with plenty of proactivity and precaution, you can enjoy a safe building process, leading to a beautiful, functional loft conversion that brings you a great return on investment both financially, and functionally.