A live-in caretaker could be the ideal solution to protect renovation properties

Posted on 18 June, 2018

Home renovation

A recent survey from insurer Hiscox [i] found that the number of homeowners renovating instead of moving has increased five-fold in five years.

In 2013 just 3 per cent of homeowners decided to improve instead of move. Fast forward to 2018 and this has increased to 15 per cent, further rising to one in four (26%) amongst millennial homeowners (those aged 18-34).

The report also highlighted that UK local councils have seen nearly a one third (29%) rise in the number of planning permission requests made by homeowners over the last ten years.

Requests for loft renovations have seen the greatest increase at 114% from 2008 to 2017, closely followed by living room extensions (113%). There has been a steep decline in planning applications for conservatories over the same period (-74%).

Interestingly, the survey revealed that one of the biggest challenges when doing renovations is living in the property while work is being carried out. Often people doing major renovations will move out of the property. It can be stressful living on a building site, plus it’s easier for trades’ people to work if no one is there.

This can however, bring added problems as the property will be vacant during the weekends, bank holidays and evenings when tradesmen aren’t there. Indeed, Hiscox highlights the top three insurance claims for larger renovations undertaken in the past three years.

The theft of materials is the most claimed-for renovation peril, followed by water damage (from a burst pipe for example) and storm damage. The theft or damage of possessions left in the property can also be a risk, especially as most people renovating won’t take all their belongings with them if they decide to move out.

There is a solution for providing vacant property protection and that’s employing a live-in guardian. We can provide a live-in guardian for homeowners undergoing a partial home refurbishment or large renovations, as well as for conversions - from a commercial property to a residential building.

Our employees ensure that the property is secure, thereby protecting the property’s value, reducing insurance premiums and maintenance costs. The registered caretaker is also on hand to let builders and trades people in – which is helpful for people doing up a property far from where they live.

We can provide a live-in guardian for any length of time, from a couple of days to a few years. We are also flexible. Should building work not finish on time, which it so often doesn’t we will ensure the property is occupied until you move back in or the property is sold.

If you are planning a big home renovation project this year and need someone to take care of the property for you, get in touch by calling 01296 630 730 to discuss your requirements.


[i] http://www.hiscoxgroup.com/news/press-releases/2018/14-03-2018.aspx

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