SA: Essential protections (before work starts)
What to cover before the first day on site: insurance basics, renovation traps, and how to avoid nasty surprises.
General information only (not legal advice). Always confirm cover details and exclusions with your insurer in writing.
In 60 seconds
- Construction risks start on day one — not when the house is “nearly done”.
- Most “normal home insurance” policies exclude construction-related loss/damage.
- For renovations, existing structures are the most common pitfall.
The 3 protections most owner-builders need
Contract works
Works-in-progress & materials
- Fire, storm, theft, accidental damage
- Materials on site
- Often required by lenders
Public liability
Injury / damage to others
- Visitors, neighbours, passers-by
- Property damage claims
- Legal costs can be the killer
Existing structures (reno)
If you’re altering an existing home
- Existing home policies often won’t respond
- Partial loss can be catastrophic
- Confirm cover in writing
Renovations: the “existing structures” trap
This is where many owner-builders get caught out.
- Your current home policy commonly excludes construction works or “alterations”.
- Even if the policy stays active, parts of the cover can be invalid while works are underway.
- Get an email/written confirmation of cover status, exclusions, and requirements.
Tip: If you can’t get written clarity, treat that as a red flag.
What to do (simple checklist)
- Write down your scope (new build vs reno, demolition, pool/fence, etc.).
- Ask insurers: contract works + public liability + existing structures (if reno).
- Confirm key exclusions, conditions, and what “counts as started”.
- Keep a folder: policy schedule, certificate of currency, key emails.
This content was built in consultation with industry expert Mark Adams from InsuranceTek Pty Ltd.