Be mindful that in the event of damage, the cost to repair or reinstate is likely to be higher than a modern home, as you will be required to use building materials in keeping with the original construction of the home, potentially even using the same building techniques that were originally used. These costs can escalate quickly, and an inadequate buildings sum insured may be exhausted quickly.
Alternative accommodation – it’s possible that your home will not be habitable following a significant loss, and you will need to seek temporary accommodation elsewhere. Your stay in an alternative residence may be longer whilst work is done to your home, as it will usually take longer to not only source the unique materials required, but also reinstate using the original techniques, as highlighted above, both of which will be dependant on the availability of such a specialist craftsman. Ensure that the Alternative Accommodation extension under your household policy allows for:
Comparative alternative accommodation to your existing circumstances (including animals, domestic staff etc)
A generous sum insured for costs and a potentially lengthy duration
An allowance also needs to be made for additional rebuild expenses including architects, legal, surveyors and other associated fees, which will be higher for listed properties due to requirements of the local planning authority.
Ensure your insurer is aware of the building’s listed status. It might sound obvious, but there can sometimes be confusion about whether a building is listed, whether just part of the building is listed or the grade of listing. If a claim for damage to a listed building is submitted to an insurer who did not know they were insuring a listing building, there’s a strong possibility the claim would be repudiated.