A structural warranty covers defects in the building and design of a construction project, as well as any defects uncovered in the materials used in the build.

An insurance provider will usually carry out scheduled checks of the build at different stages to inspect for any defects.

While the stages when these technical audits are carried out can differ, they’re usually done during the laying of the foundations, the building of the main structure, the pre-felt and batten of the roof, the pre-plaster of any interior walls, and, finally, once the project is complete.

Inspectors will be looking for any signs of degradation (such as cracks in the walls or structural issues with the foundation) to ensure the structure will be safe.

Here’s what a structural warranty covers:

  • Costs to fully or partially rebuild a building as a result of structural defects, and the costs to fix any defects within a property that are attributed to defects in the design and build of a property, or any defects discovered in the materials used for the project
  • Costs to rectify damage caused by water as a result of problems with the design, build or materials used in a project
  • Costs associated with fixing issues caused as a result of the drainage system built as part of the construction project
  • Defects insurance for a period of up to 24 months after practical completion
  • Structural insurance after 24 months have elapsed from practical completion
  • Alternative accommodation costs
  • Fees
  • Removal of debris

A structural warranty can also cover (depending on the individual provider and policy):

  • Deposit protection in the event the developer goes bankrupt
  • The cost of removing contaminated land from the development plot
  • Cover in case the property (or parts of it) were not built in proper compliance with building regulations