What Exactly Does Buildsafe’s Cover Exclude?

What the 10-Year Warranty Actually Covers

Understanding what a 10 year building warranty covers is only half the story. Knowing what it excludes is just as critical. Buildsafe’s structural warranty offers valuable protection against major defects, but like any insurance-backed product, it comes with defined boundaries. By familiarising yourself with the key exclusions, you can make informed decisions throughout your building project, plan for additional protection if needed, and avoid unpleasant surprises later.

Why It’s Important to Know What’s Not Covered

Exclusions are an essential part of any structural warranty because they help manage expectations. While a 10 year building warranty offers peace of mind against serious structural defects, it is not a catch-all for every issue that might arise. By understanding where the cover stops, homeowners and developers can budget realistically, anticipate areas that may require separate insurance and avoid disputes later. It is much easier to plan confidently when you know both your protection and your limitations.

General Exclusions in Buildsafe’s Cover

Broad categories that are typically excluded from cover across most policies include several important areas:

Poor Maintenance or Misuse

Damage resulting from poor maintenance or misuse is not covered under a structural warranty. For example, if homeowners fail to clean gutters, ignore small leaks or deliberately overload parts of the property, any resulting damage falls outside the warranty’s protection.

Wear and Tear

Normal wear and tear is another area excluded from a 10 year building warranty. Over time, materials age and surfaces may show signs of use, but unless these issues are due to an underlying structural fault, they are considered the homeowner’s responsibility.

Non-Structural Defects

Cosmetic or non-structural issues, such as cracks in plaster, faulty fixtures or decoration problems, are generally excluded after the initial builder liability period. The warranty focuses on major elements like foundations, roofs and load-bearing walls, not on decorative finishes or minor fittings.

Specific Construction Exclusions

Building-related scenarios that fall outside the policy scope also play an important role in defining coverage.

Defects in Existing Structures

When a building warranty is taken out for part of a project, such as an extension or conversion, defects in the original structure are excluded as a general rule. Only the newly built or renovated works fall under the warranty’s protection. However, under consequential loss provisions, if defects in the new works cause damage to the existing structure, that resulting damage may be covered.

Ground Movement Not Linked to Faulty Design

Subsidence or ground movement can be alarming, but if it’s caused by natural soil conditions, tree roots or weather events rather than faulty design or construction, it will not usually be covered by the warranty. This is why many projects also carry separate insurance for natural ground risks.

Defects Caused by Third Parties

If damage is caused by neighbouring construction activities or unauthorised alterations made by homeowners or tenants, the structural warranty will not provide cover. The responsibility lies with the third party or the individual who carried out the changes.

Excluded Materials and Methods

Certain materials or construction methods can also invalidate the warranty, so it’s vital to understand these restrictions.

Non-Approved Building Techniques

The use of untested or experimental materials may fall outside the scope of cover. For example, if a builder chooses unconventional construction methods that have not been approved under the policy terms, such as using an experimental composite material not yet approved under UK building standards, any related defects may not be protected.

Incompatible Upgrades or Alterations

Once the cover begins, alterations or upgrades that compromise the original integrity of the structure can void parts of the warranty. This could include anything from installing incompatible systems to modifying structural elements without approval.

Limitations Based on Time or Responsibility

Cover limits are often tied to who was responsible for the work and when the defect arose.

Defects Known Before Cover Started

Issues that were already known or identified before the policy began are excluded from cover. The 10 year building warranty is designed to cover latent defects – those hidden at the time of handover – not pre-existing issues.

Work Outside the Builder’s Responsibility

Elements completed by contractors or trades not included under the Buildsafe agreement may not be covered. It’s crucial to ensure that all works included in your project fall under the warranty’s scope, especially in multi-contractor projects.

How to Check What Your Policy Excludes

Reading the fine print of your building warranty is the best way to understand exclusions. Reviewing the policy document carefully, especially the “Exclusions” and “Limitations” sections, will help you get a clear view of where protection starts and stops. Asking questions before you commit is equally important. If anything is unclear, speak to Buildsafe to get clarity before you move forward.

What to Do if You’re Unsure

If you are uncertain whether your planned works, materials or property details are covered, it is worth seeking independent advice. You may also want to explore supplementary insurance options to fill any gaps in your coverage and ensure full protection.

Exclusions Don’t Mean You’re Unprotected

Truly understanding the exclusions of your 10 year building warranty helps to strengthen your protection. By knowing exactly what is and isn’t covered, you can plan realistically, manage risks effectively and ensure that your home or project is safeguarded from both expected and unexpected challenges.

For tailored advice and comprehensive 10 year building warranty plans, speak to Buildsafe today.