Browse Forums Owner Builder Forum 1 Oct 17, 2013 11:44 am Hi all, Has anyone taken out OB insurance part-way through a build? Until next month I'm covered by my builder's insurance -- after that, I'm on my own. I can't get regular insurance until I get my occupancy certificate. And OB insurers won't insure me as the project has already commenced (FD Beck even turned me down). Surely it can't be this hard. I'm well past lockup, with only a few months to go until occupancy. There must be SOME way to insure my house until then...? My storybook home build: https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=57987 Re: Owner builder insurance - part-way through a build? 2Oct 17, 2013 12:44 pm Have you tried a few - eg Allianz etc. Re: Owner builder insurance - part-way through a build? 3Oct 17, 2013 5:48 pm Hi Johnson Have a talk to your building surveyor and ask him about conditional occupancy permit. Providing you can satisfy safety,health and amenity of the dwelling he may be lenient on cosmetic items. At the very least it's worth a discussion. Few years ago I was constructing factory with internal office when unknown to me owner went in (before it was finished) over xmas break and constructed more offices on top. My discussion with the building surveyor was fruitful and I was able to get around the building notice by blocking upstairs off and declaring it out of service and I got my OP. From what I have see on your posts you are well advanced so with a bit of tweaking and creativity, you never know. Foremost Building Expert in Australia,assisting with building problems/disputes, building stage inspections,pre-contract review advice for peace of mind 200 blogs http://www.buildingexpert.net.au/blog Re: Owner builder insurance - part-way through a build? 4Oct 17, 2013 8:40 pm building-expert Hi Johnson Have a talk to your building surveyor and ask him about conditional occupancy permit. Providing you can satisfy safety,health and amenity of the dwelling he may be lenient on cosmetic items. At the very least it's worth a discussion. Few years ago I was constructing factory with internal office when unknown to me owner went in (before it was finished) over xmas break and constructed more offices on top. My discussion with the building surveyor was fruitful and I was able to get around the building notice by blocking upstairs off and declaring it out of service and I got my OP. From what I have see on your posts you are well advanced so with a bit of tweaking and creativity, you never know. Good advice. Re: Owner builder insurance - part-way through a build? 5Oct 17, 2013 9:07 pm I think insurance companies see an I completed house as a risk. I had to extend my 12month OB insurance by 1 month. Their minimum insurance period was 2 months and it cost me more than half the original cost. I asked why and they said it was a higher risk if not completed within 12 months. I would continue to ring around some other OB insurance brokers. May also be worthwhile to call the insurance companies direct. My insurance company was QBE, broker was FD Beck. Re: Owner builder insurance - part-way through a build? 6Oct 18, 2013 9:09 am Cheers guys. I've written a note off to the building surveyor to see if he'll give me a conditional permit -- will let you know how that goes. JB, I called QBE and a bunch of other OB insurers direct, and all got the same result. The only outstanding is AOBIS, who may be able to insure me with a "commenced works" clause (a separate application). Again, will keep you informed... My storybook home build: https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=57987 Re: Owner builder insurance - part-way through a build? 7Oct 22, 2013 10:32 pm What about insuring along the lines of investment property insurance - if you arent living there that might be a possibility P&R Slaughter Re: Owner builder insurance - part-way through a build? 8Oct 25, 2013 2:19 pm Success! AOBIS has agreed to insure the building, annual premium $1,998.02. Does this sound about right in terms of cost? My storybook home build: https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=57987 Sorry but you have a crap builder. Probably too late now. For our last build I only spoke to builders who would allow me easy access (at no cost). I used my own sparky… 10 9838 If so what were the "special circumstances" under which it was granted? "Note: If the development consent is for 'dual occupancy' an owner-builder permit can only be… 0 14076 |