Choosing the Right Builder: The Key to Smooth Home Insurance Repairs

08 January 2025

When your home suffers damage—whether from fire, flood, storm or another unfortunate event, it can be a stressful and uncertain time. The last thing you want is added hassle when it comes to repairs. That’s why choosing the right builder, particularly one who understands the nuances of the insurance sector can make all the difference in getting your home back to its best.

But not all builders are created equal. While many are skilled tradespeople, not all of them have experience working within the insurance sector and therefore don’t understand the insurance claim process or what should and should not be included in the repair quote. This can lead to delays, misunderstandings and frustration for homeowners already facing enough challenges…

Let’s explore why working with the right builder is essential for smooth insurance repairs, and how to avoid common pitfalls:

Why Do Insurance Repairs Require Specialist Builders?

Insurance repairs are unique because they involve multiple stakeholders: you, your insurance company, the loss adjuster, your loss assessor, and in some cases a surveyor, restoration technicians, and then of course the builders themselves. A builder who has experience navigating the insurance claim process knows which stakeholders they need to liaise with and when. They will know what information they will be required to procure and what impact this information could have on the claim. They will know how to present their reports and quotations and what the expected time frames are for them to complete their tasks, to keep your insurance claim moving forward.

Some builders, though excellent at their craft, may not be familiar with this level of coordination. An inexperienced builder can inadvertently cause delays or even cause you to incur additional costs if they start with work that hasn’t been authorised in full. Choosing a builder well-versed in the insurance sector will provide a smoother process and gives you greater peace of mind.

The Challenges Homeowners Face with Repairs

It’s no secret that the UK housing market is under strain, and homeowners often find themselves battling wider issues. According to The HomeOwner Survey 2018, problems such as poor housing quality, rising costs and the availability of skilled builders have worsened in recent years:

57% of UK adults consider the quality of homes a serious issue.
Broken chains and unreliable contractors cause thousands of transactions to fall through annually, costing homeowners an average of £2,700.
The demand for reliable, skilled tradespeople far outstrips supply.

In an already challenging landscape, the added complication of insurance claims can feel overwhelming. If you’re faced with significant home damage, you need a builder who won’t add to your stress but will help resolve it.

What to Look for in an Insurance Repairs Builder

When selecting a builder for insurance-related repairs, consider these key factors:

1. Experience with Insurance Claims

Ask if they’ve worked on insurance repairs before and understand the process. Builders familiar with insurance claims can help make sure your repairs are approved promptly.

2. Clear and Transparent Quotes

Insurance companies require detailed, itemised quotes to approve work. A good builder will know how to prepare this without cutting corners or adding unnecessary costs.

3. Proven Track Record

Look for builders with testimonials or case studies showing their expertise in handling insurance repairs.

4. Communication Skills

Insurance repairs often require back-and-forth communication between multiple parties. Your builder should be proactive, responsive and clear.

5. Accreditations and Guarantees

Reputable builders often carry accreditations, such as being members of trusted trade associations. They should also provide guarantees on their work for your peace of mind.

6. Understanding of Timelines

Builders who know the insurance process understand the importance of sticking to agreed-upon timelines, so your home can be restored as quickly as possible.

The Benefits of Choosing the Right Builder

Working with a builder who specialises in insurance repairs brings several benefits:

Less Stress

They can handle communication with the various stakeholders, making sure your claim progresses smoothly.

Faster Repairs

By understanding the process, they reduce delays and keep the work on track.

Quality Workmanship

Experienced builders deliver repairs to a high standard, so your home is restored fully and safely.

Peace of Mind

Knowing you’re in capable hands allows you to focus on getting back to normal life.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Settle for Just Any Builder

Home repairs after an incident can be a difficult time, but choosing the right builder can ease the process significantly. A specialist in insurance repairs understands the unique requirements of the insurance sector, so your claim is handled efficiently, and your home is repaired to a high standard.

If you’re facing insurance repairs, we’re here to help. With extensive experience in insurance-related work, we’ll handle that hard part for you—so you can focus on what matters most.