When planning extensions or alterations to your church this is described as building works. While these works are in progress, it’s important you have adequate insurance in place.
The terms and clauses in your building contract usually specify who has responsibility to insure the works in progress and materials on site. It is very important that you understand the insurance implications of building works and when you need to contact us.
Our church insurance automatically covers contract works and site materials where contracts do not exceed £150,000 (including VAT and fees) and the contract is in line with clause 5.4b of the 2005 JCT Agreement for Minor Building Works, or similar. If you have limited cover for your buildings this may not meet your contractual obligations. You should check your schedule for the extent of your cover and discuss this with your architect.
There are two main types of contractual arrangements your Methodist church will enter during building works.
A formal contract will normally be a Joint Contract Tribunal (JCT) contract which covers the arrangements of a building project in detail.
Hot works describe welding, grinding, the use of open flames or the application of heat. Fires during building works can often be attributed to “hot works”. When hot works are present, there are certain procedures that must be followed to maintain a safe environment. We’ll also need your contractor to complete a hot works permit.
If the contract works include capital additions, for example an extension, we may need to update the buildings sums insured on your church insurance. It’s worth asking your architect to advise on an appropriate value based on the work.
Please let us know if this is the case and one of team will be able to update your policy. We will also endeavour to arrange with our team of surveyors for a resurvey and revaluation of the building following sizeable projects.
If any of the following apply please call us:
Building works relates to the actual work being done to your church whereas whereas contract works is the type of insurance you would take out to cover this activity.
Your volunteers may be involved in aspects of the works, such as painting and decorating. As with anyone who uses your premises, you have a responsibility for ensuring that they are kept safe.
Our made simple guide on your responsibility for people on church premises gives you a summary of what your church may need to consider.
We do not normally consider a church undergoing building works as being unoccupied if the works are relatively short term, so there may be no changes to your policy.
If your church will be unoccupied prior to commencement or following completion of the contract works, please contact us on 0345 606 1331 as soon as possible as it may be necessary for us to amend your cover.
If the building works overrun, please contact us immediately.
