Introduction - obtaining Insurance for a listed building or listed home
can be difficult and an often time consuming exercise. Many insurance companies,
simply turn down building insurance applications as soon as they find out that
the property has listed status. The reason why cover is often refused are fairly
straight forward. For one, listed buildings often employ building techniques
that are no longer in vogue or use materials that are not readily available, as
a result, an insurance company could face a higher claim in the event of a loss.
Often listed buildings are timber framed, the walls may be timber or made of
wattle & daub for example. In the event of a claim, materials may be more
expensive to obtain and a craftsman used to listed building restoration may have
to be employed to carry out the restoration work. Certainly any reinstatement
work will need approval and have to be sympathetic to the existing or reaming
structure. Approval has to be sought from the relevant authority and this will
lead to delays in settling any claim. Delays, mean increased costs, especially
after a serious loss when perhaps the occupiers of the property are having to be
temporarily re-housed whilst the repair work is carried out.
Thus if you are looking for a listed home insurance quotation for a listed building you
will have to approach an insurer that is happy to accept the risk and the
potential increased costs following a claim. When applying for your quotations,
it is essential to provide the insurer with all the relevant information, the
construction of the property is vital as this may affect the insurance premium.
What is a listed building? - A listed building is a building of special
architectural or historic interest recognised as being worthy of protection
under special legislation. Such buildings are then entered on a statutory list;
hence the term 'listed buildings'. A listed building is often not
especially large, beautiful or in excellent condition: It’s historic interest is
often more important and worthy of preservation than its architectural quality.
Sometimes a building is chosen as it was occupied by a famous person, or was
perhaps the scene of an important event or is located in a prominent part of a
community. Listed Buildings are recognised as being of National
Importance, part of our heritage and the need to conserve them for future
generations, is vitally important as is choosing a good listed building insurer.
The listing process began in Britain in 1947, partly as a result of extensive
damage caused during the Second World War Nowadays; the Secretary of State for
Culture, Media and Sport is responsible for compiling the list of over 500,000
buildings thought to be of special value or interest. The older a building
is, the more likely it is to be listed. All buildings built before 1700 which
survive in anything like their original condition are listed, as are most built
between 1700 and 1840. Between 1840 and 1914 only buildings of 'definite quality
and character' are listed if they are of 'outstanding quality and under threat'
After that date, the criteria become tighter with time, so that post-1945
buildings have to be exceptionally important to be listed. Often it is members
of the public that bring special buildings to the attention of the secretary of
state and their role is vital is preserving our heritage. Its worth
remembering:-
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Buildings are listed so that their particular qualities can be protected by
legal safeguards.
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The listing of a building brings to its owner a degree of responsibility for
part of the nation's heritage.
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Any works to a listed building including any form of demolition, alteration,
extension, internally or externally which in anyway affect it’s special
character will require listed Building Consent before work can commence. The are
fairly severe penalties including hefty fines and even imprisonment for any
person who does obtain the necessary consents
What are the various types of Listed Building? - Listed buildings fall in
to three main groups, the listing are different in Scotland & Northern Ireland.
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Grade I buildings are regarded as being of exceptional interest. (2%)
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Grade II* listed properties are considered to be particularly important examples
of special interest buildings. (4%)
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Grade II listed buildings – by far the most common - are considered of special
interest and therefore all steps should be taken to preserve them. (94%)
In Scotland & Northern Ireland, buildings are listed are Grade A, B, C.
How to check if a property is listed? - When a building is first listed,
the owners and occupiers are notified and the listing is entered into the Local
land Charge Register. If you are not sure whether you building is listed you can
check with your local authority, they will put you through to the relevant
department.
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2008
