A beginner’s guide to insurance and warranties in below ground structures
A basement, by definition, is a floor level or floor levels of a building/structure which is partly or entirely below ground level. The term basement can also be used as a term to describe a cellar or refer to any sort of below ground space to provide storage, a car park, service space, accommodation and so on.
For anyone wishing to extend their family home, basements and cellars are a great solution to maximising the use of available land without losing amenities such as garden space.
The first and most important benefit of having a basement is that it provides homeowners with extra space without compromising on the outdoor or indoor space available. It’s an entire additional floor being added to your floor plan, which can be used in a multitude of ways.
As with any home improvements, you may do some or most yourself, but there will always be tasks that are too big or specialised and require a specialist contractor. For any below ground structure, we would always recommend using a specialist.
The hardest part of any home renovation project isn’t the work itself; it’s finding a competent and dependable contractor to do the job.
Whilst we do our best to endorse our Delta Registered Installer Network of contractors, not everyone is so compliant outside of the Delta community. It’s important to check references, resolution history, credit checks and insurance documents to start.
What Is an Insurance Backed Guarantee?
An Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) is a guarantee given by a contractor to provide peace of mind in the event the contractor ceases trading. Contractors can offer guarantees for up to 25 years, but if the company ceases to trade, for whatever reason, without a IBG that guarantee is worthless, leaving the homeowner unable to make any claim under the terms of the original guarantee. Think of a IBG as an honour for the terms of the installing contractors’ own guarantee.
What is a Warranty?
A building warranty is a comprehensive insurance policy that is provided by a developer to the owner/buyer. It offers peace of mind that the building has been constructed to a standard set by the warranty provider.
Warranty providers policies vary depending on the warranty and building application type but generally a warranty will cover structural damage, defects to walls roofs and foundations.
IBGs and Warranties in below ground structures – waterproofing
When designing the most appropriate waterproofing system to any given situation, various design factors will need addressing such as (but not limited to), final use of the building, the grade of waterproofing requirement under the British Standard, structural considerations based on the form of construction and in some cases, satisfying the requirements of building warranty providers.
Waterproofing installation companies can offer homeowners IBG’s, meaning the installed waterproofing system is covered in terms of the original guarantee.
Just like the name implies, Delta’s technical team are responsible for the design and planning of structural waterproofing systems. Delta’s trusted team can provide waterproofing designs capable of meeting Warranty Providers Standards and can be installed by a reputable contractor able to offer Insurance Back Guarantees.
We’re always happy to help. To speak to Delta’s Technical Team or for specification support email: info@deltamembranes.com or visit www.deltamembranes.com
If you have a general question, or if you’d like to talk to someone but you’re unsure which team you should speak to, give us a call on 01992 523 523.
