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Understanding house insurance while renovating

October 2025

Your insurer will be interested in the specifics of the work being undertaken. They may need to advise you if there are any restrictions or conditions to cover as part of your house insurance while renovating.

Allianz home insurance covers your legal liability in respect of injury to domestic employees carrying out work on your home such as repair, maintenance, and decoration work.

This is true of an Allianz home policy, but if you are with another insurer, you should ask for clarification.

Building an extension is likely to increase the rebuild cost of your home.

Regardless of the nature of renovation, it is always a good idea to consider whether your current sum insured is adequate for house insurance while renovating.

 If you're considering a house renovation, Ireland offers substantial financial support to encourage the adoption of renewable energy technologies such as solar panels for home. For solar PV systems that generate electricity, you can receive up to €1,800 in grant funding, while for solar thermal systems used to heat water, grants of up to €1,200 are available. There are also a range of SEAI grants available to help improve your BER rating, with support for attic and wall insulation, heating controls, and heat pumps.

Yes. Always inform your insurer before starting work. Failing to do so may void your policy or reduce your protection during the project.

Confirm your contractor’s insurance, review your sums insured, and ensure your house insurance while renovating remains valid throughout the project.

Consider factors such as increased physical risks, employer and public liability coverage, your contractor’s insurance, and updating your buildings sum insured to ensure your home insurance remains valid.

 

Allianz p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Standard acceptance criteria, terms & conditions apply

Information correct as at 21/10/2025

Martin McRandal
Business owner, consultant, and expert witness. Former motor and property insurance underwriter.