Building works guarantee

After handover, defects can appear. Building works guarantee aims to secure repair costs and protect both project owner and contractors.

What is it?

Protection after handover

It responds to certain defects found after handover of the works, depending on policy conditions.

For whom?

Owners and contractors

Useful to secure a delivered project, limit disputes and clarify who pays for repairs.

Key point

Before / after handover

All-risk site cover mainly applies during works; building works guarantee focuses on the after.

Works warranty diagram

After handover: defects that appear on the delivered works.

  1. Align Duration and deductibles By policy and defect type
  2. Core Defects after handover Repair of the works
  3. Base Handed-over works What was delivered to the owner

This is not site all-risk cover (during construction).

What is building works guarantee for?

It provides financial security when defects or non-conformities appear after project completion. For the owner, it limits the risk of bearing costly repairs alone. For contractors, it can strengthen credibility and frame quality disputes.

Topic
What to clarify
Why it matters
ScopeCovered defects
Nature of defects, discovery periods, exclusions and required evidence.
Avoid believing every post-handover defect is covered.
DurationAfter handover
Cover period and link with contractual or legal warranties.
Periods that are too short leave gaps after the site ends.
PartiesResponsibilities
Role of project owner, general contractor and subcontractors.
Poor allocation creates disputes and repair delays.

Common pitfalls

Cover confusionAll-risk site, liability and building works guarantee do not cover the same project stage.
Poorly documented handoverWithout a clear handover record, defect discussions become harder.
ExclusionsWear, insufficient maintenance or known defects may be excluded.
Amount too lowA limit that is too low will not cover structural remedial works.
With Finwise

We also secure the post-site phase

We check consistency between cover during works, liabilities and protection after handover, so the project stays protected to the end.

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Complete your construction cover

All-risk construction site insurance Construction / owner liability Machinery and plant

Analyse my building works guarantee See all-risk site insurance

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