We look at the insurances required during the move, insurance for the renovation work, and what is required to transport a house on a public road.

Insurance

When the house is in transit from the old site to the new location, you will need to organise insurance for the move. This will provide cover for any damage during the move, for example, if the house falls off the truck. If this happens, you will only get back what you paid for the house. It is unlikely to cover consequential loss, for example, recompense for the cost of the new foundations which are no longer able to be used if the house is destroyed in transit. If this happens you will have to look at your contract with the house removers to see if it is covered.  Failing that you might have to look at legal remedies. 

The other insurance you should find out about is insurance for the renovation work. The builder should have cover for:

• Accidental damage to the building (builder’s all-risk policy or contract works insurance).
• Accidental damage to adjoining property, and in some cases, for personal injury (public liability).

You need to arrange normal cover for your home and contents once the house is on its new site, and make sure your insurance company is aware of the renovation work and extends cover for damage resulting from that work.

Damage to the pavement and kerb

Moving a house in a street

You may be liable for any damage to the pavement or kerb when the house is being moved. It pays to contact the council’s vehicle crossing supervisor for a condition inspection of the kerb, footpath and berm before the removal and immediately after so that any damage can be accurately assessed.