Evidence and surveys for a retrospective warranty
When a provider has not seen the work go in, the evidence does the talking. This is what specialist underwriters typically ask for on a retrospective structural warranty, why they ask for it, and how to put a strong case together.
- Instant response
- An honest answer, early
- UK FCA Regulated Broker
- 10 and 12 year cover
- Part built and finished projects
What providers ask for
The evidence behind a retrospective structural warranty
You will not need everything for every project, but each item fills a gap the provider's surveyor could not see for itself. The more you have, the more providers will look at the case.
Records from the build
- Building control inspection records and the completion certificate (building standards records in Scotland)
- Dated photographs of each stage - foundations, drainage, floor slab, walls, roof and anything later covered up
- Architect's or engineer's site inspection reports from during the build
- A timeline of the work, and details of the contractor and key trades
Design and ground
- Planning permission and the approved drawings
- Structural calculations and the engineer's drawings
- A ground investigation report and the foundation design
- Drawings and specifications for the building as it was actually built
Surveys and opening up
When the provider needs to look for itself
Records rarely answer every question. The provider's surveyor will usually visit, look at the building as it stands and compare it with the drawings and the evidence. Where something important is hidden and the records do not settle it, the provider may ask for opening up or an intrusive survey, such as:
- a trial pit dug beside a foundation to check its depth and construction
- a small area of wall, floor or roof opened up to see how it was built
- a camera survey of a wall cavity or the below-ground drainage
- further checks or a report from a structural engineer
Opening up is usually arranged and paid for by the developer or owner, and made good afterwards. We will tell you what the provider wants before anything is done.
Building a strong case
How to make your evidence count
Keep the dates
Photographs are far more useful when the date, the plot and the stage are clear. Label them as you go, or as soon as you can.
Own up to gaps
If a record is missing, say so at the start. Providers deal with gaps better when they hear about them up front than when they find them later.
Ask who saw the work
An architect or engineer who visited during the build can often provide a report that answers the question a provider is asking.
Retrospective warranty evidence - questions
What if I have no photographs of the foundations?
It does not always rule a project out. The provider may rely on building control records and engineer's reports instead, or ask for a trial pit so it can see the foundations for itself.
Is building control sign-off enough on its own?
Usually not. Building control checks the work against the building regulations, while a warranty provider assesses the risk against its own technical standards. The completion certificate is important evidence, but providers normally want more.
Who pays for surveys and opening up?
Usually the developer or owner, and on a retrospective case the provider may also charge for its own survey or review. We explain what the provider needs and what it is likely to involve before you commit.
Do I need a new ground investigation?
Not always. If one was carried out before the build, the provider will want to see it. If not, it may ask for one, depending on the site and the foundations used.
Not sure what evidence you have?
Tell us about the project and which records exist. We will tell you what providers are likely to want to see and where the gaps are.
- Takes under a minute
- Instant reply by email with your reference
- We call you, usually the same working day, with an honest view of what is possible
- Part built and completed sites across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Free and no obligation
Already filled in a proposal form? Email it to us or send it on WhatsApp with any drawings you have and we will take it from there.
