BLP Insurance responds to the Government's consultation on development rights for homeowners

May 10, 2013 - PRLog -- As the UK’s first National Self Build comes to an end, Kim Venau, CEO of housing warranty provider BLP Insurance, reflects on the issues facing aspiring developers when turning their dream house into reality and why so many are scared to take the leap:

“The first National Self-Build week has bought with it a debate about the future of self builds in the UK and how as an industry we can help to bridge the gap between the desire to self build and actually realising this ambition.

“Having building work done in your home can phase the best of us, but building a home or extension from scratch can be a daunting task.  Self-builders need support from building partners who are there to help, not hinder or exploit. With much noise in the media around so called ‘rogue traders’ and projects ending horribly wrong with expensive consequences, it’s no wonder that aspiring developers are wary of starting their own build project.

“A number of professionals will have to be involved and the self-builder will not necessarily have the expertise to know whether they are delivering on promises or cutting corners. Self-builders should have comfort and confidence in their contractors so that their dream home can be built or renovated to the highest possible standard, without the menace of hidden costs down the line and slipping schedules.

“That comfort also extends to knowing that if something goes wrong, their project is insured and protected and that’s where having housing warranty insurance provides that peace of mind. Once the contractor is finished can self-builders ensure they make good any problems when the house is handed over? Warranty insurance insures the building so if something does go wrong any problems can be dealt with and remedied effectively and efficiently without having to go back to the contractor who got it wrong in the first place.”

Notes to editors:

To interview Kim Vernau, please call the BLP team at Broadgate Mainland on 020 7726 6111 (BLP@broadgatemainland.com)

For further information on BLP see: www.blpinsurance.com
About BLP Insurance

BLP offers an innovative, revolutionary approach to defects insurance for new buildings and refurbishments in commercial and mixed schemes. Unlike traditional new homes warranties, BLP’s insurance covers the building – not the developer – and does not ask developers to pay up front registration fees, ongoing membership fees, bonds, guarantees or deposits. For claims, only proof of damage is required not proof of liability. BLP’s cover is approved by the majority of British mortgage lenders.

BLP has long standing relationships with architects, brokers, designers, builders, developers, housing associations and professionals to the building, pension and insurance sectors.  It is regulated by the FSA and backed by Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty AG (UK branch) which has an AA insurer star rating.