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Find out what you need to tell your insurer if you’re doing home improvements or getting building work done. And learn more about Tesco Home Insurance while renovating.
Published: 13 August 2026
Planning a renovation or some building work? If it's more than a lick of paint, you'll probably need to tell your insurer. Structural changes, like extensions, loft conversions or knocking through walls, can affect your home insurance during building work. But smaller jobs, like painting or laying new flooring, usually don't need reporting.
If you have Tesco Home Insurance, it’s important to tell us about any home improvements you’re planning. We can make sure you’ve got the right level of home insurance for building work or renovations, so your property stays protected throughout the project.
Our friendly insurance experts can help you to head off any potential issues - giving you peace of mind for your big project, so you can focus on your new-look home.
A home improvement is any project that changes the structure, layout or use of your home. That includes big jobs like extensions and loft conversions, as well as mid-size upgrades like rewiring or a new kitchen.
Common home improvements include:
If you're not sure whether your project counts, it's always worth checking you’re covered during building work before you get started.
Not all policies are the same, but you should always contact your insurer before starting a big renovation or any structural work.
If you have Tesco Home Insurance, here's what we'll need to know.
Tell us what's involved, including but not limited to:
Let us know your start and end dates, so we understand how long your home is at increased risk. Then get back in touch once the work's finished, so we can update your policy and remove any temporary conditions.
Give us an estimate of the total cost. The higher the cost, the bigger the risk, and larger projects may need more specialist cover. Major work, like adding a bedroom, can also increase the rebuild value of your home, which may affect your premium.
We'll need the name of the builder or contractor carrying out the work. It's always worth using a builder with their own liability insurance, in case something goes wrong on site.
Tell us if the renovation changes how you use your home. For example, converting part of it into a holiday let or a space to run a business from.
If you have Tesco Buildings and Contents Insurance, you don't need to tell us about small DIY jobs or cosmetic changes. For example:
Keep in mind that most policies don't cover accidental damage caused by DIY as standard. If you spill paint on the carpet or knock a hole in the wall, you might not be covered unless you've added accidental damage cover.
Tell your insurer before the work starts, not after. Contacting them early means they can check your cover is right for the project and flag anything you need to change, rather than trying to sort it out once work has started.
It's also worth telling your insurer straight away if your plans change part way through. For example, if a small renovation turns into something bigger. And once everything's finished, let them know so your policy can go back to normal.
Skipping this step is one of the most common ways homeowners end up out of pocket. If you don't tell your insurer about building work and something goes wrong, you could find that:
In short, house insurance during building work only protects you if your insurer knows the work is happening.
Whether you're planning a full renovation or a single-room upgrade, here's what to have ready before you call:
Having these details ready makes it much quicker to update your buildings insurance during building work, so you're not left waiting around once the builders are booked.
If you have Tesco Home Insurance, and need to tell us about the home improvements you’re making, simply give us a call.
Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-2pm.
Yes. Even if it's not structural, replacing a kitchen or bathroom usually involves plumbing, electrics and contractors on site, so it's worth telling your insurer before work starts.
It might. Bigger projects carry more risk, and structural changes can increase your home's rebuild value, both of which can affect your premium. Your insurer will confirm any changes when you tell them about the work.
Yes, but you'll usually need to update your existing policy rather than take out a new one. Your insurer will ask for details of the work so they can add the right cover for the build.
Most professional builders carry their own liability insurance, and it's worth checking before work starts. This covers accidental damage they cause, separately from your own home insurance while renovating.
Yes. If you're moving out during the work, tell your insurer, as some policies have rules about unoccupied properties. They can advise on any changes needed to keep your buildings insurance valid while the work is under way.
If you have any questions about your cover, or need to make a claim, we’re here to help.
Tesco Home Insurance is arranged and administered by Tesco Insurance and is underwritten by Tesco Underwriting Ltd.
You'll find complete details of the cover, monetary limits, exclusions, excesses and terms in our policy documents.
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