Yeah, I’ve run into the same thing—always some weird loophole or “interpretation” in the policy. I’ve started making a checklist of what I care about most and asking for those in writing. Not perfect, but it’s saved me a headache or two. Still, wish it was more straightforward...
Honestly, I get why you’d want everything in writing, but even then, it’s not always ironclad. My builder’s contract spelled out insurance responsibilities, but when a pipe burst, both sides pointed fingers. Sometimes, even the paperwork just leads to more back-and-forth. I almost think hiring a third-party inspector is just as important as the checklist—at least then you’ve got someone else in your corner if things go sideways.
Sometimes, even the paperwork just leads to more back-and-forth.
Man, I feel this so much. When we renovated our kitchen, we had everything spelled out, down to who’d cover what if something broke. Guess what? The oven wiring fried and it turned into this weird blame game between the electrician and the builder’s insurance. I ended up spending hours on calls, and in the end, I had to dip into my rainy day fund. If I could do it again, I’d probably save a bit more up front for a third-party inspector—peace of mind is worth a lot when you’re on a tight budget.
Title: Builder Insurance—Ever Wondered Who Covers the Mishaps?
Honestly, I get why you’d want a third-party inspector, but I’m not sure it would’ve solved the blame game. Inspectors can catch stuff before it’s finished, but once things go sideways after install, insurance companies still love to point fingers. Ever try getting two trades to agree on anything? It’s like herding cats... Sometimes I wonder if paying extra for “all-risk” coverage is worth it, or if you just end up back at square one anyway.
Sometimes I wonder if paying extra for “all-risk” coverage is worth it, or if you just end up back at square one anyway.
I get where you’re coming from, but I actually think the “all-risk” coverage can be worth it—at least for peace of mind. Yeah, insurance companies can be a pain when it comes to claims, but having that broader policy has saved me a couple times. Once, a pipe burst after install and both the plumber and builder pointed fingers, but the all-risk policy covered it while they sorted out who was at fault. Without it, I’d have been stuck in limbo.
I do agree that inspectors aren’t a magic fix. They help catch stuff early, but they can’t predict every issue down the line. Still, I’d rather pay a bit more upfront for coverage than risk a huge bill later. It’s not perfect, but in my experience, it’s better than nothing... especially when trades start arguing and nobody wants to take responsibility.
