What Should You Consider When Buying A Thatched Property?
Thatched properties are an idyllic option for countryside living, providing traditional aesthetics and a cosy home life. However, the beautiful roof requires extra care and will need a bespoke thatch insurance policy to protect it. There are several things you should consider before buying a thatched property, we have outlined a few of these things to help your decision.
Roof Maintenance
Unlike a standard tiled roof, a thatched roof needs to be replaced more frequently and will require slightly more maintenance. This obviously varies between properties, and you may need to consult a thatcher to find out the current state of your roof. However, don’t let this put you off! If a thatched roof looks dirty or slightly worse for wear, it doesn’t mean that it needs a complete replacement. We always recommend that you speak to a professional thatcher to establish the state of the roof, it may be that it needs a couple of repairs.
Another thing to consider before repairing or re-thatching is that there may be some restrictions on your property. Many thatched properties are situated within conservation areas, and you may need to fit certain guidelines with your style of thatch or materials you use. The main positive of a recently thatched roof is that your thatched property insurance may have a reduced premium, as it poses less of a risk.
Fire Safety
It is actually very unlikely for a thatched roof to catch fire, but if it does then it is notoriously hard to put out. There are many steps you can take to prevent extensive fire damage and help your thatched house insurance policy. The first is to make sure that you chimney is swept at least once a year, to ensure it is in good condition. Chimney fires can be extremely dangerous, so this is important for your safety as well your thatched home. An obvious addition to this is to make sure that you have a working fire alarm.
Older properties may also have older wiring, it is important that you complete thorough electrical inspections every 5-10 years. Any electrical fires will be detrimental to your property and without an inspection, some insurers may be unwilling to give you a comprehensive thatch insurance policy.
Comprehensive Home Insurance
Arguably the most important factor for any homeowner is having comprehensive buildings insurance. A specialist thatched house insurance policy goes the extra mile to protect your roof as well as the rest of your property. The reason you need a specialist policy is because it is a nonstandard construction and therefore poses more risks than a home with a standard tiled roof. At Higos, we are happy to discuss your home and go through all of the risk assessments that you can complete to get the best price on your thatch insurance from a specialist insurer. We make sure that actual risks are taken into account and won’t overcharge for problems that may not exist on your property.
If you are interested in taking out a thatched roof insurance, make sure you contact our specialist team. Our team of friendly experts will guide you through the whole process from start to finish. You can speak to our thatched house insurance team by calling 01458 675522 or by filling out our online call back form.