Structural Warranty Renewal in Ireland — At Year 10, the Expiry Trap, and What to Do
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Structural warranty: 10-year cover. At year 10, the policy expires. Review your cover and decide whether to renew or self-insure. Most self-builders let the warranty expire and self-insure. The premium for renewal is high; the risk of a major structural defect after 10 years is low. If you renew, get a structural engineer's inspection before the renewal date. Address any issues in writing with the warranty provider. The renewal decision depends on: the premium (typically 0.5–1% of the build cost per year), the value of the house, the buyer's mortgage requirement (if you're selling), and your risk tolerance. Most Irish self-builders self-insure after year 10. The latent defects insurance (separate product) typically expires at year 10 too.
TL;DR
Structural warranty: 10-year cover. At year 10, the policy expires. Review your cover and decide whether to renew or self-insure.
Most self-builders let the warranty expire and self-insure. The premium for renewal is high; the risk of a major structural defect after 10 years is low.
If you renew, get a structural engineer's inspection before the renewal date. Address any issues in writing with the warranty provider.
When this matters most
You're approaching year 10 and need to decide on warranty renewal.
When this doesn't apply
You're not at year 10.
Frequently asked questions
What happens when the structural warranty expires?
At year 10, the policy expires. Most self-builders let it expire and self-insure. The renewal premium is high; the risk of a major structural defect after 10 years is low.
Should I renew my structural warranty?
Depends on: the premium (0.5–1% of build cost per year), the value of the house, the buyer's mortgage requirement (if selling), and your risk tolerance. Most Irish self-builders self-insure after year 10.
What is latent defects insurance?
A separate product (sometimes wrapped into the structural warranty) that pays out for hidden structural defects within 10 years. Typically expires at year 10. Renewal is rare.
Sources
HomeBond, Structural warranty. https://www.homebond.ie/
Frequently asked questions
What happens when the structural warranty expires?
At year 10, the policy expires. Most self-builders let it expire and self-insure. The renewal premium is high; the risk of a major structural defect after 10 years is low.
Should I renew my structural warranty?
Depends on: the premium (0.5–1% of build cost per year), the value of the house, the buyer's mortgage requirement (if selling), and your risk tolerance. Most Irish self-builders self-insure after year 10.
What is latent defects insurance?
A separate product (sometimes wrapped into the structural warranty) that pays out for hidden structural defects within 10 years. Typically expires at year 10. Renewal is rare.