Hi all I’m in the process of sourcing my self build warranty.

 

the broker has given me a quote and Castle checkmate is the most competitively priced.

 

I never intend to claim but need the warranty for remortgaging or if I decide to sell in the first ten years.

 

my queries are is this a good reputable warranty for banks?

 

the max they offer is a £1 mill rebuild cost which is bang on what my build is costing.

 

i was advised by the broker the warranty should cover the rebuild to watertight shell.

 

obviously I may decide to spend more on my interior/home tech/cinema etc but this isn’t necessarily a requirement of the warranty cover.

 

Will the banks in future for remortgage purposes be happy with the £1 mill cover (excluding land) to wind and watertight 

 

thanks

 

 

 

On 15/06/2026 at 20:30, PSC88 said:

I never intend to claim but need the warranty for remortgaging or if I decide to sell in the first ten years

This is what lots of people say.. until they do need to make a claim. 

 

As someone who inspects on behalf of Clients (and reports to warranty providers) who find they need to make a claim against the warranty providers. I can tell you this is a mine field and there are few friends in the desert. 

On 15/06/2026 at 20:30, PSC88 said:

the max they offer is a £1 mill rebuild cost which is bang on what my build is costing.

The rebuild cost can often be above the build cost as for example you may have to demolish, clear the site first.. which can be costly. 

 

On 15/06/2026 at 20:30, PSC88 said:

i was advised by the broker the warranty should cover the rebuild to watertight shell.

I've not seen this advice before as it suggests a limit to the cover, maybe I've read this wrong and there is more to it?  The basic shell may only comprise 20% of the build cost at times.

 

I would ask your broker to seek two alternate quotes and provide you with the terms and conditions on when you and cannot make a claim. Read these carefully before making your decision. 

 

It's going to take a bit of time.. but I can assure you, based on my day job, it's at the very least going to inform you, it may save your skin later if your circumstances change. 

Structural warranties are a bit strange, as the cover is often for 10 years with a one-off premium.  Rebuild costs in 10 years could possibly double so it is difficult to judge what level you would need.