Storm Éowyn: How to Storm-Proof Your Home

Niket Kapur • 24 January 2025

Essential Tips for Securing Your Property Against Extreme Weather

Introduction: The Importance of Storm-Proofing Your Home


With Storm Éowyn currently battering the United Kingdom with winds up to 100 miles per hour and heavy rain, the importance of storm-proofing your home has never been more apparent. As extreme weather events become more frequent due to climate change, it is essential to take proactive measures to protect your property and ensure your family’s safety. This guide will help you identify key areas to strengthen and provide practical advice to safeguard your home against high winds and heavy rain.


Assessing Vulnerabilities: Know Your Home’s Weak Points


Begin by identifying areas of your home that are most vulnerable to storm damage. This includes inspecting for loose roof tiles, weak fences, and any structural issues that could worsen during a storm. Early identification of these weak points can significantly reduce the risk of damage.


Securing Windows and Doors: First Line of Defence


Ensure all windows and doors are properly sealed and secure. Storm shutters are an effective way to protect your home, and reinforcing existing windows and doors can provide additional security against high winds and debris.


Roof and Gutter Maintenance: Preventing Leaks and Damage


Regularly inspect your roof for damaged or missing tiles. Clearing your gutters of debris is essential to prevent water buildup, which could cause leaks or structural damage during heavy rain.


Outdoor Areas: Securing Loose Items and Structures


Anchor or store away outdoor furniture, tools, and decorations that could become dangerous in high winds. Pay particular attention to large trees near your property, as these pose a significant risk of falling and causing damage during severe storms.


Protecting Vehicles: Avoiding Damage from Loose Tiles and Debris


Vehicles parked in driveways are vulnerable to damage from falling roof tiles and other debris. Whenever possible, park vehicles in a garage or away from areas prone to falling objects.


Emergency Preparedness: What to Have on Hand


Assemble an emergency kit containing essential items such as torches, batteries, bottled water, and a first aid kit. Preparing in advance will help you and your family remain safe and comfortable in the event of power outages or other disruptions.


Handling Damage: Expediting Insurance Claims


If your property sustains damage, it is crucial to expedite your insurance claim. Keep all important documents accessible and take photographs of any damage as evidence. Promptly notifying your insurer will help to ensure a quicker response and repair process.


Conclusion: Staying Safe During Storms


Storm-proofing your home is a vital step in protecting your property and your loved ones from the increasing threat of severe weather. By taking these proactive measures, you can minimise damage and create a safer living environment. With Storm Éowyn serving as a timely reminder, there is no better time to prepare your home for adverse weather conditions.

Case Study – Building Without Insurance

by Niket Kapur • 20 March 2026
A homeowner commenced building works on their property without arranging appropriate site insurance. This is not uncommon. There is often an assumption that either the contractor’s insurance will be sufficient, or that an existing household policy will continue to provide cover. In this case, neither applied. Partway through the project, it became clear that there was no valid insurance in place. At that stage, the position became significantly more difficult. Insurers were unwilling to provide cover retrospectively. From their perspective, the risk had already begun without protection, and they were being asked to step into an unknown position. The property was effectively uninsured during an active construction project. We were instructed to review the situation. A structured approach was taken, including: Clearly defining the scope and stage of the works Presenting the risk in a transparent and credible way Engaging directly with specialist insurers Following extensive discussions, we were able to: Secure appropriate site insurance cover Bring the project back within an insurable and protected framework This was not straightforward. It required persistence and a clear understanding of how insurers assess risk. On a construction project, the absence of insurance is not a minor oversight. It is a significant exposure. If you are planning a build, it is worth ensuring that the right cover is in place before work begins. 

Case Study – Council Tax, Planning Delays and Structural Issues

by Niket Kapur • 20 March 2026
A homeowner commenced a significant renovation project with the intention of improving and extending their property. The project did not proceed as expected. There were delays with planning, and during the course of the works, structural issues emerged which required a reassessment of the build. Ultimately, a substantial part of the property had to be demolished mid-project. At this stage, the property was clearly uninhabitable. However, the local authority took a different view. They imposed double council tax on the basis that the property was empty, applying the standard premium used to discourage long-term vacant properties. Representations were made to explain the position. These were rejected. The authority maintained a rigid stance and would not accept that the condition of the property and the nature of the works justified relief. The charges continued to accrue. We were instructed to review the situation. A detailed and structured approach was taken, including assembling the appropriate evidence, reframing the basis of the claim, and engaging with the local authority in a more targeted way. The outcome was clear: Full council tax waiver achieved Over £10,000 recovered for the client Ongoing liability removed This is not an uncommon scenario. Local authorities will often apply standard rules without properly considering the specific circumstances of a construction project. Initial refusals are frequent, but they are not always correct. A properly prepared and presented case can materially change the outcome. Situations like this arise regularly on construction projects. Addressing them correctly can make a significant financial difference. Sunil K Radia The Building Guidance Partnership Telephone (020) 8076 3110 WhatsApp +44 7507 705376 www.theBGP.co.uk

Regulatory Compliance Oversights That Could Sink Your Construction Project

by Niket Kapur • 20 March 2026
Most homeowners focus on design, finishes and cost when undertaking a building project. Very few focus on compliance. That is where serious problems arise. This note sets out the key regulatory and risk areas that are frequently overlooked. These are not minor technicalities. They are issues that can expose you to financial loss, uninsured risk and legal liability. 1. Notifying Your Mortgage Lender If your property is subject to a mortgage, your lender has a legal charge over it. That property is their security. Most mortgage terms require you to notify the lender before carrying out structural works Some lenders require formal consent Failure to notify can place you in breach of your mortgage conditions This is often ignored. It should not be. 2. Insurance During Construction Standard household insurance is usually not valid during major renovation or structural works. Many policies specifically exclude properties under construction Continuing without appropriate cover can leave you completely exposed You should: Notify your existing insurer before works commence Arrange specialist renovation insurance where required Ensure cover includes fire, flood, theft, vandalism and public liability Do not assume you are covered. Check. 3. Contractor Insurance Is Not a Substitute Many homeowners assume the contractor’s insurance will protect them. That assumption is dangerous. You must verify: The level of cover is sufficient for the scale of the project The policy includes public liability, employer’s liability and contract works Cover extends to damage to neighbouring properties Liability includes injury to third parties, including trespassers Do not accept a certificate at face value. Review the detail. 4. VAT: Getting It Wrong Is Expensive VAT treatment in construction is complex but critical. New builds may qualify for 0 percent VAT Properties empty for two years or more may qualify for 5 percent VAT on renovation works Evidence of vacancy is essential and must be properly assembled Failure to structure this correctly can cost many thousands of pounds. 5. Council Tax on Uninhabitable Properties Where a property is genuinely uninhabitable, relief or exemption from council tax may be available. In practice: Applications are often rejected at first instance Local authorities do not always guide applicants through the correct route A structured and informed approach is required to secure the correct outcome We regularly assist clients in securing substantial savings, including backdated recoveries where appropriate. 6. Site Safety and Residual Liability Even when a contractor is in possession of the site, the homeowner can still carry risk. If someone is injured on site, including a passer-by or trespasser, liability may arise Simply appointing a contractor does not remove your exposure You should ensure: Proper site security is in place Risk assessments and method statements are being followed Insurance arrangements align with the actual risks on site This is not theoretical. Claims do arise in these circumstances. Final Thought These issues are rarely considered at the outset, yet they carry real consequences. Getting them right early avoids problems later. Contact us today so that we can review your arrangements.  Sunil K Radia The Building Guidance Partnership Telephone (020) 8076 3110 WhatsApp +44 7507 705376 www.theBGP.co.uk