Basement Information Centre - Accredited Contractor Schemes

One of TBIC objectives is to seek to improve construction and standards and we have been actively encouraging bodies to address this need and are pleased to advise that accreditation+indemnity schemes now exist for contractors.

The term "Accredited" is used to signify companies undergoing formal assessment and able to provide insurance for a period of not less than 10 years, so as to align with other widely recognised warranty schemes (e.g. NHBC).

The insurance is a latent defects policy implemented by the contractor, but is a contract between the insurance company and the client. It is a day-one cover and thus a claim is not dependent upon the contractor still trading.)

A list of accredited basement contractors who will offer basement specific indemnity insurance running alongside the normal house building warranties is currently being prepared . The search facility on the TBIC site will in due course show those Accredited Contractors who have also seen the benefits of supporting the centre directly as members. At present two schemes offer cover but they are different both in audit levels and benefits offered and clients should choose carefully which is most appropriate for them. ASUC is a Group Member of The Basement Information Centre (TBIC) and is listed under Group sponsors in membership.

Accredited Contractor Complete Basement Package

For New Build and Retro-fit, with a 10 year insurance, as provided or if requested.

The assessment element of the scheme is administered by SpeCC and the insurance element of the scheme is underwritten by: Guarantee Protection Insurance (GPI).

Click HERE to see details of the SpeCC assessment scheme (Tier 2 - Major Substructure & Residential Basement Construction.

Click HERE to see details of the SpeCC assessment scheme (Tier 1 - Major Substructure & Residential Basement Construction.

Accredited Contractor - Underpinning for Retro-fit (some new build)

There is also a scheme for assessment of Underpinning Contractors for retro-fit basements, which is covered by a 12 years defects guarantee insurance, covering Soil Investigation and Structure. The scheme is administered by ASUC+ and the insurance cover is underwritten by: Liberty Insurance.

Click HERE to see details of the insurance cover* provided by Liberty
* automatic for structure, extendable for waterproofing**.

Waterproofing Contractor Schemes

There are also schemes for waterproofing contractors** for new build and retro-fit basements, and existing cellars.One scheme is administered by BWPDA and the insurance cover is provided by Guarantee Protection Insurance. Another scheme is administered by BSWA and the insurance cover is by Construction Guarantee Services Ltd (CGS).

** These contractor waterproofing schemes are currently being considered as to whether they provide comparable assessment, and insurance cover to those provided by SpeCC.

TBIC accepts no liability for the contractor schemes as highlighted above. Reference is made to these schemes for the purpose of encouraging improvements in design and construction of domestic basements, which is expected will be an ongoing process. The term "Accredited Contractor" is used simply to highlight schemes whereby the contractor undergoes an assessment for their operating procedures, and that such companies may provide indemnity insurance for their work for a period of not less than 10 years. At present two schemes offer cover but they are different both in audit levels and benefits offered and clients (or advisors) should assess which is most appropriate for them.