Ireland’s housing landscape is changing. Between energy efficiency targets, the push toward faster build times, and a generation of architects embracing contemporary design, more Irish homes than ever are being built using methods that sit outside what insurers consider “standard.” If your home is one of them, it’s worth understanding how that affects your insurance – and what you can do to make sure you’re properly covered.
What counts as standard?
In insurance terms, a standard home is one built with concrete block, brick or stone walls under a pitched roof of slate or tile. That description still covers the majority of Irish housing stock, but it leaves out a growing number of properties — from timber-frame estates built during the boom years to the ICF and modular homes gaining traction today.
Anything that falls outside that definition is typically classed as non-standard construction. The term isn’t a judgement on quality. It simply means the insurer needs to look more closely at the property before setting terms.
Why insurers treat these homes differently
Insurance pricing relies heavily on historical claims data. For concrete block homes with pitched roofs, insurers have decades of information to draw on — they can predict with reasonable confidence how often claims arise and what they cost.
With non-standard methods, that data is thinner. Repair costs can be harder to estimate, particularly where specialist contractors or proprietary materials are involved. A fire in a conventional block-built home is a well-understood claims scenario. The same fire in a SIPs-built home raises different questions: how do the panels perform, who can carry out the reinstatement, and what does it cost?
That uncertainty is what drives the differences in how these properties are underwritten. Depending on the construction type, an insurer might adjust the premium, apply a higher excess, attach specific policy conditions, or request a survey before offering cover. In some cases, a standard market insurer may decline altogether, and specialist or high-net-worth markets become the better route.
Modern construction methods and how insurers view them
Timber frame
Timber frame is arguably Ireland’s most significant non-standard construction type by volume. A large share of homes built from the early 2000s onward use timber-frame construction, typically with a block or brick outer leaf giving the appearance of conventional building.
Most insurers are comfortable with modern timber frame. The key underwriting considerations tend to be the external cladding material, whether adequate moisture barriers are in place, and the age and condition of the build. Older timber-frame properties — particularly those with lathe and plaster infill — attract more scrutiny due to their vulnerability to fire and water damage, but are still insurable in the right market.
Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF)
ICF uses hollow polystyrene or foam blocks stacked into wall shapes and then filled with poured concrete. The foam stays in place permanently, acting as insulation. The result is an extremely strong, energy-efficient structure, and it has become a popular choice for self-builds and one-off homes across Ireland.
From an insurer’s perspective, the concrete core is reassuring, but questions arise around the fire behaviour of the insulation layer, the type of external finish, and — critically — the availability of experienced repair contractors if something goes wrong. ICF is still relatively niche, which means not every insurer has an appetite for it. A broker with access to specialist markets can make a real difference here.
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
SIPs are factory-made panels consisting of a rigid insulation core bonded between two sheets of oriented strand board. They slot together on site to form walls and roofs, delivering excellent thermal performance and airtightness.
Insurers looking at SIPs properties will focus on fire performance, how well the joints are sealed against moisture, and what the reinstatement process looks like in the event of a significant loss. Because panels are manufactured to specification, sourcing replacements after a claim may involve lead times and costs that differ substantially from a conventional rebuild.
Modular and off-site manufactured homes
Factory-built homes shipped to site and assembled in days rather than months are no longer a novelty in Ireland. Advances in precision manufacturing mean these properties can meet or exceed building regulation standards, but insurers still approach them with specific questions.
The main considerations are the materials used in the modules, the method of connection on site, fire compartmentation between units, and reinstatement logistics. If a module is severely damaged, can it be repaired locally or does a replacement need to be manufactured and shipped? That distinction has a direct impact on the sum insured and the likely cost of a claim.
Steel frame
Steel-framed homes are structurally robust and offer design flexibility, but they introduce two risks that insurers pay close attention to: corrosion and subsidence detection. Steel frames are rigid, which can mask the early signs of ground movement that would show as cracking in a block-built home. Untreated or poorly maintained steelwork is also vulnerable to corrosion over time. A structural survey is commonly requested before cover is offered.
Flat roofs
Whether it’s a full flat-roof design or a modern extension off the back of an older home, flat roofing is one of the most common non-standard features insurers encounter. The concerns are straightforward — water pooling, storm uplift, and the gradual deterioration of the membrane or covering material.
Most insurers will want to know the percentage of the roof area that is flat and what material it’s covered with. Many policies include a maintenance condition requiring periodic inspection. If a flat roof hasn’t been maintained and water damage results, that claim is at serious risk of being declined.
Green roofs
Sedum roofs and living roof systems are appearing on more contemporary Irish homes and extensions. They look impressive and offer genuine environmental benefits, but they add complexity from an insurance standpoint. Insurers will consider the additional weight on the structure, the integrity of the waterproof membrane beneath the planting layer, drainage capacity, and the ongoing maintenance the system requires. Cover is available, but it needs to be arranged with full disclosure and ideally with an insurer who has experience with this type of specification.
Getting the disclosure right
Whatever your home is built from, the single most important thing you can do is describe it accurately to your insurer. Construction details are a core part of the risk assessment, and getting them wrong — even unintentionally — can have serious consequences.
If a claim arises and the insurer discovers the construction was not disclosed correctly, they may reduce or refuse the claim, or in some cases void the policy entirely. This is avoidable. If you’re unsure how to describe your home’s construction, ask your broker — that’s exactly what we’re here for.
A few practical steps
Know your reinstatement cost – Non-standard homes can cost significantly more to rebuild than their standard equivalents. Specialist materials, proprietary systems and limited contractor availability all push costs up. A generic online calculator may not capture these factors, so consider a professional reinstatement valuation.
Keep maintenance records – Insurers expect non-standard properties to be well maintained. Documenting inspections, repairs and any specialist work carried out gives you a clear trail if a claim ever arises.
Use the right contractors – If your home requires specialist repair — whether that’s an ICF wall, a SIPs panel or a green roof membrane — using a contractor experienced in that system protects both the property and your insurance position.
Talk to a specialist broker – Not every insurer has an appetite for non-standard construction, and the terms available can vary significantly. A broker who understands these construction methods and has access to the right markets will make sure your home is properly placed and properly covered.
Non-standard construction doesn’t mean uninsurable — it means finding the right cover matters more. At Dolmen Insurance Brokers, we work with specialist markets to make sure your home is properly protected, whatever it’s built from. Getting the right policy in place starts with talking to someone who understands the difference.
To get a quote or find out more about our Home Insurance, visit Dibl.ie.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for general guidance and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, Dolmen Insurance Brokers Ltd accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or changes in legislation. Insurance policies and cover requirements may vary based on individual business needs and circumstances. This blog does not constitute legal, financial, or insurance advice. Readers should consult a qualified insurance broker or advisor to obtain advice specific to their situation. Dolmen Insurance Brokers Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
