---
title: "Can a Homeowner Buy Builders Risk Insurance?"
description: "Yes—a homeowner can request builders risk for a new home or renovation, but the insurer decides whether the project qualifies."
canonical: "https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/builders-risk/can-a-homeowner-buy-builders-risk-insurance"
page-type: "faq-question"
updated-at: "2026-09-25"
---

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# Can a Homeowner Buy Builders Risk Insurance?

Yes—a homeowner can request builders risk for a new home or renovation, but the insurer decides whether the project qualifies.

Yes. A homeowner can request builders risk for a new home or renovation, but the insurer decides whether the project qualifies. For an existing home, confirm separately that the policy covers both the structure and the new work: the cited specimen excludes the existing building under improvement, while California’s guide describes broader renovation use.

For an existing home, distinguish the structure already there from the new work. The specimen ISO form excludes an existing structure undergoing improvements, while the California Department of Insurance describes builders risk for new construction and existing structures undergoing additions, alterations, or repairs. Those sources illustrate differing terms.

Describe the home’s current use, project scope, construction stage, location, and estimated value. Ask whether the homeowners policy remains active during work, whether a construction endorsement is available, and whether a separate builders risk policy can include both the existing dwelling and new work. Confirm dates, limits, deductibles, and occupancy terms before work starts.

## Related Questions

- [Does a Homeowner Need Builders Risk Insurance?](https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/builders-risk/does-homeowner-need-or-buy-builders-risk)
- [Can You Get Builders Risk for an Existing Building or Renovation?](https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/builders-risk/builders-risk-existing-building-or-renovation)
- [Builders Risk vs. Homeowners Insurance: What’s the Difference?](https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/builders-risk/builders-risk-vs-homeowners-insurance)
- [Builders Risk vs. Dwelling Under Construction Coverage: What’s the Difference?](https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/builders-risk/builders-risk-vs-dwelling-under-construction)

## Related Coverage

- [Builders risk](https://spot.insure/coverage/builders-risk)

## Sources

1. [Glossary of Insurance Terms](https://content.naic.org/glossary-insurance-terms). National Association of Insurance Commissioners; Builders’ Risk Policies. Accessed 2026-09-25.
2. [Commercial Insurance Guide](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/09-comm/commercialguide.cfm). California Department of Insurance; Form 700, revised June 14, 2024: Commercial Property > Coverage Forms and Endorsements > Builder’s Risk; Inland Marine; How Can I Purchase Commercial Insurance?; What Should I Expect from a Broker-Agent?. Accessed 2026-09-25.
3. [Builders Risk Coverage Form](https://assets.touchpointmarkets.com/e8/58/dec27c1b462c8227b4693fb8ac81/ih-00-70-05-17-builders-risk-coverage-form.pdf). Insurance Services Office, Inc.; hosted by Touchpoint Markets; IH 00 70 05 17, copyright 2017 (illustrative specimen): A.1–3, printed pp. 1–2; B, printed pp. 9–11; C–E, printed p. 12. Accessed 2026-09-25.
4. [Builders Risk Application Tip Sheet](https://go.usassure.com/rs/381-ISO-510/images/us-assure-builders-risk-application-tip-sheet.pdf). US Assure; General policy application tips, p. 1; Remodeling policy application tips, p. 2. Accessed 2026-09-25.

More answers: [Builders Risk Insurance FAQ](https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/builders-risk).

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