Does Builders Risk Cover Architect Errors?

An illustrative ISO builders risk form excludes faulty design and specifications. Claims alleging professional negligence by an architect are a distinct liability exposure, generally considered under professional liability rather than the project’s property policy. If an error damages the work, the property form’s ensuing-loss language and exclusions matter. Ask who owns the damaged property, whether the defect itself or resulting damage is claimed, and whether the architect’s professional liability policy applies. Review both contracts and policy limits before work is accepted. The architect’s professional liability policy is the other contract to examine when the allegation concerns professional services; it may not insure the cost of improving or correcting defective design. Ask for the policy period, retroactive date, and project scope, then have the property insurer explain whether resulting damage is treated differently from replacing the faulty plans or work.