The fact is that thatching is entirely self-governing and central to this process is the quality and integrity of the thatcher himself. There is no legal restraint upon the person to set up in business and describe himself as a thatcher, or even a master Thatcher.
In addition, there are a number of fringe areas, particularly the insurance of thatched property, where there are substantial financial gains to be made.
Do remember that re-thatching a listed property or property in a conservation area in a different style or thatching material will usually require listed building consent.
It is important to ensure the local planning authority is happy with the change if the present thatch on a property is discovered or suspected of being altered without seeking the required consent. Otherwise, the local authority can insist on restoration of the original material or a criminal prosecution of those parties involved.
When living in a thatched property do consider common sense fire precautions. Although thatched property fires attract considerable attention, particularly from the local press, they are not as frequent as commonly perceived, or publicity leads one to suspect.
Do get your architect or surveyor to discuss any plans for extending your thatched property with your thatcher to ensure any roofing alterations, which you intend to have thatched, are suitable for thatching.
In areas of excessive wear, e.g. porches under a main eaves roof or low pitched dormer window, Keep designs simple and consider the use of alternative materials.
Do obtain an independent survey of the condition of the thatch on the property you intend to purchase from an individual who does not have a stake in any potential financial outlay due to the survey.
Several companies offer thatched property insurance. Below are some of these thatched property insurance companies.
Reedways Thatched Property Insurance Services
In the United Kingdom, Reedways Thatched Property Insurance Services is a specialist insurer providing financial services to thatch-roofed homeowners. Thatched houses, homes with historical interest, and other important non-standard properties are areas of expertise of the thatched property insurance.
In 1970s, Reedways Thatched Property Insurance Services was one of the first insurers to provide insurance schemes for thatched houses.
Lark Thatched Property Insurance
Another independent insurance broker who can offer a wide range of policies that are tailor-made to fit your individual requirements is Lark thatched property insurance. For instance, if your home has a higher value, it has rebuild cost that go over 500,000 pounds and/or contents with a value in excess of 100,000 pounds, Lark thatched property insurance provides special coverage.
Also, in the event of a claim, Lark thatched property insurance has a dedicated thatched property insurance claims team that will support you without having to refer you to the insurance companies.
Thatched Property Association (TPA) Thatched Property Insurance
To help thatch owners, Thatched Living, Britain's premier publication for thatched-roof homeowners collaborated with its mother organization, Thatched Property Association so as to write a special thatched property insurance policy. You can fill up the enquiry form at their website to get thatched property insurance quotes.
NFU Mutual Thatched Property Insurance
In the United Kingdom, NFU Mutual thatched property insurance is one of the leading rural insurers. The thatched property insurance policies at NFU Mutual are perfect to fit the unique insurance needs and features of your thatched home.
In addition, the thatched property insurance policyholder will have access to the network of master thatchers at NFU Mutual. In addition, NFU Mutual also offers thatched property insurance claims service.
You have exclusive membership to the Thatch Protection Scheme with NFU Mutual thatched property insurance. For your property, this organization provides 24 hour emergency help and advice.
Cheaper-Home-Insurance.com Thatched Property Insurance
The thatched property insurance broker will talk about the insurance needs of your thatched home and give you advice on a wide range of cheaper thatched property insurance schemes.
Like thatched property insurance, cheaper Home Insurance is a home insurance company that offers specialty products. Once you fill out a simple inquiring form, their website offers the services of a thatched property insurance broker who will call you back.
BlackFriars Group Thatched Property Insurance
Providing a wide range of financial products from personal and commercial insurance to specialty insurance like thatched property insurance, BlackFriars Group is an independent insurance broker.
Being a registered member of the General Insurance Standards, the company has access to over 50 products from over 40 insurance companies and providers that offer, among others, thatched property insurance.
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