Data centre extension and conversion warranties
Latent defects insurance for new halls on existing campuses, extensions to live facilities and existing buildings converted into data centres - where the old structure matters as much as the new.
- Instant response
- Insurer quotes usually within one working day of your proposal
- UK FCA Regulated Broker
- No broker fee to pay
- Specialist commercial underwriters
Extensions and new halls
Adding capacity to an existing data centre
Most operators grow by building next to what they already have: a new hall on a campus, an extension to an existing building, or extra plant space. A structural warranty for this kind of work has to deal with the new structure and with the places where it meets the old. Cover for any retained existing structure is not automatic - it depends on a survey, the insurer and the policy terms.
- New standalone halls on an existing campus, usually treated much like a new build
- Extensions structurally joined to an existing building, where the junction gets a close look
- Work carried out next to live, running halls, with the extra care that brings
- New roof or plant decks added to carry more cooling
Cover usually focuses on the new works. Whether any part of the existing building can be included, and on what terms, is for each insurer to decide after it has seen the survey.
Conversions
Converting an existing building into a data centre
Warehouses, distribution sheds, industrial units, offices and even older telephone exchanges are turned into data centres, often because the site has the power and the connectivity already. The building was not designed for this use, so the insurer will want to understand how it copes with the new one.
- Floor capacity. Can the existing slab or suspended floors take rack, battery and plant loads, and what strengthening is planned?
- Roof capacity. Can the existing roof carry new plant, or is a new plant deck or steel frame needed?
- Envelope condition. Old roof coverings and cladding may need replacing to keep water out of the new halls.
- Structural condition. A structural condition survey of the existing building is usually needed before an insurer will quote.
What we need
Information that helps an underwriter quote
- Site address and a description of the existing building or campus
- What is being built or converted, and the total build (rebuild) cost
- Architect's plans and elevations, and the structural calculations
- A structural condition survey of the existing building
- Planning permission and building control status
- Ground investigation, where new foundations are involved
- Planned start date, or where the work is up to now
- The developer's and contractor's names and track record
Extensions and conversions - common questions
Does latent defects insurance cover the existing building in a conversion?
It depends on the insurer and the survey. Some policies cover only the new works, and some will extend to parts of the existing structure that are retained, once the insurer is satisfied with its condition. We tell you what each insurer offers before you choose.
Is a new hall on an existing campus treated as a new build?
Often it is, if it is structurally separate from the existing buildings. Where the new work is joined to an existing structure, the insurer will look closely at the connection and may treat it more like an extension.
Why does a conversion need a structural survey?
Because the insurer is being asked to cover a building that was designed for something else. A structural condition survey shows the state of the frame, floors and roof, and whether they can take the new loads, so the insurer can price the risk.
Can cover be arranged if the conversion has already started?
Sometimes. The insurer will want evidence of the work already done and may ask for parts to be opened up, and the price is usually higher. Tell us as early as you can. Our sister brand Retrospective Warranties deals with late cases.
Tell us about the extension or conversion
Give us the basics of the existing building and the new works, and we will come back with the underwriters likely to cover it and what they will need.
- Takes under a minute
- Instant reply by email with your reference
- Insurer quotes usually within one working day of your completed proposal
- Sites anywhere in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Free and no obligation
Already filled in a proposal form? Email it to us or send it on WhatsApp with any drawings you have and we will take it from there.
