My mam died a few months ago and we have inherited her house (a mid-terraced
about 150 years old in Preston, Lancashire). When she died, Lloyds TSB (who
she had both contents and buildings insurance with) said that they would
continue to cover the contents for us for 3 months and the buildings for 6
months.

The house is now completely empty of all contents and the buildings cover
will run out soon. The house needs to be rewired, re-plumbed, new bathroom
suite, new CH etc., etc., and eventually, after all the work is completed,
we're going to rent it out.

Does anyone know of any insurance companies specializing in covering empty
houses while they are being refurbished? And, being a bit naive about such
things, would such insurance cover any tools left there overnight? I'm
thinking here of my cousin for instance, who works as a plasterer for the
local council. He'll be doing the plastering for us as a "foreigner" and
doesn't have any 'self-employed' or 'commercial' insurance to claim from if
his cement mixer were to get nicked.

TIA,

Mogweed.