Insurance for converted barns

I was speaking with a developer/architect last night, explaining some repair work I am doing in an old barn that has been converted to an apartment and woodshop. He was adamant that because all the structural supports were exposed that the increased fire danger would preclude comprehensive coverage homeowners insurance. Now you and I both know that he was crazy regarding fire but what about the insurance issues in a converted barn turned residence. Anyone have experience to share?

-Shawn

There used to be an auction hall in a barn in my home town that chose to shut down because the powers that be were concerned about all that fuel and wanted the timber wrapped in drywall., thankfully they wouldn’t do it.

You and I know a heavy timber building is no more likely to catch ablaze, and much slower to structural collapse in a structure fire…

That said, we lost a converted barn here to fire the other day with one serious injury, it of course, started in one of the usual ways, with a faulty space heater - http://www.wmur.com/slideshow/news/19010542/detail.html

I pay outrageous rates (5K) for a liability policy for the privilege of working on covered bridges, because form carpenters occasionally impale themselves on epoxy coated rebar on concrete and steel spans…

For all the number crunching actuaries do to hedge their bets, they still don’t get it right. Most especially when it comes to something outside the norm. And no amount of talking will get them to measure and assign appropriate risk to something they can’t pigeonhole.

False assumption and ignorance still sometimes rule the day.

The insurance industry is who came up with the rules for heavy timber in mill building construction. I doubt anyone in insurance knows that now though.

The AWC has some reports on timber and fire;
http://www.awc.org/Codes/dcaindex.html

I live in one of my own coverted barns and don't have any problem with excessive insurance. Additionally, I have nevere heard of any of my clients having trouble with such.

If fire proofing your timbers will satisfy them (the insurance crooks), check this out: http://www.firechemicals.com/

I successfully had it approved on a job in RI for fire proofing a garage.

Shaun