Insurance Loss
RICS Building Surveyors Providing Comprehensive Solutions
Working on behalf of Insurers and Policyholders (Property Owners), providing a full range of services from initial assessment of damage, through to the full reinstatement and reoccupation of residential and commercial properties. Most building insurance policies entitle property owners to appoint their own independent surveyors, with all associated costs and fees paid by the Insurer
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Insurance Loss Surveying
Any insured loss affecting a residential, commercial or industrial property;
• Fire
• Impact
• Flooding
• Storm Damage
• Escapes of Water
• Subsidence, Heave & Landslip
• Malicious Damage
The services we provide to Insurers, Loss Adjusters and Policyholders (Property Owners);
• Initial survey of the property to fully assess and quantify extent of damage to all building elements internally and externally
• Assist instruction of any emergency or temporary works required (boarding up/securing property, making watertight, temporary support, scaffold, etc)
• Produce a detailed specification or schedule including all enabling, strip out and repair works necessary to fully reinstate the property back to pre loss condition
• Obtain competitive tendering/pricing of works from contractors, or provide a fully measured and costed schedule of works. Analysis of tenders/costs and report to Insurers/Client
• Appointment of a suitable Main Contractor, implement a JCT Building Contract, and provide full administration of contract through to completion (including valuation and payment certification of works controlling time and costs).
Alternatively, assist in negotiating financial settlement of the claim with Insurers. This may be the preferred option where property owner intends to sell property in current state, undertake work directly, defer works to later date, or reinstate property on a different basis, e.g. extend, renovate or demolish/rebuild
• Fulfil statutory requirements for works where necessary - Construction Design & Management (CDM) acting as Principle Designer, Party Wall Notices, Building & Planning Control approvals
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Defect Investigation & Diagnosis
Detailed site and building inspections to establish the cause of specific defects and damages, and confirm where possible if deemed an insurable peril/loss, indemnifiable by Insurers.
Where required, includes opening up and exposing the building structure and elements, reporting on the estimated timeline of defects/approximate date of origin, and determining if pre-existing prior to any insured loss.
Building Pathology services are commonly instructed by Insurers, Loss Adjusters and Policyholders as part of the claim investigation process for both peril related loss and building guarantee claims.
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Claims Management
The claims process can be complex, protracted and often daunting for both home and commercial business owners, especially when dealing with major loss.
We work alongside a number of independent claims management specialists who are able take over the full handling of the claim, acting as a single point of contact dealing with Insurers/Loss Adjusters. These services include;
• Property Damages
• Contents
• Equipment & Stock
• Loss of Rent
• Business Interruption
• Policy Cover & Acceptance of Liability
• Investigating / Challenging Repudiation Decisions
If you are struggling to effectively deal with a property claim, we can put you in contact with an experienced FCA registered claims specialist.
Initially they will provide a no obligation consultation, possibly involving a property visit, helping you to then make an informed decision how best to proceed.
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Insurance Rebuild Cost Valuations
A Buildings Insurance Valuation (Reinstatement Cost Assessment) is an assessment of the cost to rebuild the property in the event of total loss, e.g. fire, collapse, explosion.
An accurate valuation is important to ensure your property is fully insured for the correct amount. This is important to avoid situations of under or over insurance. If your property is undervalued, insurance payments may not adequately cover the cost of rebuilding. Over valuation means your insurance premiums will be higher than necessary.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) recommends that a reinstatement cost assessment is undertaken every three years, and whenever there are significant changes to the buildings such as construction of extensions, or major refurbishment and improvement works.
Experienced in fully measuring and assessing properties of all types, including residential, commercial and industrial buildings, we can provide an accurate valuation taking into account all factors. This includes:
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Demolition & Site Clearance
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Immediate Site Characteristics & Construction Challenges
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Unique Features
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Listed Buildings or Conservation Protection
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Specialist Installation & Services
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Professional Fees