Additional Services
Reinstatement Cost Assessments
CDM Principal Designer
Party Wall Surveying
At Garratt Construction Consultants, we also offer a comprehensive range of additional services for all types of projects. Should you or your team require our expertise, we would be pleased to discuss how we can support the successful delivery of your project.
Reinstatement Cost Assessments
A reinstatement cost assessment is a professional evaluation of the cost required to rebuild a property to its original condition following damage or destruction for insurance purposes.
A reinstatement cost assessment is a detailed evaluation of the cost required to restore or rebuild a property to its original condition after it has been damaged or destroyed. It differs from a property’s market value, focusing solely on the costs of reconstruction. This assessment typically includes an estimate of the costs involved in demolishing the damaged structure, clearing the site, and reconstructing the building to its pre-loss condition. This includes the cost of materials, labour, professional fees, and contractors' overheads and profit. The cost estimate may account for potential increases in material and labour costs due to inflation or changes in the construction market over time, to ensure the property is adequately covered. The assessment is crucial for property owners to secure appropriate insurance coverage, offering financial protection in the event of a significant loss.
The reinstatement cost assessment is primarily used for insurance purposes, ensuring that the building is insured for an amount that accurately reflects the cost of rebuilding.
This helps avoid underinsurance, where the insured value is less than the actual cost of rebuilding, or over insurance, where premiums are unnecessarily high.
Why are RCA’s Important?
We visit the property to conduct a detailed inspection. During the visit, we measure the building, evaluate its construction materials, architectural features, and any external structures like garages or outbuildings. We also consider compliance with current building regulations and any unique aspects of the property, such as historical significance. Using the gathered data, we calculate the estimated cost of demolishing, clearing, and rebuilding the property, factoring in market conditions, inflation, and potential regulatory updates. The final report provides an accurate reinstatement cost for insurance purposes. Regular reassessments are recommended to keep the valuation current.
How we carry out an RCA
Book your Reinstatement Cost Assessment today.
CDM Principal Designer
A CDM Principal Designer is a key role under the UK Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. The Principal Designer is responsible for managing health and safety risks during the pre-construction phase of a project.
The Principal Designer role is legally required on projects involving more than one contractor, whether domestic or commercial. The Principal Designer (PD) is typically appointed by the client and plays a critical role during the pre-construction phase, ensuring that health and safety risks are appropriately managed throughout the design and planning stages.
As CDM Principal Designer, we ensure that health and safety is embedded in the design process, coordinating with all relevant stakeholders to minimize risks throughout the project lifecycle. Our involvement is key to promoting safe working environments and ensuring that your project complies with the CDM 2015 regulations.
The Principal Designer’s role is critical in ensuring that health and safety are integral to the project from its earliest stages. By addressing risks during the design phase, we can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents and incidents during construction, maintenance, and future use. This proactive approach not only helps protect workers and building users but also ensures compliance with legal obligations and can prevent costly delays or issues during the construction phase.
Why is PD important?
Our Responsibilities as Principal Designer
As Principal Designer, at Garratt Construction Consultants we coordinate the Design Team, Identify and manager health and safety risks, ensure compliance with CDM Regulations, liaise with the Client, prepare the Pre-Construction Information, collaborate with the Principal Contractor and prepare the Health and Safety File at project completion.
Party Wall Surveying
At Garratt Construction Consultants we can provide Party Wall Surveys which helps resolve disputes under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, which governs work affecting shared walls or structures between neighbouring properties.
Our party wall surveying services include Serving Party Wall Notices, Assessing Disputes, Preparing a Party Wall Award and Monitoring Work during construction. We act impartially, even if appointed by one of the parties, ensuring that all parties' rights are respected under the Act.
Why are Party Wall Surveys important?
Party wall surveys are crucial because they help prevent and resolve disputes between neighbouring property owners when construction or alterations are planned near shared walls or boundaries. They ensure compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, which outlines the legal requirements for work that affects shared structures or involves excavations close to adjoining properties. By following this formal process, both parties are protected from potential legal disputes, ensuring the work proceeds lawfully and with clear guidelines in place.
Overall, party wall surveys offer peace of mind to both property owners. They ensure that proper procedures are followed, risks are addressed early on, and potential issues are managed effectively, helping to maintain good relations between neighbours throughout the project.
