Expert Support in High-Value Building Insurance Claims

October 25, 2024 By

Expert Support in High-Value Building Insurance Claims

Before: An office space that suffered malicious damage after being converted to a cannabis factory by a drug cartel.

For property owners facing significant damage, navigating an insurance claim over £100,000 can be daunting. RMA Surveyors offers an experienced, independent service for high-value insurance reinstatement claims, providing a more efficient, thorough, and client-focused alternative to insurer-appointed adjusters. With extensive experience handling claims in Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and London, RMA Surveyors is committed to ensuring policyholders receive quality results with expert guidance every step of the way.

The Benefits of Choosing Independent Advice

Unlike insurer-appointed loss adjusters who may prioritize the insurer’s interests, RMA Surveyors works exclusively to advocate for the client. From the initial assessment to final repairs, our surveyors provide unbiased and detailed advice, collaborating with reputable contractors to manage repairs in line with the policyholder’s needs. By using a proven network of contractors, we ensure higher quality repairs, efficient timelines, and accountability, which can be harder to guarantee with insurer-recommended contractors. Learn more about the benefits of working with an independent chartered surveyor.

Experience That Makes a Difference

After: The office space after successfully being reinstated through an insurance claim administered by RMA Surveyors.

Our experience with high-value claims is extensive and includes a range of complex scenarios. We understand the intricacies of the claims process and the importance of managing every detail carefully. With RMA Surveyors, clients benefit from our ability to foresee challenges, coordinate effectively with contractors, and maintain quality control at every stage. This is especially critical for claims in excess of £100,000, where precision and timely completion can make a substantial difference in the outcome.

Accountability, Quality, and Value

Our approach prioritizes transparency, accountability, and consistent communication, setting us apart in the industry. RMA Surveyors maintains rigorous standards in every project, working with contractors who are chosen not only for their technical skills but also for their commitment to timely and high-quality work. This ensures clients receive excellent value, minimizing risks associated with delays, additional costs, or inadequate repairs. Unlike many in-house loss adjusters, we are not bound by restrictive agreements, giving us full control over project standards and empowering us to achieve better results for our clients.

A Client-Centred Approach to Reinstatement

At RMA Surveyors, we believe that clients deserve a smooth, well-managed process that respects their time, budget, and property. By eliminating unnecessary layers of bureaucracy, we streamline the claims experience and deliver a comprehensive, client-centred service that focuses on each client’s unique needs. We provide detailed updates and thorough documentation throughout the claim and repair process, helping clients understand every aspect of their claim and ensuring their expectations are met.

Why RMA Surveyors?

Serving Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and London, RMA Surveyors has a well-established reputation for delivering a superior claims experience, especially in high-value scenarios. Our dedication to quality, transparency, and client satisfaction ensures that each claim is handled with the care and attention it deserves. By choosing RMA Surveyors, clients receive the benefit of our regional knowledge, technical expertise, and a commitment to results that align with their best interests.

If you have an insurance claim that needs professional management, contact RMA Surveyors. As a trusted chartered building surveying company, RMA Surveyors provides expert, independent guidance to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your claim.

Further Reading and Resources

  1. Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS): Information on RICS standards and qualifications for chartered surveyors.
  2. Association of British Insurers (ABI): Learn more about the insurance claims process and industry practices.
  3. Financial Ombudsman Service: Guidance on addressing complaints about your insurer’s handling of a claim.
Filed Under: Building pathology, building survey, Building Surveying, Construction, Contract administration, Economic, Flood, Flooding, Insurance reinstatement, Landlords, Legislation, London Surveyors, Newbury, Oxfordshire surveyors, Project Management, RICS, RMA Surveyors, Surveys, West Berkshire Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Project Manager for Fire Reinstatement

July 4, 2014 By

Melted LightbulbRMA Surveyors Ltd have recently been instructed to act as project managers for the restoration of a fire damaged flat in West Ilsley, Berkshire.

The property has been significantly damaged by fire within a couple of rooms, while the rest of the property has been heavily damaged by residual smoke and water, where the fire was extinguished.

Our instruction required us to:

  • appoint and oversee the initial clean up and restoration – cleaning smoke residue, removing items such as white goods and furniture, cleaning surfaces and removing floor coverings and soft furnishings;
  • advise the client to have the electrical services isolated, as they had been badly damaged by the fire;
  • and draw up a specification and schedule of works to issue to tendering contractors.

Once a contractor has been selected, we will be responsible for overseeing the works through to completion. This will include regular site visits, liaison with the building contractor and the client, valuing and certifying works at key stages, liaising and reporting back to the loss adjustor and dealing with any ad hoc queries as required.

When works are completed we will certify and sign off the work. Works will be tendered and executed under the JCT Minor Works Contract. The fees for our appointment as project managers are covered by the insurance policy.

Appointing a project manager can help to reduce the stress that such potentially distressing situations can cause. As Chartered Surveyors, acting as project managers, we are able to use our professional knowledge and expertise in order to facilitate a swift and effective remediation process.

RMA Surveyors Ltd are highly experienced in insurance reinstatement work and as such we provide a service that is cost effective in regards to managing spend for the insurance claim and one that gives the client peace of mind that the project is being overseen and undertaken by professionals.

If you have been affected by fire, flood or other insured risk, please contact us on 01635 579208 or by completing the form below.

Contact Us

Fill in the below form to contact us today.

  • If you are requesting a survey quotation please provide the address and postcode of the property.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Filed Under: building survey, Building Surveying, Construction, Defects, Flood, Flooding, Insurance reinstatement, Landlords, Newbury, Residential, RICS, West Berkshire Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Flood Insurance Reinstatement

June 16, 2014 By

Flood waters in residential BerkshireWe are currently overseeing an insurance reinstatement of a flood damaged property in Kingsclere, Berkshire.

We first became involved when our client was having difficulty in getting the loss adjustor from their insurance company to assess the property. We were asked to supply a defect diagnosis report to assess the cause of the water damage to their building.

We undertook the survey and produced the report which we supplied to the loss adjustor, who had not understood the gravity of the technical failure. As a result, we were able to explain that the insurance claim was likely to be larger than the loss adjustor had orginally anticipated and that a larger scale reinstatement would be necessary.

We were duely appointed by our clients to undertake and oversee the project management of the reinstatement, which is currently on site.

If you have damage to your property due to flood, fire or other insurance related loss, please contact us as we may be able to provide our professional assistance.

Contact Us

Fill in the below form to contact us today.

  • If you are requesting a survey quotation please provide the address and postcode of the property.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Filed Under: building survey, Building Surveying, Defects, Flood, Flood, Flooding, Insurance reinstatement, Newbury, Residential, RICS, West Berkshire Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

When Flood Water Recedes

May 1, 2014 By

Flood waters in residential BerkshireRMA Surveyors Ltd have visited many properties over the last few months to assess flood water damage and work with home owners to reinstate their property.

About 6,500 homes have been flooded in the UK since December, according to this interesting BBC article, which takes a look at what happens after the flood water recedes.

If you are concerned about any damage to your property, then enlist the services of a Chartered Building Surveyor.

The reinstatement process can be long and involved. Many factors can come into play that delay or frustrate the process, particularly where there are so many claims being processed concurrently.

In our experience it is better to have an experienced Chartered Building Surveyor appointed to steer you through this lengthy and sometimes frustrating process.

If you need the assistance of a qualified and experienced Chartered Building Surveyor please call on 01635 579 208 or contact us via our contact page.

For further information read Five Steps to Flood Reinstatement.

Filed Under: building survey, Building Surveying, Defects, diagnosing damp, Flood, Flood, Flooding, Insurance reinstatement, Newbury, RICS, West Berkshire Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

5 Steps to Recover from Flood Damage | Expert Surveyor Advice

February 18, 2014 By
RICS Guide to flooding

Flooding can be a devastating experience, leaving property owners overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin. Whether caused by natural disasters, burst pipes, or blocked drains, quick action is essential to minimize damage and protect your home or business. Follow these 5 expert-recommended steps to recover from flood damage effectively.

Step 1: Ensure Safety First

Before entering your property, prioritize safety. Floodwaters can hide hazards such as electrical risks, structural damage, or contamination. Contact professionals if you suspect severe structural issues.

Learn about our Structural Damage Surveys for peace of mind.

Step 2: Document the Damage

Accurate documentation is crucial for insurance claims. Take clear photographs and videos of the affected areas, including damaged walls, floors, furniture, and appliances.

Keep a detailed inventory of damaged items, including receipts if available.

Discover our Insurance Claims Assistance Services to streamline your claims process.

Step 3: Remove Water and Begin Drying

A flooded house.

Removing standing water and drying out the property quickly can prevent further damage and mold growth. Use pumps, wet vacuums, and dehumidifiers to dry the space. Ventilate the area by opening windows and doors if possible.

Be cautious of hidden water in cavities like walls and floors, which may require professional assessment.

Explore our Moisture and Mold Inspection Services for thorough evaluations.

Step 4: Clean and Disinfect

Floodwaters often contain contaminants like sewage or chemicals. Clean all surfaces with disinfectants and discard items that cannot be safely cleaned, such as carpets and mattresses.

Wear protective gloves and masks while cleaning to avoid exposure to harmful substances.

Read our guide on Post-Flood Cleaning and Restoration for expert tips.

Step 5: Assess Repairs and Plan Restoration

After cleaning, assess the extent of repairs needed. Engage a qualified surveyor to evaluate structural integrity, recommend repairs, and provide guidance on restoration.

Use this opportunity to implement flood-resistant measures like raised electrical outlets or waterproof flooring.

Contact us to schedule a Flood Damage Survey and start your restoration process.

Bonus Tips for Preventing Future Flood Damage

Install sump pumps or flood barriers. Maintain gutters and drains to avoid blockages. Consider flood insurance for better financial protection.

Learn more about Flood Protection Strategies.

How RMA Surveyors Can Help

Recovering from flood damage can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At RMA Surveyors, we offer professional flood damage surveys, structural assessments, and insurance claim support to guide you every step of the way.

Call to Action

If you’ve experienced flood damage, contact RMA Surveyors today for expert advice and personalized solutions. Get in touch to protect your property and start your recovery process with confidence.. If you need the assistance of a qualified and experienced Chartered Building Surveyor please call on 01635 579 208 or contact us via our contact page.

Filed Under: Building pathology, building survey, Building Surveying, Construction, Defects, diagnosing damp, Flood, Flood, Flooding, Insurance reinstatement, Landlords, Newbury, Residential, West Berkshire Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Flooding Insurance Reinstatement

February 13, 2014 By

If you’ve recently put a call into your insurance company regarding a claim re flooding or water damage, then now is the time to take a closer read through your policy.

Often your insurance policy usually allows you to appoint your own Chartered Building Surveyor to project manage reinstatement works – on your behalf.

For example; a typical Aviva policy wording states “…If we accept a claim under The Buildings we will also pay for the following: a. Architects’ and surveyors’ fees to repair the buildings. These fees must not be more than those recommended by the relevant professional institutes…”

In our experience, victims of flood damage are often further stressed-out by the reinstatement process; having to deal with overworked, under resourced insurance loss adjusters and their equally overstretched (sometimes less qualified) in-house surveyors.  At a time when many properties are affected, often these individuals are difficult to contact and do not have adequate time to devote to their clients.

RMA Surveyors Ltd are professionally qualified, RICS Regulated and experienced in flood reinstatement works. We never take on more work than we can manage. We will provide you with peace of mind and ensure your property is returned back to normal as swiftly as possible. We will liaise directly with your loss adjuster, so you don’t have to.

If you are unfortunate enough to have suffered from flooding and feel a little overwhelmed as to how you will get your property back to normal please contact us.

Filed Under: Building Surveying, Defects, Flood, Flood, Flooding, Insurance reinstatement, Newbury, Residential, RICS, West Berkshire Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,