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: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Successful Insurance Reinstatement Project in Oxfordshire

October 9, 2024 By
Masonry repairs to exterior of building in Oxfordshire.

At RMA Surveyors, we recently completed a significant insurance reinstatement project in Oxfordshire, where we acted as contract administrators for a client dealing with damage caused by ground movement. The external walls of the property were compromised due to shrinkable clay subsoil and nearby trees, which led to ground-related movement—a common issue in parts of Oxfordshire and Berkshire.

Our client faced a protracted discussion with insurance loss adjusters who initially sought to minimize the claim. However, at RMA Surveyors, we pride ourselves on delivering logical and pragmatic solutions to challenging problems. In this case, our team provided a robust technical response, supporting the client every step of the way.

Instead of opting for a more disruptive underpinning approach, we proposed and executed a reinforcement solution. This method involved installing wall reinforcements to stabilize the structure without resorting to significant foundation work. Our comprehensive specification, built from our extensive experience in similar projects, provided a cost-effective and practical solution to the identified structural issues.

Masonry and render repairs underway to residential property near Didcot.

We liaised with insurance loss adjusters, presenting technical justifications and robust evidence to ensure that the rightful claim was fully supported. After extensive negotiations, the project was approved, and we oversaw the completion of the work using a high-quality local contractor. The project was completed on time, and the client was left with a fully reinstated property, ready to face the future with increased resilience.

This project highlights the importance of having knowledgeable and experienced contract administrators like RMA Surveyors to oversee insurance reinstatement works. Our ability to provide expert support through negotiations with insurers, alongside our technical expertise, ensures that our clients receive the full benefit of their insurance policies and the best possible outcome for their properties.

Wall repairs to a bungalow in Oxfordshire overseen by RMA Surveyors.

Based near Didcot, we cover a wide area including Oxford, the broader Oxfordshire region, Berkshire, and into London. Our team of surveyors is equipped to handle a variety of complex building projects, ensuring that our clients receive high-quality service no matter where they are located.

If you’re facing a similar situation or need contract administration for your insurance reinstatement property project, don’t hesitate to contact RMA Surveyors. Our expertise and pragmatic approach ensure that your project will be handled professionally and efficiently, from start to finish.

Filed Under: Building pathology, building survey, Building Surveying, Construction, Contract administration, Didcot surveyors, Newbury, Oxfordshire surveyors, Project Management, Residential, RMA Surveyors, Surveys Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

RMA Surveyors Contract Administration in Berkshire and Oxfordshire

September 17, 2024 By
A block of flats RMA Surveyors undertook contract administration services for.

Managing building projects for residential blocks or leasehold properties requires expertise and a steady hand. For those in Berkshire and Oxfordshire, RMA Surveyors Ltd offers professional Contract Administration services, ensuring that your property projects—from major refurbishments to minor works—are managed efficiently and effectively. With over 19 years of industry experience, RMA Surveyors is a trusted name in these regions, working alongside managing agents, leaseholder management companies, and freeholders to deliver exceptional outcomes.

Why Contract Administration Is Essential

Contract administration involves the management of a construction project from start to finish, ensuring that the agreed work is carried out to the right standard, on time, and within budget. For managing agents and leaseholder management companies, having a reliable contract administrator means less stress, fewer delays, and smoother coordination between contractors, tenants, and property owners.

RMA Surveyors Ltd excels in contract administration, offering comprehensive services that include managing tenders, overseeing contractor performance, and ensuring compliance with legal and safety regulations. This attention to detail is particularly important for residential properties in Berkshire and Oxfordshire, where diverse building types and strict local regulations often require tailored solutions.

Serving Managing Agents Across Berkshire and Oxfordshire

Managing agents working in Berkshire and Oxfordshire face unique challenges when handling residential blocks, where clear communication between contractors, leaseholders, and freeholders is key. RMA Surveyors Ltd understands the intricacies of managing large, complex properties and works closely with managing agents to ensure all parties are kept informed and projects proceed smoothly.

Whether you’re overseeing the refurbishment of a block of flats in Reading, performing structural repairs in Newbury, or extending a residential building in Oxford, RMA Surveyors provides the expertise and local knowledge needed to keep your project on track. We specialize in contract administration for residential projects, ensuring minimal disruption to residents while keeping costs and timelines under control.

Expertise with Leaseholder Management Companies

For leaseholder management companies in Berkshire and Oxfordshire, RMA Surveyors Ltd offers extensive experience in managing building works on behalf of leaseholders. From managing major works in Wokingham to handling routine maintenance in Didcot, our contract administration services are designed to take the burden off leaseholder committees.

We understand the pressures faced by leaseholder management companies, including the need to secure approvals from multiple parties and maintain compliance with strict building standards. Our team takes care of everything, from tendering and negotiating contracts to ensuring that the work is completed to the highest standards. Our expertise ensures transparency at every step, giving leaseholders confidence that their properties are in safe hands.

Proven Experience Across Berkshire and Oxfordshire

RMA Surveyors Ltd has a solid track record of delivering successful projects across West Berkshire and Oxfordshire, including listed buildings, modern developments, and everything in between. Our experience covers a wide range of property types and we understand the local planning regulations, construction standards, and unique challenges associated with building works in these areas.

As RICS-registered Chartered Surveyors, RMA Surveyors adheres to the highest professional standards, ensuring that every project is completed in line with best practices. This dedication to quality is why managing agents and leaseholder management companies across Abingdon, Thatcham, and other parts of Berkshire and Oxfordshire trust us to oversee their contract administration needs.

Contact RMA Surveyors for Expert Contract Administration

If you’re a managing agent or leaseholder management company in Berkshire or Oxfordshire, RMA Surveyors Ltd offers the experience, technical expertise, and local knowledge you need to ensure the success of your next project. Whether it’s managing the refurbishment of a block of flats or overseeing a major construction project, we are here to help. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist you in delivering outstanding results.

Filed Under: Construction, Contract administration, Economic, Project Management, RICS, RMA Surveyors Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Office Refurbishment

March 19, 2015 By

We recently undertook the contract administration and project management of a successful office refurbishment to a Grade 2 listed, former town house located in a prominent position within Pinner High Street, London.

The scope of service included agreeing statutory consents and liaison with the local conservation officer and English Heritage. Providing additional restraint where historic settlement had affected the structure, design and specification of all elements of the refurbishment, including using materials sympathetic with the historic fabric of the building, roof repairs, external masonry repairs, internal plaster repairs, improving energy efficiency of the building, new gas and electrical service installations, joinery items and redecoration.

The contract was successfully completed inside the 15 week contract period. We held regular site meetings and site inspections, certified works as they were completed, agreed the final account and signed off works at completion. As well as liaising with the main contractor, we also organised the programme of works around data, telecoms and security contractors to ensure a seamless transition to allow the clients’ company to move offices without interruption to their business.

As a result the building has been transformed from a rather tired structure that was long overdue any maintenance into a building that not only contributes significantly to the historic fabric of central Pinner but has a contemporary style that is also reflective of the buildings history.

If you have a refurbishment project that would like RMA Surveyors Ltd assistance with, please contact us on 01635 579208, get in touch via enquiries@rmasurveyors.co.uk, or simply complete the enquiry form.

Filed Under: Building Surveying, Construction, Project Management, RICS, RMA Surveyors Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Insurance Reinstatement Repair

March 17, 2015 By

Damp floorWe recently undertook an insurance reinstatement repair contract in Compton, Berkshire.

The semi-detached property had suffered a central heating leak within the floor screed. It could not be determined how long the leak had been established but the whole ground floor screed was saturated. The client appointed us to liaise with the insurance company and their appointed loss adjuster.

We visited the site, assessed the damage and advised the loss adjuster of the works required. We drew together a schedule of works, which we issued for competitive tender. We ensured a contractor was appointed to undertake the works and attended regular site meetings to ensure works were completed within the four week contract period. Our role included liaising regularly with the client to ensure that decisions regarding finishes were made in good time to prevent any delay to the contract and to enable the client to move back from their alternative accommodation as quickly as possible.

Overall, the issue was dealt with within a four month period, from the date the loss was discovered to completion. Our involvement in this project reduced the cost of the claim to the insurer, ensured that the property was sufficiently restored to its pre-loss condition, and enabled the client to be satisfied that works had been undertaken and specified properly.

During the contract period, we were also able to incorporate some amendments and alterations to the ground floor space that the client desired and we were able to clearly separate and demonstrate to the Insurer which works were part of the insured loss and which were undertaken privately for the client.

On completion we certified all works and valued them and made sure the contractor was duly paid. We are pleased to have been able to provide our services and without our involvement it is highly likely that works would not have been completed in the time and to the quality to which they were.

If you’re in need of a Chartered Surveyor to help oversee some insurance reinstatement works, contact RMA Surveyors Ltd on 01635 579208 or complete the enquiry form and we’ll get in touch.

Filed Under: Building Surveying, Construction, Defects, Insurance reinstatement, Newbury, Project Management, Residential, RICS, RMA Surveyors, Surveys, West Berkshire Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,