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.

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

Lack of Ventilation leads to Mildew

May 21, 2014 By

Lack of ventilationRecently we undertook an RICS Homebuyer’s Survey in Reading and found mildew staining to the underside of felt and roof timbers. It indicated that the roof ventilation was not adequate, causing moist air to condense on the cold surface on the underside of the roof covering.
This defect is more and more common as building owners are taking advantage of government incentives to improve energy performance in properties, adding additional insulation in their roof spaces. However, if insulation installers are not careful they can block up gaps between rafters at the eaves and prevent the cross flow of ventilation through the roof void.
Ventilation in the roof space is important as it is required to ensure roof timbers are protected from such moisture and the resulting consequences.
A defect like this is not costly to remedy but needs immediate attention to prevent damage to the timber roof structure. Potentially we saved our clients thousands of pounds in future repairs were this defect left unnoticed.
If you’re in need of some advice on a property defect, a Homebuyer survey or building survey, contact us on 01635 579 208.

Filed Under: building survey, Building Surveying, Defects, diagnosing damp, Newbury, Residential, RICS, ventilation Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Case of the Missing Party Wall

May 15, 2014 By

No Party WallWhile conducting a recent Homebuyers Survey in Reading, we noticed something missing from the main roof space – a party wall.
It was common in Victorian terraces for there to be no separating wall at the party line in the roof space. In some cases, one could walk all the way through the roof space straight down the terrace.
Nowadays we are a little more security and fire conscious and walls have been installed.
It is rare in Reading to find a property where this has not been done. We advised our client that a party wall should be installed. In doing so we saved the client considerable additional cost.
Installing an adequate wall may require a party wall agreement before remedial works are undertaken.
If you need Party Wall advice in Reading or Newbury call us for a quote.

It is rare that property purchasers look in the roof space they are often dirty and detract from the glamour of buying a new property. Why not let us look for you?
If you need a property survey in West Berkshire, call us for a quote. Get in touch on 01635 579 208.

Filed Under: building survey, Building Surveying, Defects, Party Wall, Residential, RICS, West Berkshire Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Leaning Tower of South Korea

May 14, 2014 By

Leaning Tower in KoreaTake a look at this seven-storey building – still under construction in South Korea – leaning 20 degrees.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2014/may/13/south-korea-building-leans-video

Hopefully your building doesn’t have concerns of this magntitude. But if you are concerned about a defect, take a look at our Defects page to see how a Chartered Building Surveyor could undertake a defect specific survey and report on a property, or contact us to discuss your situation further.

Filed Under: building survey, Building Surveying, Defects, 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: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Project Management on Property Extensions and Refurbishments

March 27, 2014 By

An old Pumping Station for rennovationIt is frequently seen on self build tv programmes when the building owner dispenses with their professional team and announces they are going to take on the role of the project manager.

Often with little or no experience. Generally the end result is unsatisfactory, with conflicts with the building contractor, a lack of technical understanding, projects going over budget or well beyond the contract period, contractors not getting paid, legal disputes and all manner of stress to everyday life.

In short being a project manager is hard work. So why not let a professional help – in the long term, it will save you money, time, stress and heartache.

How can a professional help?
By enlisting the services of a Chartered Building Surveyor you will receive guidance and knowledge that will help your project to run smoothly. You’ll receive no nasty surprises and the outcome will be a refurbishment, extension or renovation that will be an asset.

RMA Surveyors Ltd will act on your behalf to specify, design and manage the building works. In addition to certifying works, assessing costs and liaising with the building contractor at every stage. We will use our professional skill, expertise and understanding of buildings and construction to administer and manage building contracts. We will supervise the building contract to ensure a smooth running of the project and a satisfactory outcome for all involved.

The Process
Once a project (e.g. a refurbishment, extension or reinstatement) has been designed and specified, we begin the process of procurement, usually via competitive tender. We issue the tender documents to several building contractors, who provide a quote for the works. Once tenders are received, we make a recommendation as to which building contractor should be appointed. We ensure you have the best building contractor for the job, at the best price.

We then manage the construction phase of the project, chairing regular on-site meetings, dealing with any issues as they arise, valuing works and certifying stage payments, as well as monitoring the overall quality of the build.

Finally, we certificate works when they have been satisfactorily completed and ensure any outstanding issues are dealt with after completion.

For further information on whether RMA Surveyors Ltd can help with your project, give us a call on 01635 579208. See our project management page for further details.

Filed Under: Building pathology, building survey, Building Surveying, Construction, Newbury, Residential, RICS, West Berkshire Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dilapidations

March 27, 2014 By
Poorly maintained external wall

Poorly maintained external wall

Are you a tenant and have you had a schedule of Dilapidations served on you by your landlord?

Are you a landlord concerned about your tenant breaching the repair covenants of their lease?

In either case you are likely to require the services of a surveyor experienced in dilapidations procedures.

 

 

What are Dilapidations?
All leases have obligations on a landlord or tenant to keep a property in a certain state of repair and decoration. Dilapidations refer to a state of repair and decorative order that falls below the level required by the lease.

Near or at the end of a lease when a tenant leaves the leased premises, they are usually bound by the terms of the lease to undertake repairs or pay for any defects or items of disrepair. These defects and disrepairs are what are meant by dilapidations.

A Schedule of Dilapidations
At any time during the lease term, but usually near the end of the lease, a surveyor will be appointed by the landlord to assess the condition of the premises and form a schedule of dilapidations.

NOTE: A surveyor can provide a Schedule of Condition at the commencement of a lease in order to make a clear record of the condition of the property to avoid contentious claims for repair at a later date.

The schedule of dilapidations will list out the defective elements of the building, cross referenced against the lease covenants that have been breached and provide a cost breakdown of repairs.

A terminal schedule will usually also list costs for surveyors fees, legal fees and loss of rent. The resulting claim for costs can in some instances be very high.

Another surveyor will usually be appointed by the tenant to make an assessment on their behalf to reduce the cost of the claim. It will be down to the two surveyors to negotiate and agree the full cost of the claim and bring about a smooth negotiation between landlord and tenant.

RMA Surveyors Ltd are experienced in acting on behalf of Landlords and Tenants.

For more information, visit our Dilapidations page or call 01635 579208 to discuss your query.

Filed Under: building survey, Building Surveying, Defects, RICS, 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: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Is your property affected by flood damage?

February 12, 2014 By

If so, get advice from a Chartered Building Surveyor.

A chartered building surveyor is an expert in buildings. Their professional knowledge and expertise as to how buildings are constructed, and how they perform, can assist you in a swift and satisfactory reinstatement of your flood damaged premises.

If you have water entering your building then RMA Chartered Building Surveyors can undertake an initial assessment, report the damage to your insurance loss adjuster, specify, tender and oversee works to their conclusion. At all times we can be your first point of contact and liaise with your loss adjuster directly in the reinstatement of your building.

Call RMA Surveyors Ltd on 01635 579 208 for advice regarding flood or water damage and we’ll be happy to help.

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

Protect your home against flooding

February 12, 2014 By

IMG_0810This is the advise being given to residents across Berkshire.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for rain in the district today (Wednesday), with 15-25mm of rain expected to fall within the yellow zone between 9am and 9pm.

There is also a yellow warning for wind in place between 10am today and 3am on Thursday. For more information visit: http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/2014/more-rain-to-fall-in-west-berkshire-tomorrow

If your home has been affected by the floods or water damage, call RMA Surveyors Ltd for advice.

Filed Under: Building pathology, building survey, Building Surveying, Construction, diagnosing damp, Insurance reinstatement Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,