Sum of a storm - surveying the damage

After this weeks storm, those who suffered damage to their property will be turning their heads to repairs. But where to start?

The cost of the storm’s assault on your home can be calculated using a guide published by The Building Cost Information Service (BCIS), part of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

The Property Makeover Price Guide is specifically designed to help homeowners, clearly setting out what they should expect to pay for over 1,300 different types of work to their home according to the location of their property. It covers everything from fixing window panes, replacing chimney pots to rebuilding walls.

Andrew Thompson, International Development Director of BCIS says: “Whether your property has suffered light, medium or severe damage getting an accurate estimate of the repair cost can help put your mind at ease, as well as help you to negotiate with your insurer or contractor about the work.”

“Building costs in Greater London are about 14 percent above the national average. Prices also vary across the capital - you tend to find that prices rise the further into town you go so building works in the London postal districts are about eight percent higher than in outer London. In terms of repairing a roof, you might be only looking at adding £100 to your bill, but for more costly repairs location is a bigger factor.”

Some examples for what storm damage costs (national average):

Replace six tiles/slates in one location £350

Rebuild 5m long freestanding brick wall (2m high, one brick thick) £5,440

Replace a framed, ledged and braced matchboard gate, including ironmongery £560

Cut down and remove large trees £1,050 (per tree)

Replace 20m of chestnut pale fencing (1000mm high, with two wires) £2,050

Rebuild side wall, including insulation for terraced house £12,590

Replace single width driveway, 10m long (75mm thick clay brick pavers) £3,160.