Why You Need a Rebuild Cost Assessment.
Let’s say your property burns to the ground. Total loss. It’s an uncomfortable thought – but if it happens, would your insurance cover every last brick, beam, and boiler?
If you just said, “I think so?” – this guide’s for you.
At Exactum, we’re specialists in Rebuild Cost Assessments, and we’ve seen too many cases where homeowners only find out they’re underinsured after disaster strikes. Let’s fix that.
So… What Is a Rebuild Cost Assessment, Really?
A Rebuild Cost Assessment (RCA) – sometimes called a Reinstatement Cost Assessment or Building Reinstatement Cost Assessment – is a professional calculation of how much it would cost to completely rebuild your property. Think total demolition and full reconstruction.
That includes:
- Labour and materials (costing more each year)
- Demolition and debris removal
- Site clearance
- Architect and engineer fees
- Compliance with the latest building regulations
- VAT (yes, even on disaster recovery)
It’s not what your home is worth on the open market. And it’s definitely not just a guess based on how nice your kitchen looks. It’s science, maths, and experience rolled into one report – and it’s what your insurer depends on when setting your coverage.
Why It Matters (and Why Now)
Look, we get it – insurance stuff isn’t the most thrilling part of owning property. But it’s the safety net that keeps everything from crashing down. Here’s why this isn’t something to ignore:
Underinsurance = Big Trouble
If your rebuild cost is estimated too low, your insurer could apply the “average clause” and reduce your claim payout. That means if your property should’ve been insured for £400,000 but you only listed £300,000, you might only get 75% of any future claim.
Overinsurance = Wasted Money
On the flip side, if you wildly overestimate, you’ll end up paying unnecessarily high premiums – and you won’t see that extra money again.
The Numbers Keep Shifting
Material and labour costs are on a rollercoaster lately (and not in a fun way). An RCA from even five years ago is likely outdated. If you’ve renovated or added a fancy new extension, you could be way off the mark.
That’s where we come in.
How Exactum Handles Rebuilding Cost Assessments (Spoiler: It’s Not a Guess)
At Exactum, we don’t believe in half-baked estimates. Our assessments are built on real data, technical precision, and good old-fashioned property expertise.
Here’s Our Process:
1. Property Review
We start by gathering the essentials: location, size, layout, property type, construction materials, and more. If you’ve got plans, drawings, or survey records – great. If not, we work around it.
2. Site Visit (If Needed)
For unusual or high-value properties, or buildings with historical quirks, we’ll visit in person. Nothing beats boots-on-the-ground when it comes to understanding a structure’s complexity.
3. Detailed Cost Modelling
Using trusted industry data sources (BCIS, for example), we crunch the numbers to calculate a tailored, accurate rebuild cost. We factor in everything from foundation to chimney pot.
4. Easy-to-Read Report
We deliver your results in a straightforward report, so you can update your insurance with confidence. No jargon. No fluff. Just facts.
Common Questions Property Owners Ask Us
Because insurance lingo isn’t everyone’s love language, here are a few clear answers to the stuff people Google all the time:
Is the rebuild cost the same as my home’s market value?
Nope. Not even close in some cases. A four-bedroom Victorian home in Surrey might sell for £900,000 but only cost £400,000 to rebuild. Or vice versa – especially in remote areas where logistics skyrocket costs.
How often should I get a Rebuild Cost Assessment?
We recommend updating your RCA every 3–5 years, or sooner if you’ve:
- Renovated or extended
- Bought a listed or non-standard property
- Changed insurers
Construction costs change constantly – don’t let your policy fall behind.
Can’t I just use an online calculator?
You can, but should you? Most online tools use generic algorithms and don’t account for local building codes, architectural quirks, or tricky structural elements. We’ve seen homeowners underinsured by over 30% based on those calculators.
Why Choose Exactum?
Good question.
We’re not a faceless platform or an algorithm in disguise. At Exactum, we bring together qualified surveyors, real-world building knowledge, and sharp cost intelligence to deliver assessments you can trust.
What sets us apart?
- Unbiased: We don’t sell insurance, so we’ve got no skin in the game.
- Specialised: Reinstatement Cost Assessments are our thing, not a side hustle.
- Flexible: Need desktop only? Done. Complex heritage site? Let’s get boots on the ground.
We’re also friendly. We don’t expect you to be an insurance expert – that’s our job.
Real Talk: What Happens If You Skip It?
If your rebuild cost is wrong, everything that follows could unravel:
- You risk financial gaps in your policy.
- You might delay rebuilding after a disaster.
- Your premiums could be inflated for no reason.
Worse still? You might not find out until it’s too late.
We’ve worked with landlords whose rebuild assessments were off by over £100,000 – after they’d already insured the property. Don’t be them. Be you – but smarter.
What’s the Next Step?
Easy. Book your Rebuild Cost Assessment with Exactum today. We’ll walk you through the process, explain anything that’s unclear, and get you back to feeling confident about your coverage.
Still deciding? Take a minute and visit www.exactum.co.uk to read more about what we do and how we do it better.
And if you’re looking for a broader approach to financial wisdom, check out this excellent property insurance guide from Common Sense Guy – it’s packed with practical insights.
Wrapping It Up: Better Safe Than Scrambling
You insure your property because you care about it. But insurance only works if it’s based on the right numbers. That’s what a Rebuild Cost Assessment from Exactum gives you: clarity, protection, and peace of mind.
Don’t leave it to chance or guesswork. You wouldn’t eyeball your car insurance – so why gamble with your biggest asset?
Secure your assessment today. Your future self (and your insurer) will thank you.