Managing Remedial Work Following Flood Damage to Reduce Costs
The last couple of years in the UK have seen an increase in extreme weather and flooding. For those affected, this is a traumatic time involving the possible loss of their home and most of their possessions. Alternative accommodation will usually have to be sought during the examination of damage and the following repairs, potentially at significant cost to the individuals or their insurance providers.
It is vitally important, therefore, that industry professionals managing remedial work in the wake of extreme weather events are fully prepared for dealing with flooding and its effects, as all parties involved benefit from timely, efficient and cost-effective resolutions. Sovereign have experience of this processand can offer the following tips to assist in significantly reducing the time scales for successful reinstatement and re-occupation of flood-damaged buildings.
An aspect of managing remedial work involves managing expectations. Flooding victims naturally want to return to their homes as quickly as possible, often with little regard for the details of work. All remedial work, of course, has to be funded. Flood victims expecting an insurance company to fund all work need to be made aware that the cost of purchasing a house is not the same as the amount to repair and replace its contents.
The cost of rebuilding will include fees for surveyors, VAT, building regulation charges and the cost of either stripping or demolishing the house. The true extent of damage cannot be determined until after the drying and stripping of plaster and floors. Insurance will also not cover future alleviation or flood defence: it will only pay for the repair of the building to its pre-damaged condition. Making clients aware of this early on helps avoid later frustration or disappointment.
Quality is at the heart of any remedial work when dealing with flooding. There are a variety of techniques for drying the house, depending on the nature of the building. Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air, but the process can be lengthy and the collected water has to be emptied regularly. More time- and cost-efficient is the use of a specialist electric heater, which works by heating and drawing in fresh air to vent the humidity. Specialised contractors can monitor the progress of the drying and should issue certificates of dryness and sanitisation upon conclusion.
As managers of the remedial work, it should be considered whether any of the planned repairs will require planning consent. It is important to find out early on if the building is listed or in a conservation area. All work undertaken will need to be compliant with the Building Act and will require a building inspector to certify the work as such.
Last but not least is financial management. Critical dates and landmarks for project progress need to be written into contracts during the tendering process when engaging suppliers, contractors and specialists. Regular on-site meetings are necessary to monitor implementation of the remedial plan and consider any modifications that may be needed. This can be simplified by considering and costing in potential variations at the beginning; unplanned deviations can drive up costs and extend project time.
