Human contributions to changing weather patterns and the construction of new buildings on low-lying land have been hot topics in recent years. Yorkshire and Lancashire rainfall records were smashed during December with Storms Eva and Frank soaking already saturated land leading to long debated fears becoming a horrifying reality for many residents and business. In Leeds, Kirkstall Road became an extension of the River Aire, Apperley Bridge suffered a similar fate leaving the Horsforth to Rodley ring road as the only link between North and West Leeds. Homes and business were consumed by flood water leaving a filthy path of destruction to be cleaned up.
Leeds was not the only victim of the flooding York, Harrogate, Selby, Tadcaster, Ilkley and Shipley to name a few are still working hard to return to normal. Thousands of buildings need surveying and the damaged assessed, cleaning and drying operations are underway all across the North of England. Reinstatement works take time but in a few months properties will be repaired, redecorated and all signs of flooding left behind.
Looking to the future it is important all building owners correctly insure their properties to cover accurate rebuilding costs in the event of total destruction. The cost of rebuilding doesn't relate to market value but is dependant on the location and construction type, in-fact quite often the cost of rebuilding can exceed the market value of the property particularly when dealing with older buildings. If a building is under insured the insurance company may only pay out for a proportion of the rebuilding costs when claiming for flood, fire or subsidence damage. Lawson Building Consultancy can undertake an insurance reinstatement valuation assessment on your property to make sure your building is adequately covered.
We are located in Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire but undertake building surveying and architectural design services across the region including Harrogate, Boston Spa, Wetherby, Ilkley, Otley and York.
To obtain a fee quotation please contact Andrew Lawson
E: andrew@ian-lawson.co.uk M: 07951 211432