Reinstatement Works

Property reinstatement typically refers to the process of restoring a building to its previous state. This is often following damage or alteration. A property owner may initiate reinstatement works if a building has been damaged by fire or flooding. Property owners may also seek to restore a property to its former condition if a tenant has modified it. 

In some instances, reinstatement work can also refer to the necessary construction work that takes place when a building is being converted for a change of commercial use. If an existing shopping complex is being converted into residential flats, for example, reinstatement works may be necessary to facilitate the conversion of the building. 

How Does Reinstatement Work?

Reinstatement generally refers to rebuilding a property or bringing it back to its previous condition. In these cases, the property owner will commission a team of professionals. These are professionals such as surveyors, architects, engineers and builders. They will conduct the necessary demolition, site clearance, project planning and construction. 

As reinstatement often takes place following property damage or destruction, owners may be reliant on their insurers to cover the cost. If a property is subject to extensive fire damage, for example, you might expect your insurance policy to fund the entire cost of site clearance. You may also expect insurance to cover the rebuilding and its associated fees. 

In reality, an insurance policy is unlikely to cover the full extent of these costs. Unless you’ve had a rebuilding cost assessment completed and purchased sufficient coverage to fund the cost of rebuild or reinstatement. 

Reinstatement Works Construction

Before reinstatement works construction can commence, a considerable amount of planning may be required. Surveyors, architects and designers may revert to the building’s plans to ensure the finished property is a true replica of the original. Once plans have been drawn up and approved, you may need to obtain planning permission and/or building permits too. 

As you might expect, reinstatement works are generally large-scale projects. These can take weeks or months to complete. Depending on the size and scale of the building, an extensive range of professionals may be required to facilitate the works, which can include:

Demolition and Removal

Depending on the scope of the project, the remainder of the property may need to be entirely demolished. Specific elements of the property, such as flooring and wiring, may need to be removed.

Repair and Restoration

If parts of the property are salvageable, repairs may be undertaken to restore functionality and appearance. This may include structural components, such as the repair of walls and ceilings.

Replacement

If elements of the building have been removed, these will need to be replaced with similar components. These will be made from the same or similar materials. 

Reinstallation

Once the structural work is complete, reinstallation of fixtures and fittings can commence. Again, this is intended to be a like-for-like replacement. This ensures the ‘new’ property reflects the function and aesthetic of the original building. 

The Benefits of Surveyors for Reinstatement Works

Working with a Chartered Surveyor can be extremely advantageous throughout reinstatement works. Particularly if you seek advice before this type of work being carried out. If you have a rebuilding cost assessment calculated by a surveyor in advance, you can ensure you have an appropriate level of insurance cover in place to fund the reinstatement works.

However, this isn’t the only role that a surveyor can play when it comes to reinstatement. From contract administration to minimise risk to project management for seamless coordination. we can provide expert, end-to-end support throughout reinstatement works projects.

To find out more, contact TCL Chartered Surveyors now on 020 3176 0029, email us at info@tcl-surveyors.co.uk or send us a message here.