Is Your Property Insured for the True Cost of Rebuilding?
Construction costs change over time, and an outdated rebuild value may leave a property inadequately insured. Here is what to check.
Read articleInsurance Reinstatement (Rebuild) Estimates
Independent rebuild estimates for residential homes, multi-unit developments and investment properties, so your sum insured reflects the true cost of rebuilding.
Construction costs change over time, and an outdated rebuild value may leave a property inadequately insured. A rebuild estimate is different from a market valuation: it focuses on what it would cost to reinstate the building after a loss.
QS Consultants provides independent Insurance Rebuild Estimates for residential homes, multi-unit developments and investment properties. Our assessments consider the key costs associated with rebuilding, helping property owners and insurance professionals establish an appropriate rebuild value for insurance purposes.
Who this is for
- Homeowners checking their sum insured
- Investors with residential rental properties
- Owners of multi-unit developments
- Insurance brokers and advisers who need an independent figure
What is included
Reinstatement cost of the building
The cost to rebuild to a comparable standard, measured from plans or an inspection of the property.
Demolition and site clearance
Allowance for removing damaged structures and debris.
Professional fees and consents
Design, engineering and consent costs that would arise on a rebuild.
Site works and external structures
Driveways, retaining, fencing and similar items, where they are to be covered.
Cost escalation allowance
Allowance for rising costs over the likely rebuild period.
Clear, insurer-friendly report
A report your insurer or broker can use to set or review your sum insured.
Good to know
Good to know: rebuild value is not market value. A property can be worth much more (or less) on the market than it would cost to rebuild.
Documents we will ask for
- Plans or floor areas of the property
- Photos of the building and its condition
- Details of the construction type and finishes
- Details of any recent alterations
- Your current sum insured and insurer (optional)
Not sure what you have? Send what is available and we will confirm exactly what is needed.
How it works
- Send the property details. Plans, floor areas and photos are usually enough.
- Fixed-fee quote. We confirm the fee and the timeframe.
- We assess rebuild costs. We price the rebuild using current market rates.
- Report delivered. You receive a clear rebuild estimate to share with your insurer or broker.
Related services
- New Build – Full Rate Estimate Cost: A detailed, measured estimate for a new home or development, priced at full market rates for labour, materials, plant and margin.
- Residential Additions & Renovations Estimates: Cost estimates for extensions, alterations and renovations, including the hidden costs that often surprise homeowners.
- Client Advisory & Full Contract Administration Services: Independent advice and contract administration on your side of the table: assessing claims, valuing variations and keeping the financial side of the contract in order.
This guide is general information only and does not replace advice on your specific project. Costs, building rules and lender or insurer requirements change and every project is different, so please speak to us about your own circumstances before acting.
Frequently asked questions
Insurance Reinstatement (Rebuild) Estimates FAQs
A valuation estimates what a property would sell for. A rebuild estimate estimates what it would cost to reinstate the building, which is what matters for insurance.
Construction costs change over time, so reviewing at least every few years, and after any renovation, helps keep the sum insured appropriate.
Yes. We can issue the report in a format insurers and brokers can use, and speak with them if you wish.
It is an independent estimate of what it would cost to rebuild a property after a loss, considering the key costs associated with rebuilding. It helps owners and insurance professionals establish an appropriate rebuild value for insurance purposes.
No. Market value is what a property might sell for. Rebuild value is the cost of reinstating the building itself, and the two can be very different.
Ready to talk about Insurance Reinstatement (Rebuild) Estimates?
Contact us today for a fixed-price quote. Independent, accurate and professional.