A Building Reinstatement Cost Assessment (BRCA) is an expert estimate of how much it would cost to completely rebuild your property from the ground up if it were destroyed; for example, by fire, flooding, or structural failure.
It’s not the same as the market value of your property, and getting it wrong could leave you seriously underinsured or paying more than you need to for cover.
While many property owners assume the rebuild cost is the same as the price they paid or what the property is “worth” on the market, these figures can be worlds apart.
The reinstatement cost factors in everything required to rebuild: materials, labour, professional fees, demolition, debris removal, site access, and even compliance with local planning rules.
Put simply: if your home or building were lost tomorrow, a BRCA tells you how much it would cost to put it back — just as it was.
Why is a Building Reinstatement Cost Assessment important?
A BRCA is important because insurance is based on your property’s rebuild cost, not its market value. If the rebuild cost is too low, your insurer may reduce or reject your claim, even if you’ve paid your premiums for years.
Let’s say your building would cost £500,000 to reinstate, but your insurance only covers £350,000. In the event of a claim, you might only receive a proportion of your payout, leaving you tens of thousands out of pocket. This is known as the ‘average clause’, and it catches many owners off guard.
On the other hand, overestimating the cost can result in inflated premiums year after year. A professional BRCA gives you peace of mind that your insurance is based on accurate, defensible figures — protecting your finances and your property.
Lloyd Dixon Group is an experienced team of property surveyors in London, St Albans, Hertfordshire and Mayfair. To get a quote or speak to us, please call 075 95 534 101.
What does a Building Reinstatement Cost Assessment include?
A professional BRCA looks beyond just square footage. It involves a detailed inspection and review of your property’s unique features, including:
- Type and age of the building
- Size, layout and number of storeys
- Construction materials and finishes
- Listed status or conservation area restrictions
- Garages, walls, fences, and outbuildings
- Site access and working constraints
- Local labour rates and material costs
- Demolition and waste removal costs
- Professional fees (architects, engineers, planning, etc.)
The assessment uses up-to-date data from recognised sources such as BCIS (Building Cost Information Service) to calculate the correct rebuild cost for insurance purposes.
Who should get a Building Reinstatement Cost Assessment?
You should consider commissioning a BRCA if:
- You are renewing or taking out a new insurance policy
- Your current rebuild cost hasn’t been reviewed in 3+ years
- You own a high-value or unusual property (e.g. listed, historic, or architect-designed)
- You are a landlord or commercial property owner
- Your lender or insurer requests one
- You live in a conservation area or area with strict planning controls
Why choose Lloyd Dixon Group for your Building Reinstatement Cost Assessment?
At Lloyd Dixon, we offer BRCA reports that are clear, reliable, and recognised by insurers. We combine technical expertise with local knowledge to ensure every assessment is tailored to the specific risks and costs relevant to your property and area.
We understand how devastating underinsurance can be — and how frustrating it is to overpay for cover. Our goal is to deliver precise, up-to-date assessments that give you peace of mind and support your insurance needs without unnecessary cost.
See More:
How long does a property survey take?
What should be included in a property survey report?
Is a property survey different from a property valuation?
Not sure whether your cover is accurate? Speak to Lloyd Dixon Group and book your survey today.