The average cost of restoring a flood-hit three bedroom house to its former condition could be on average £30,000, with flood proofing costing an additional £15,000 according to data issued today by RICS.
With repair costs so high, RICS has today warned affected homeowners who are having their properties repaired to consider additional flood defence measures. While potentially costly, the amount of money saved and disruption avoided in the longer term should the worst happen once more makes it a sound investment, especially for those without comprehensive buildings insurance.
The average £30,000 cost of repairing a typical three bedroom semi-detached property includes the likes of timber floors, plasterboard, kitchen units and cavity wall insulation and, in many cases, will be largely covered by a homeowner’s insurance company. However, the claims process can potentially take many months and, crucially, those without comprehensive cover could have to foot the entire cost themselves.
However, flood prevention measures – including adding non-return valves to drains, raising power points and laying tiled floors – comes it at around £15,000. While clearly a substantial extra cost, those who have fallen victim to the recent floods should seriously consider flood proofing as a means of both protecting their home and ensuring that they don’t have their lives turned upside down to the same extent in the future.
