RCAs Flashcards
What should be established prior to taking an RCA instruction?
- What is included within the “building”. Whether fixtures and fittings are to be included. This should be documented prior to proceeding with the instruction so that it can be reviewed at a later date if need be
- Any specific exclusions
- Base date
- Existing info - plans, O&Ms etc.
What is the RICS position on desktop RCAs?
The guidance note does not cover desktop RCAs, and therefore they should be recommended against if possible
What is the most common basis for RCAs to be prepared on?
A total demolition and reinstatement basis, Day One calculation
How regularly should RCAs be reviewed?
If no major alterations are made to the property, the amount should be adjusted annually to take account of inflation, and a full review should be carried out every three years
When inspecting a property for a RCA what should be surveyed and established?
- General overview of the building, ensure client description matches demise etc.
- Assess the age of the building (approx. acceptable if no certainty provided)
- Assess surroundings for any possible restrictions to demolition and re-building
- Likely presence of deleterious materials (will increase demo cost)
- Take notes, photos and measurements
What information must your notes photos and measurements provide during an RCA inspection?
- Layout of the building
- IPMS2/GIFA of each construction type
- Schedule of accommodation use
- Summary of building structure, construction types, eaves/ceiling height, finishes
- Summary of building services
- Summary of externals (incl boundaries and outbuildings)
- Summary of specialist features (ornate stonework)
- Summary of general topography
What will the final assessment figure be comprised of?
- Net rebuilding cost
- Demolition and debris removal
- Professional and statutory fees
How is the net rebuilding cost calculated?
Multiplying the GIA by a suitable rate for the type of building
What should be considered when deciding on the appropriate rate to use for the calculation of the net rebuilding cost?
- Location
- Listed building status
- Conservation area requirements
- Additional re-construction cost (think waterways)
How is demolition cost normally calculated?
As a % of the net rebuilding cost, or as a lump sum from published prices
What should be taken into account when considering demolition costs?
- Additional costs (access, reinforced concrete, high level works)
- Deleterious materials
- Allowance for clearing and repairing debris from surrounding services
What professional fees should be considered?
- Those for a design team as would be required - architect, structural engineer etc.
- Sufficient allowance for the procurement of all necessary statutory approvals should be made
Why should RCAs be regularly updated, outwith inflation?
As RCAs allow for the total reconstruction of a building as closely to the original as current regulations allow, the restrictions of building regulations will need to be regularly reviewed as they will effect what can be done
What should be provided within the report for an RCA?
It should be a summary of the reinstatement cost, it’s not necessary to provide the calculation. It should include:
- Summary of the instruction, and the basis of the calculation
- Scope of the inspection, and any limitations
- Recommended base sum insured
- Details of what’s included (demolition, fees etc.)
- Extent of site (externals included)
- Specific exclusions (tenant fixtures)
- Caveats - no comment on condition, not market value, should be used for no other purpose
- Reinstatement period
- Photographs and plans for clarity
What should be considered when providing a reinstatement period?
- Design/statutory consents/procurement period
- Construction period
- Any additional factors - archaeology
