How Do I Find Out The Rebuild Cost Of My Flint Cottage?

Norfolk_Ninny

I've taken out house insurance in the past based on what I paid for my 1830's flint cottage in Norfolk in 1999 which I understand is not the right way to do it but insurers have never advised me otherwise of course and I suspect I've been overpaying for years!
I want to shop around and get a better quote but I can't use the ABI's calculator because it doesn't work for buildings constructed of flint, I've not had a survey and would rather not pay out for one if I don't need to. Martin's advice is get a survey or ask insurers for a rough value based on standard assumptions. Has anyone experience of this situation and any useful information please? ........Pretty please with a cherry on top.

margaretclare

Talk to a local estate agent, who will have a fair idea of these things.

Margaret

snarffie

Don't use an estate agent's valuation as this is not give you the rebuild cost. You will need to get a proper estimate of rebuild cost from a qualified building surveyor.

lisyloo

I read it that margaretclaire meant to talk to an estate agent about the rebuild cost.

Bear in mind that if your house burns down, then there will also be clearance costs, for knocking down half a house and removing it, plus costs for living elsewhere.
Personally I'd be more concerned about being under-insured than over-insured, but obviously you don't want to be massively over-insured either.

If you really feel concernd about it then look at policies with unlimited cover.
It might not be the cheapest way to go but it gives complete peace of mind.

Debt_Free_Chick

I think it's worth paying for a proper estimate. Talk to local surveyors - be firm in that you want a realistic value for insurance purposes and not a "general idea".