Insurance Claim Management & Building Damage Reports​

Stephen Hawes & Co. offers a comprehensive insurance claim management and building damage reporting service for residential and commercial properties. Our reports are carried out by Stephen Hawes, a multi-chartered surveyor and building pathology specialist, ensuring a high level of technical expertise and clear, practical advice.

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The Service:

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Our Insurance Claim Management & Building Damage Reports are designed to investigate, diagnose and report on damage caused by events such as subsidence, heave, fire, escape of water, storm or impact. The reports explain the likely cause of damage, assess the extent and significance of the defects and provide recommendations for appropriate remedial works. Where required, we can also assist with claim strategy and negotiations, and comment on the adequacy of proposed repairs.

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How Stephen Hawes & Co. can help

• Initial Review: We can review your circumstances, any existing reports and the stage reached with your insurer or loss adjuster, and advise whether a formal expert report is likely to assist your claim.

• Detailed Inspection: We carry out a thorough on-site inspection of the property and affected areas, including photographs, measurements and, where appropriate, level surveys or monitoring points to assess movement.

• Causation & Liability: Our reports provide an independent professional opinion on the most likely cause of damage, whether the pattern of damage is consistent with an insured peril and any relevant contributory building defects or maintenance issues.

• Technical Building Damage / Causation Reports: We prepare clear, structured reports explaining the damage, likely cause, significance and recommended remedial works. These are suitable for submission to insurers, loss adjusters, mortgage lenders or solicitors.

• Remedial Scope & Cost Estimates: We can prepare an outline or detailed scope of remedial works with budget cost estimates, often based on BCIS and current market rates, to support negotiations on the extent and cost of proper reinstatement.

• Negotiation Support: Where required, we can assist in responding to queries raised by insurers or loss adjusters, and provide comments on proposed repair schemes where these may be inadequate, excessive or inappropriate.

• Oversight of Remedial Works: We can review contractor quotations, comment on methods, and carry out further inspections during or after the works to confirm whether repairs have been carried out in accordance with the agreed scope and to a reasonable standard.

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Typical instructions

Clients commonly instruct Stephen Hawes & Co. for:

• Subsidence, heave and structural movement affecting houses, flats and commercial buildings.

• Fire and smoke damage to roofs, structures and internal finishes.

• Escape of water from plumbing, heating or roofing failures.

• Storm damage to roofs, chimneys, external walls and boundary structures.

• Impact damage from vehicles, falling trees or other external forces.

• Independent opinion where there is disagreement between the property owner and insurer, or between different experts or contractors.

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Who this service is for

• Homeowners and leaseholders pursuing or defending an insurance claim.

• Freeholders, RTM companies and managing agents dealing with block or estate-wide incidents.

• Landlords and portfolio owners requiring independent advice on insured damage and reinstatement.

• Solicitors requiring expert input or causation reports in connection with coverage disputes or litigation.

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Fees and recovery of costs

In most cases, our appointment is directly with you as the property owner, leaseholder, landlord or managing agent, and you are formally responsible for our fees.

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However, in many insurance claims it is possible for some or all of our reasonable professional fees to be:

• Reimbursed by your insurer as part of the overall claim settlement (for example, as necessary professional fees incurred in investigating the damage and specifying remedial works), or

• Included within the claim quantum as part of the cost of reinstatement, alongside contractor’s costs and other professional fees.

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Whether, and to what extent, our fees can be recovered will depend on:

• The terms and conditions of your policy.

• The nature, complexity and value of the damage and claim.

• The stance taken by the insurer or loss adjuster.

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As part of this service, we will:

• Explain clearly at the outset how our fees are structured (for example fixed fee, hourly rate or staged).

• Confirm who is contractually responsible for payment.

• Where appropriate, assist in presenting our invoices and fee details to your insurer or loss adjuster for potential reimbursement as part of the claim.

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Benefits of instructing Stephen Hawes & Co.

• Specialist Building Pathology Expertise: Extensive experience and postgraduate training in building pathology ensures careful analysis and explanation of building failures and defects.

• Independent Professional Advice: We act solely in your interests, providing impartial opinion that can be relied upon by insurers, solicitors and the courts if required.

• Clear, Practical Reporting: Our reports are written in plain, accessible language with photographs and clear recommendations, helping you to understand the issues and options.

• Support Throughout the Process: From initial inspection through to works completion (if required), we can provide continuity and guidance in what is often a stressful and technical process.

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Whether you are at the beginning of an insurance claim, in dispute with your insurer, or simply unsure whether the proposed repairs are sufficient, our Insurance Claim Management & Building Damage Reports service provides the expert, independent support needed to protect your property and position. Contact Stephen Hawes & Co. to discuss your situation and how we can assist.