QuestGates Launches HERITAGE Product

Recognising how an inconsistent and unfocused approach to the repair of damage to historic and listed buildings can expose customers to a sub standard service and insurers to unnecessary costs, QuestGates has launched a bespoke solution for the management of claims involving damage to these types of properties– QuestGates HERITAGE.

QuestGates Associate Director and Head of Surveying Services, Dave Clare, says: “There are almost 600,000 listed domestic and commercial buildings throughout the UK and their owners are passionate about their guardianship of these pieces of the nation’s history. Getting any element of the restoration wrong is not only likely to generate customer complaints and reputational damage, but also result in costs spiralling out of control.

 “Appointing the right team of experts as soon as possible once a claim to a heritage building is notified can ensure strong technical controls from the outset and deliver the most appropriate solution to contain costs. It will also ensure that all repairs and renovations are undertaken within the requirements of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.”

Led by in-house conservation specialist, Dale Launders, QuestGates HERITAGE brings together the expertise of QuestGates’ specialist team of chartered surveyors and a specially selected nationwide panel of conservation contractors, disaster remediation consultants and ecology specialists all with a clear understanding and proven track record of conservation repairs and techniques as well as detailed knowledge of legislation surrounding listed buildings.

The team provides this service either in conjunction with QuestGates’ loss adjusting solution or by direct appointment by the insurer or customer. It contains expertise across the full range of commercial and household heritage buildings including: stately homes, castles, museums, places of worship, hotels and properties listed for their historic or structural interest.

Dale Launders says: “I’ve seen insured’s preferred contractors recommending repairs costing tens of thousands of pounds more than they need to, and which fail to take into account the designation of the building. Our new HERITAGE team understand the unique issues involved in repairing historic and listed buildings and ensure control, not only over the nature and quality of work required, but also over the spend for insurers, is maintained. Bringing our team in as early as possible represents a win-win for the customer, their broker and their insurer.”

The range of services provided by the QuestGates HERITAGE team includes:

·         Accurate valuation of reinstatement costs to ensure that historic and listed buildings are adequately insured

·         Survey of damage and provision of technical advice report including detailed descriptions of damage, potential repairs and budget costs

·         Consultancy and diagnostics to ensure the right costs are paid for any repairs

·         Project management –  including full surveying, specification, tendering and project management services for repairs, and preparation of Heritage Statements and applications