Desktop reinstatement cost assessments are carried out remotely rather than an assessor visiting your property and carrying out a rebuild valuation in person. They can be practical and cost effective, and they certainly have their place, but there are certain circumstances in which an on-site assessment is the only responsible choice.

In this guide, we explain when desktop reinstatement cost assessments are valuable and when an on-site assessment is a safer option.

What is a desktop reinstatement cost assessment?

A desktop reinstatement cost assessment is a rebuild valuation carried out remotely using existing property information, digital tools, and professional cost data, rather than a physical inspection of the building. 

Instead of visiting the site, the assessor analyses available records and applies recognised costing methodologies to determine the total cost of reinstatement for insurance purposes.

At Cardnus, we offer both desktop and on-site assessment options. Find out more about our reinstatement cost assessment services.

When it makes sense to consider a desktop-based assessment

Generally speaking, a desktop property valuation is a good choice for straightforward assessments.

Standard construction properties

Desktop valuations of property are most appropriate for structures built using standard construction methods and widely used materials. 

These buildings typically follow conventional design patterns and structural systems, making their rebuild costs easier to calculate accurately using existing data and professional cost modelling tools.

Building with clearly defined footprint and structure

A desktop reinstatement cost assessment relies on accurate measurement of the building’s size and layout, so it is best suited to properties with a clearly defined footprint and structure. 

Where the building’s dimensions, shape, and overall form can be reliably determined from plans, mapping data, or other existing records, assessors can calculate rebuild costs with confidence using a desktop approach.

Properties with reliable, up-to-date building information

Desktop reinstatement cost assessments are most reliable when detailed, accurate information about the property is available, particularly if a recent on-site assessment has already been carried out by Cardinus.

Related – How often should you have a reinstatement cost assessment?

Having first-hand, up-to-date survey data allows our assessors to produce a precise desktop property valuation without needing to revisit the site. 

If such information is missing or the most recent on-site survey was conducted by another provider, key details may be overlooked, making an on-site assessment the safer option to deliver an accurate and defensible reinstatement cost assessment.

Mixed-use buildings requiring a single overall valuation

Desktop reinstatement cost assessments can be suitable for mixed-use buildings, but only when a single overall reinstatement cost is required for the entire property. In these cases, the assessor can combine the different uses into one consolidated valuation, using available plans and building information to calculate the rebuild cost accurately.

This approach works best when the extent of each use is clearly defined and there are no complex divisions or unusual features that would require separate assessments.

Where desktop reinstatement cost assessments fall short – and an on-site inspection is required

Desktop property valuations are typically insufficient when building complexity or lack of current information makes it difficult to accurately determine rebuild costs.

Listed buildings and properties of historical importance

Desktop reinstatement cost assessments are generally not suitable for listed buildings or properties of historical significance. These properties often include unique architectural features, heritage materials, or conservation requirements that cannot be fully captured through plans or existing records alone.

Only by visiting the property can an assessor accurately determine the costs involved in restoring or rebuilding in line with legal and heritage obligations, ensuring the reinstatement cost assessment is both accurate and defensible for insurance purposes.

High-value or complex buildings

Desktop rebuild valuations are generally not appropriate for high-value or complex buildings, such as those with a declared value exceeding £20 million or structures with intricate design elements. 

The financial and insurance risks associated with inaccuracies in these cases are significant, so relying solely on digital data and plans can lead to underinsurance or disputes.

An on-site inspection allows assessors to examine the full complexity of the property, including bespoke construction, specialised finishes, and site-specific factors that affect rebuild costs. 

Unusual construction methods, materials or building shapes

Unique construction methods, materials or building shapes can significantly impact rebuild costs, and they are often difficult to fully capture using plans, photographs, or existing records alone.

An on-site inspection allows assessors to verify construction techniques, measure irregular layouts, and account for specialised materials or bespoke elements that influence reinstatement costs.

Properties with basements or underground levels

Properties with sub-ground spaces often involve additional structural complexity, specialist construction techniques, and unique access or safety considerations that cannot be fully evaluated from plans or external data alone.

Assessing the property on-site, however, allows assessors to accurately measure these spaces, identify hidden features, and accurately assess their impact on rebuild costs.

Mixed use properties requiring separate reinstatement values

When a property contains distinct residential, commercial, or industrial areas that must be valued individually, a desktop approach cannot reliably capture the differences in construction, layout, or use.

An on-site inspection allows assessors to evaluate each section of the building in detail, ensuring that the unique characteristics, materials, and risk factors of each use are accurately reflected in discrete rebuild valuations.

Buildings with complex, hidden internal layouts

Desktop reinstatement cost assessments are generally unsuitable for buildings with complex hidden internal layouts, such as warehouses with mezzanines, lofts, or concealed structural features. 

These internal configurations can have a significant impact on rebuild costs but are often not apparent from plans, external photographs, or other records used in a desktop property valuation.

Properties where the insured extent cannot be clearly defined remotely

If the insured extent (i.e. which parts of the property are covered by buildings insurance) cannot be determined from plans, records, or photographs alone, a desktop valuation may overlook areas that should be included or mistakenly include areas that are not insured.

When visiting a property in person, assessors can verify the precise boundaries and components of the property that require reinstatement coverage.

Reinstatement cost assessments from Cardinus

At Cardinus Risk Management, we provide accurate, defensible reinstatement cost assessments tailored to your property’s unique characteristics. 

Whether you require a desktop reinstatement cost assessment for standard, well-documented buildings or a full on-site inspection for complex, high-value, or unusual properties, our nationwide network of highly qualified assessors delivers reliable results you can trust. Request a quote today.