Using the Calculator

BCIS Risk Solutions

BCIS is the principal source of residential rebuilding cost data in the UK and offers a range of risk solutions specifically designed for the insurance industry.

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Inputting Your Details (Houses)

Select the style of house from the drop down menu.

Detached
Semi-detached (including end of terrace)
Terraced

Select the number of storeys.

Bungalow
2 storey (including chalet bungalows)
3 storey
4 storey

Insert the postcode of the house.

Insert the approximate year built.

Insert the gross external floor area (see Measuring your home) in the box marked 'External floor area' and select the appropriate radio button 'm²' or 'ft²'. If you have the area of individual floors then click on the link for help in calculating the external floor area and a simple calculator will appear.

Select the number of bedrooms (include rooms that were intended to be bedrooms, even if you use them as a study or the like).

Select the number of bathrooms (include rooms with a bath or shower but not cloakrooms with a WC and basin only).

Select the number of attached or detached garage spaces (a double garage counts as two spaces) but exclude garages which are an integral part of the house (and should be included in your measurement of floor area).

Select the external wall type.

Brick
Stone

Select the roof type.

Tile
Slate
Flat
Thatch

Select whether the house has a cellar or not.

Click on 'Calculate' and the calculator will report an estimate of the rebuilding cost for your house.

Inputting Your Details (Purpose Built Flats)

It is always better for the freeholder(s) to insure the whole block, than for individual flats to be insured separately. Only consider insuring an individual flat if there is no alternative.

Select the total number of flats on the floor that your flat is on from the drop down menu.

Select the height (number of storeys) for the whole block.

Insert the postcode of the flat.

Insert the approximate year built.

Insert the gross internal floor area (see Measuring your home) in the box marked 'Internal floor area' and select the appropriate radio button 'm²' or 'ft²'. The area should be measured to the internal face of the external/party walls including the space taken up by all internal wall and partitions. Do not include communal areas such as landings and staircases.

Select the number of bedrooms (include rooms that were intended to be bedrooms, even if you use them as a study or the like).

Select the number of bathrooms (include rooms with a bath or shower but not cloakrooms with a WC and basin only).

Select the external wall type.

Brick
Stone

Select the roof type.

Tile
Slate
Flat

Click on 'Calculate' and the calculator will report an estimate of the rebuilding cost for your flat.

Inputting Your Details (Conversion Flats)

It is always better for the freeholder(s) to insure the whole block, than for individual flats to be insured separately. Only consider insuring an individual flat if there is no alternative.

Select the total number of flats on the floor that your flat is on from the drop down menu.

Select the style of the house that was converted.

Detached
Semi-detached (including end of terrace)
Terraced

Select the height (number of storeys) for the converted house.

Insert the postcode of the flat.

Insert the approximate year the original house was built (not the date of conversion).

Select the number of bedrooms (include rooms that were intended to be bedrooms, even if you use them as a study or the like).

Select the number of bathrooms (include rooms with a bath or shower but not cloakrooms with a WC and basin only).

Select the number of attached or detached garage spaces (a double garage counts as two spaces).

Select the external wall type.

Brick
Stone

Select the roof type.

Tile
Slate
Flat

Click on 'Calculate' and the calculator will report an estimate of the rebuilding cost for your flat.

The Results Page

The report page returns:

An estimate of the rebuilding cost based on the limited information provided;

An indication of the likely range in rebuilding cost depending on the quality location, style, age and facilities of your home;

The details of your home used by the calculator;

Some of the key assumptions made by the calculator;

When the estimate was calculated and the pricing level used;

Notes; and

If the rebuilding cost is markedly different from your current sum insured contact your insurance company, broker or a local Chartered Surveyor.

Notes

The costs are based on typical design and specification for the period. The changes in specification and design occurred gradually, rather than at specific dates. No guidance is available on bungalows prior to 1840, purpose built flats prior to 1946 or conversion flats after 1945.

The rebuilding costs also include an allowance for full central heating costs, demolition and site clearance costs, architects' and surveyors' fees, and one half of the cost of rebuilding party walls in both terraced and semi-detached houses.

Costs are based on houses or flats of an average quality finish and might need adjusting. A range is given to indicate the possible variation in rebuilding cost because of quality and features. The figures given allow for double glazing. If your house is of higher quality with, for example, a luxury kitchen and sanitary fittings, floor and wall finishes, your final figure may need to be towards the upper end of the range shown. Likewise difficult ground conditions requiring special foundations will tend to increase costs.

Building costs in Northern Ireland are considerably lower than in the rest of the UK but they are affected by particular local conditions and seeking local advice is recommended.

The Error Page

The calculator is not able to provide answers for all properties. If the calculator is unable to provide an answer then first check that you have entered all the details correctly.

If your house is not listed and you think your home is not unusually large or small you should:

check that the area of your house has been measure correctly; and

check that you have selected the appropriate measurement button

Metres – m²
Feet – ft²

If you have entered the details correctly and the calculator cannot provide a rebuilding cost then you should contact your insurance company, broker or chartered surveyor.