Fire Damage Reinstatement of Residential Property Following Lightning Strike

PROJECT

Fire Damage Reinstatement of Residential Property Following Lightning Strike

LOCATION

Billingshurst, West Sussex

SECTOR

Residential

PROJECT VALUE

£220,000

PROJECT DURATION

23 Weeks

SERVICES PROVIDED

Reinstatement Specification
Contract Administration
Principal Designer (CDM & Building Regulations)

Following significant fire damage caused by a lightning strike, this residential bungalow required extensive reinstatement works, including the complete replacement of the roof and comprehensive internal refurbishment.

JP Bedfords was appointed to manage the reinstatement project, with our London office overseeing the 23 week contract programme. Our appointment included preparation of the reinstatement specification, Contract Administration and undertaking the duties of Principal Designer under both the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations and Building Regulations.

The project presented a number of technical and coordination challenges, including significant structural alterations and the complete replacement of the existing roof. During the design process, the client identified an opportunity to enhance the property by introducing a new loft room, increasing the property’s usable floor area by adding additional accommodation.

Importantly, the proposed enhancement was separate from the insurance reinstatement works and was privately funded by the client. JP Bedfords coordinated the additional works alongside the insured reinstatement programme, ensuring that the client’s aspirations could be delivered efficiently while maintaining a clear distinction between the costs associated with the insurance claim and those relating to our client’s needs.

This required careful design development, cost management and project coordination to ensure the insurers’ liability remained appropriately limited to the damage arising from the insured peril and the reasonable costs of reinstating the property to its pre-loss condition, while enabling the client-funded improvements to be incorporated seamlessly into the overall construction programme.

Through close coordination between the client, insurers, contractors and professional team, the works were successfully delivered within the planned 23-week programme. The completed property has been transformed into a modern, fully compliant and substantially enhanced home, with increased usable accommodation and improved functionality.

The project demonstrates JP Bedfords’ ability to manage complex reinstatement projects while balancing the often differing objectives of client, insurer and contractor. By clearly separating insured reinstatement from privately funded improvements, we enabled the client to maximise the opportunity presented by the works, whilst protecting the insurer’s position and maintaining appropriate control over claim-related costs.