The team from Barrett Corp Harrington explain how they are putting Health & Safety at the core of necessary site visits.

BCH was founded in 2006.  Things have changed a lot since then, so it’s no surprise that our business practices have too. So far, 2020 has seen us make significant changes more rapidly than ever before; with the health and safety of our customers, staff and the public at the centre of these decisions.

In the early days, a Reinstatement Cost Assessment (RCA) instruction would include a building address, perhaps a current sum insured and often very little else. Occasionally a Property Manager might have attended, which would help with the on-site data capture, but we are always dependent on the Appraiser gathering all the relevant information whilst on site.

Improvements in technology, have allowed us to gather data as well as give the Property Manager the opportunity to share relevant information about the building prior to our visit. The impact of Covid-19 has resulted in a significant increase in the amount of people using technology and whilst these steps may seem small, the impact for our Appraiser means there is less need for contact whilst on site which formulates the basis for our most recent Health and Safety policies.

What have we done to ensure best practice for Health and Safety recently?

Gathering of Information Off Site

Our visits to site are essential for us to gather key information for accurate and RICS compliant RCAs. 

Our Appraisers will photograph and record the specific materials and construction methods used. In addition, measurements of the buildings to calculate the property’s Gross Floor Area and measuring any external works (e.g. bin stores, parking areas etc) is at the core of the site-based visit.

But, prior to attending site, our Appraisers will collate information to ensure they are suitably prepared and have allowed sufficient time for a full and detailed site visit. 

A desktop analysis of the property identifies satellite imagery of the property, Conservation Areas, proximity to listed buildings, planning applications and sales particulars among other things, all of which prepare the Appraiser for an efficient site visit where contact can be reduced.

PPE and Reduced-Contact Site Visits

PPE has always formed an essential part of our Appraisers tool kits with face-masks, disposable gloves and hand sanitiser being more recent and essential additions. 

Since Covid-19, we have put in place strict PPE use and disposal processes to protect our Appraisers, clients and any property occupants or members of the public. In addition, we have put procedures in place to reduce the contact we have, enabling us to maintain social distance during our time on site. There is no doubt that we will continue these practises for the foreseeable future.

It’s Now Easier to Communicate and Share

We have always asked Property Managers for as much information about the building prior to attending site and 2020 has seen a brilliant uptake from PMs in sharing this information. 

Site plans, existing schedules and any photographs you may have will all enable our Appraisers to keep their time on site to a minimum and can simply be sent over by email. 

In addition, the use of video conferencing can allow our surveyors to see the building or key bits of information about it if there is a need that can’t be established, at a safe distance, whilst on site.

Giving our Appraisers as much information as possible prior to them attending site, ensures that they can use their time on site efficiently and allows them to focus on site-essential aspects of the Appraisal. 

In the interests of the safety of our customers and team, we really appreciate the positive response we’ve had to the process changes made to date. BCH are delighted to be carrying out RCA’s in a Covid secure way and thank our customers for their support. 

If you would like to discuss anything RCA-related with BCH, please call 01455 293510 or email [email protected].