Commercial underinsurance starts with the wrong figure.
Tenant fitout, specialist plant and non-standard construction make commercial reinstatement costs uniquely complex - and uniquely easy to understate. A RICS assessment is the only defensible way to establish the correct sum insured.
RICS-regulated assessments accepted by all UK commercial insurers without amendment.
Why commercial reinstatement is so complex to get right.
Commercial buildings carry hidden cost layers that generic tools ignore entirely. Three drivers account for the majority of commercial underinsurance in the UK:
Tenant fitout
Category A and B fitout installed by tenants is often excluded from building schedules but must be reinstated - adding substantial cost.
Specialist plant
HVAC, lifts, substations and process equipment carry high replacement values that no index can capture without a site assessment.
M&E services
Mechanical and electrical infrastructure in offices, retail and industrial buildings routinely represents 20–40% of rebuild cost.
How approaches compare
Online calculators
Miss fitout, plant and M&E - wrong for most commercial properties.
Index-linking alone
If the base figure was wrong, index-linking compounds the error.
Old or inherited valuations
Build costs rose 30%+ since 2020 - pre-pandemic figures mislead.
RICS reinstatement cost assessment
Captures all cost layers. Accepted by all UK insurers. PI-insured and defensible.
Own multiple commercial properties? See our portfolio assessment service ?
Property Types We Assess
Every commercial property type, covered.
From single-tenant industrial units to multi-let city centre offices, our RICS-regulated assessors have the sector knowledge to establish an accurate reinstatement cost - whatever the asset class.
Mixed-use developments are assessed under a single instruction, with the output separated by use class so your insurer has clean, compliant figures for each element.
Specialist assessments for specialist buildings.
Tenant Fitout Captured
We identify and value Category A and B fitout installed by occupying tenants - a cost layer that online tools and index-linked valuations routinely miss entirely.
Learn moreListed Commercial
Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II commercial buildings assessed by surveyors experienced in historic fabric, specialist materials and Heritage England compliance.
Learn moreMixed-Use Assessment
A single instruction covers the entire development. Output is separated by use class - residential and commercial figures presented cleanly for your insurer.
Learn moreWhat Our Customers Say
Managing agents, freeholders and property professionals across the UK.
Caroline F.
Managing Agent Director, London
“Looking forward to working with Stearling Reinstatement to give us reliable rebuild cost quotes across our managed portfolio.”
Sarah L.
Block Manager, Bristol
“Stearling Reinstatement had a RICS report back to us in 24 hours. The shortfall was significant and the broker corrected it before renewal.”
Priya N.
Portfolio Manager, Birmingham
“Handles all our assessments on a rolling three-year cycle. Takes the compliance burden completely off our desk.”
James R.
Freeholder, Manchester
“Straightforward process and the report was exactly what our insurer needed. Will be using Stearling Reinstatement at every renewal going forward.”
David M.
RTM Director, Leeds
“Our previous sum insured was badly out of date. Stearling Reinstatement gave us a RICS-backed figure we could actually rely on.”
Emma T.
Property Director, Edinburgh
“Quick turnaround and a clear report. Exactly what we needed ahead of renewal.”
Oliver K.
Senior Block Manager, Cardiff
“Confident the buildings we manage are now properly insured. Stearling Reinstatement made the whole process simple.”
Rachel B.
Insurance Broker, Birmingham
“The RICS certificate meant our underwriters accepted the sum insured without question. Great to have a reliable partner for reinstatement assessments.”
Tom H.
Portfolio Landlord, London
“Very professional service. Report arrived the next day and gave me the confidence my properties are correctly covered.”
Natalie W.
Managing Agent, Bristol
“We now instruct Stearling Reinstatement as standard across all our blocks. It has become a routine part of our renewal process.”
Chris P.
Commercial Property Manager, Glasgow
“Solid, no-fuss service. The report is clear and our insurer accepted it immediately.”
Fiona D.
Leaseholder Representative, Sheffield
“Finally feel confident our block is covered for the right amount. Stearling Reinstatement explained everything clearly.”
Get Started. No Obligation Required.
Tell us your property and we'll send a written fee estimate no contract, no commitment. If you proceed, your broker-ready RICS report is with you in 24 hours.
Why Stearling Reinstatement
Specialist only
Reinstatement cost assessments no general surveying, no distractions.
RICS regulated
Every assessment supervised by a RICS-registered member.
24-hr turnaround
Desktop assessments delivered within 24 hours of instruction.
PI insured
Professional indemnity cover on every instruction.
Common questions.
Direct answers to the most common questions about commercial reinstatement cost assessments.