Homeowners need to be conscious of the cost of damage to their property, it has been suggested.

According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ Buildings Cost Information Service (BCIS), the extreme weather which has hit many parts of the country over the past week will now see many consumers begin to look towards repairing their homes. Such areas that may be in need of fixing were shown to range from rebuilding a wall to repairing windows.

However, it was suggested that according to the type of accommodation and their location within Britain such costs could vary dramatically. The news comes as the institution launches its Property Makeover Price Guide, which gives homeowners an indication of how much they should be shelling out for various repairs and renovations on their properties.

Findings from the firm indicated that the typical cost of having 20 m of chestnut pale fencing, which is 1,000 mm high and features two wires, fitted is 2,050 pounds. Meanwhile, it was revealed that replacing six tiles or slates in a single location on a home will set consumers back by an average 350 pounds. The cutting and removal of large trees was shown to have an average expense of 1,050 pounds, with the fitting of a framed matchboard gate costing 560 pounds.

However, those who find that wind and rain has forced them to have a wall in their home rebuilt could come under significant financial pressure. BCIS revealed that the typical expense of having a side wall, including insulation, constructed in a terraced property stands at 12,950 pounds. A freestanding brick wall that is 2 m high and 5 m long was said to incur costs of 5,440 pounds.

For those looking for an effective way to finance the repair of property after storm damage, a homeowner loan may prove to be of assistance.

Andrew Thompson, international development director of the BCIS, commented that those looking to get their house back in a fit state should first get an estimate of how much repairs will set them back before bringing in the builders. He asserted: “Whether your property has suffered light, medium or severe damage getting an accurate estimate of the repair cost can help put your mind at ease, as well as help you to negotiate with your insurer or contractor about the work. Building costs in Greater London are about 14 per cent above the national average. Prices also vary across the capital - you tend to find that prices rise the further into town you go so building works in the London postal districts are about eight per cent higher than in outer London.”

Mr Thomson went on to claim that the more expensive a repair bill is, the bigger an impact the location of a home will have on costs. He stated that depending on where they live those wishing to have their roof mended could see the invoice vary by about 100 pounds.

When looking to meet the costs of repairs to property, taking out a homeowner loan may be of assistance. This type of loan could see borrowers be able to meet the cost of hiring professional tradespeople to carry out such work quickly and effectively. Such a home loan might especially be of help to those whose roofs have been struck by high winds. Earlier this year, Halifax Home Insurance reported that over 1.5 million roofs were damaged by winds of up to 77 miles per hour over the course of 2007. With the average repair bill standing at 2,800 pounds, the firm also advised consumers of the need to take out comprehensive insurance cover.

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