In the construction industry, a quantity surveyor plays a central role in every new build project. They work out the quantities and costs of materials as well as the time and labour on tenders. They also negotiate contracts and work schedules, advise…
As temperatures continue to rise around the world, weather patterns become more unusual and unpredictable. Studies indicate that climate change will lead to more frequent and intense weather events, such as severe storms resulting in flooding. Rising…
In late January 2023, Auckland experienced record rainfall and flooding. Two weeks later, Cyclone Gabrielle hit New Zealand and was cited as the worst storm to affect the country this century. The upper North Island, Gisborne and the Hawkes Bay areas…
In the UK, more than 5 million homes and businesses are at risk of flooding. To plan for a flood and ensure resilience requires a thoughtful strategy that recognises two factors: resistance and recoverability. In this podcast, we are joined by Ian Gi…
The frequency of CAT events is increasing. At home and around the world, we’re seeing more extreme weather — resulting in a record number of claims. The new year began with significant flooding events on both sides of the Pacific, specifically…
The number of basement constructions and conversions have dramatically increased in recent years. Adding a basement is a more cost-effective way to provide additional space than moving or upsizing and adds significantly to the overall property value.…
More than one year ago, heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding in Westport, New Zealand. Swollen rivers burst their banks, and floodwaters cascaded right across the Buller District — damaging properties, roads and surrounding farmland. More …
You probably recall that Australia experienced devastating bushfires in 2019-2020, as the catastrophe garnered global headlines. Regrettably, many fewer people beyond Australia are familiar with an even costlier and more recent disaster: the severe f…
Landowners, developers, local authorities and government agencies can’t ignore the evidence of increasing flooding incidents. Nor can they abrogate responsibilities to insurers for the subsequent costs. The challenges related to flood claims and righ…
In 2007, catastrophic flooding in the UK killed 13 people, saw 420,000 inhabitants left without drinking water and was estimated to have caused nearly £6 billion of damage. This disaster was the trigger for a number of insurance and government-led in…
The 2018 CAT season has started with a vengeance. Already, we are seeing damage from flooding, earthquakes and a volcano in Hawaii. On top of that, hurricane season will soon be underway, the potential increases for droughts and related fires, and we…
As we prepare for the 2018 storm season, I can’t help but look back at the impact of 2017’s extreme weather. We have seen how vital it is to be ready to respond quickly to property claims in the field. Catastrophic weather events continue to test und…
As I write this blog, it is hard to believe that another catastrophic hurricane is approaching our shores. Like everyone else, I am still trying to grasp what happened in Texas with Hurricane Harvey. I know all our hearts go out to those who …
$1.9 billon. That is the estimated dollar amount the recent historic floods in Houston Texas will cost to return life and business back to normal according to the Houston Business Journal. Now almost every major weather service is reporting that, d…