One of the greatest challenges that property owners face is securing an accurate replacement cost new estimate after sustaining a loss to a period home. Victorian-era construction generally defies modern ideas about construction costs due to unique designs and materials. That’s why it’s essential to work with the Douglas Residential Cost Guide to calculate replacements costs that are accepted across the insurance, real estate, and construction sectors. And when it comes to arriving at a mutually agreeable replacement cost for Victorian double brick and triple brick homes, there is no better resource.
What You Need to Know About Double-Brick Victorian Homes
The Victorian construction trend ran from the late 18th to the early 19th Century. These homes are now 100-150 years old. The materials and intricate carpentry are widely considered high end by today’s standards. That means calculating replacement costs will require a niche understanding of reconstruction.
It’s also important to understand that the primary construction differs widely between Victorian-age homes. Double-brick construction involves two layers of brick with a thin air gap in between. The architectural strategy was designed to allow excessive hot and cold air to escape and regulate temperatures. What’s important to note about double-brick Victorian homes is that replacement costs must be determined using modern standards.
What You Need to Know About Triple-Brick Victorians
This design tended to be somewhat rare and was considered an expensive build even more than 100 years ago. While labour costs were relatively low during the Victorian era, hiring experienced masons to craft three rows of brick with two narrow gaps separating them runs on the very high end of home construction. And, homeowners may have opted to include modern insulation into one or both gaps over the years.
Triple-brick Victorian residences ranks among the more unique and difficult homes to estimate in Canada, even among experienced appraisers. Beyond the design elements, the detailed craftsmanship and high-end woodworking inside require a resource that recognizes the unique characteristics of the residence being estimated.
Get Reliable Replacement Cost for Victorian Double Brick and Triple Brick Homes
It’s clear that securing accurate replacement costs for Victorian double brick and triple brick homes is far more challenging than putting a number on square footage. There are just too many moving parts for professionals to arrive at a mutually agreeable calculation without using the Douglas Residential Cost Guide that brings together decades of appraisal and construction knowledge. The Douglas Guide remains the go-to online and hard copy resource for historic and niche residential replacement costs.
