Desktop appraisal
A replacement cost figure, without waiting for a site visit.
A desktop insurance appraisal is an indicative replacement cost estimate (RCV) — what it might cost to rebuild your building — based on the asset details, plans, measurements, photos and construction information you provide. There is no site inspection. It is not a market-value, mortgage or sale-price appraisal. Desktop appraisals are available Canada-wide for eligible residential (including condominium), retail, education, commercial and light industrial properties.
What it is
Insurance for a building is usually based on its replacement cost — the cost to rebuild it with materials of like kind and quality — not its market value. If that figure falls behind construction costs, a claim can be settled for less than you expect, particularly where a co-insurance clause applies. A desktop appraisal gives you an independent, reasoned estimate to compare against your current sum insured.
There is no site inspection. Floor areas, construction and condition are taken from your documents and photographs, and are stated as assumptions in the report. The figure is indicative only. Appraisal work is undertaken by an MRICS professional, who reviews each file and will decline or re-scope work where the information isn't sufficient for a sound estimate.
Usually suitable
- Eligible residential (including condominium buildings as a whole), retail, education, commercial and light industrial property
- Eligibility is reviewed and confirmed in writing before any work begins
- Renewals where you need a current replacement cost figure to compare with the sum insured
- Requests with reasonably complete plans, measurements or a prior appraisal
- Owners and brokers who can supply clear, recent interior and exterior photos
Custom quote or on-site appraisal usually needed
- Heavy industrial, manufacturing or process-driven facilities (custom quote)
- Portfolios or more than one building (custom quote)
- Designated heritage or otherwise complex properties (custom quote)
- Little documentation or unknown construction
- Recent significant damage, or an active claim or dispute
- Situations where an insurer or lender has asked for a physical inspection
Unsure? Describe the property in the enquiry form and we'll advise which option fits. See all fees.
Documents we'll ask for
- Property address and legal description (if available)
- Floor plans or drawings — or measured floor areas by level
- Year of construction and any major additions or renovations
- Recent photos: every elevation, roof where visible, key interior spaces and building services
- Construction details you know: structure, exterior cladding, roof, heating and cooling
- Current policy declarations page or schedule showing the existing sum insured
- Any previous appraisal or valuation report
How it works
- 01
Enquiry
Send the request form with the address, property type and approximate size.
- 02
Scope confirmation
We confirm in writing whether the property suits a desktop review, the fee and the documents needed. If it doesn't, we tell you why and what's appropriate instead.
- 03
Documents
You supply the document pack. The turnaround clock starts once it is complete.
- 04
Report
You receive a written report stating the estimated replacement cost, the basis used, and the assumptions and limitations that apply.
Limitations to understand
- The estimate relies on the accuracy and completeness of the information you supply.
- Hidden defects, condition, and features not shown in photos or plans are not assessed.
- The report is an indicative replacement cost estimate for insurance purposes only — not a market-value, mortgage or sale-price appraisal, building survey or code compliance review.
- Your insurer or broker decides what sum insured to accept; the report supports that conversation.
- Allowances (for example demolition or professional fees) are included only where confirmed in the written scope.
- If the review shows the property needs an inspection, we'll say so and quote the on-site option before continuing.
Want to see how a report is laid out? Our illustrative sample report uses a fictional property and shows the general format — it is not a desktop appraisal report, and desktop reports differ in scope. Find it on the home page.