Post-storm resource offered

Those who suffered damage to their property have been offered help to calculate the cost of repairs by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Owners of Scottish property may be interested to hear that the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) has published a resource called the Property Makeover Price Guide which details the estimated cost of more than 1,300 different types of home repair work.

The BCIS gives a number of examples of the costs of storm damage, including replacing six slates in one location (£350), replacing a single width 10 metre-long drive (£3,160) and cutting down and removing a large tree (£1,050 per tree).

International development director of BCIS Andrew Thompson comments: "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."

Meanwhile, the New Homes Marketing Board recently called for stamp duty for first-time buyers to be scrapped.