Page 11 - PIC Magazine Issue 25 - Autumn-Winter 2025

The Cost Equation:
PIC Claims, Materials
and Market Shifts
Beyond finding properties,
one of the biggest pressures
in accommodation claims
today is cost. Under
Periodical Interim Costs
(PIC) arrangements, budgets
are closely monitored, and
claimants’ teams must justify
each financial decision.
Meanwhile, the cost of
building materials and
construction work has been
climbing steeply in recent
years. According to one of
our Quantity Surveyors, the
cost of essential adaptation
materials, like timber,
insulation, and plasterboard,
has increased by as much
as 20–30% since 2021.
Labour costs have also risen,
exacerbated by shortages in
skilled tradespeople.
This reality significantly
affects both the scope
of adaptations we can
undertake and the timeline
for delivery. It also puts
emphasis on expert reports
to be more detailed,
accurate, and future-proofed
- especially in cases where
long-term care and property
modification are essential.
From a legal perspective,
there have been shifts in how
accommodation claims are
interpreted in court. Several
recent judgments have
tightened the evidentiary
threshold for costs associated
with property acquisition
and adaptation. That means
our work must not only be
clinically sound and cost-
efficient but also legally
robust.
BUILDINGS
DESIGNED
FOR LIFE.
franceandassociates.co.uk
F+A Adaptation and Extension in Wales
At the heart of everything we do is the belief
that a home should enhance, not limit, a client’s
recovery and independence.
Engaging Early with Clinicians and Case Managers
To truly deliver on the promise of bespoke, client-centred solutions,
early engagement with clinicians and case managers is critical. These
professionals provide vital insight into a client’s functional needs, long-
term rehabilitation goals, and day-to-day care requirements. By involving
them from the outset, we ensure that our accommodation strategies
are not only technically and legally sound but also genuinely aligned
with the client's health and lifestyle. This multidisciplinary collaboration
allows us to tailor property searches, adaptation plans, and spatial
configurations with precision - enhancing both the effectiveness of the
solution and the client’s overall quality of life. Early involvement also
improves communication across the care and legal teams, reducing
delays and ensuring smoother transitions into adapted living spaces.
We increasingly collaborate with legal teams and barristers early in the
claim process to ensure that the accommodation element of the case is
defensible and aligned with the evolving legal landscape. That includes
providing granular detail about every cost, material, and design choice,
supported by our in-house team.
Bridging the Gap Between Legal Strategy and Human Need
At the heart of everything we do is the belief that a home should enhance, not limit, a client’s recovery and
independence. Whether it’s a townhouse in South London or a barn conversion in rural Yorkshire, we tailor
every recommendation to meet the specific needs of each person and their care network. But delivering
on that vision requires more than just technical expertise. It demands creativity, persistence, and a deep
understanding of how legal, clinical, and logistical issues intersect. We’re proud of how our team continues
to meet these challenges head-on. By staying flexible, informed, and deeply client-focused, F+A continues
to deliver life-changing outcomes in even the most complex circumstances.
For further information about property finding services at F+A please contact us:
Email: admin@franceandassociates.co.uk
Telephone: 01484 960560
www.pic.legal Autumn & Winter 2025
PARTNERS IN COSTS
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