Build Back Better: How Flooded Homes Can Become More Resilient

Flooding is becoming a familiar and worrying reality for many households across the UK. Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather, and communities particularly in coastal towns, Welsh valleys, and river catchments are feeling the impact. For many homeowners, the cycle is painfully predictable. A flood arrives, repairs are carried out, life returns to normal, and then the next storm brings the same devastation all over again. Traditional ‘like for like’ repairs simply do not offer long term protection.

The Build Back Better scheme, created by Flood Re, aims to change this pattern. Instead of restoring homes to their previous condition, the scheme helps homeowners install practical and effective flood resilience measures that reduce future damage. For those who have already experienced the stress and disruption of flooding, it offers a chance to rebuild with confidence.

What is the Build Back Better scheme

Build Back Better is a UK wide insurance initiative led by Flood Re, the joint government and industry body that helps keep flood insurance affordable. The scheme provides up to £10,000 in additional funding on top of standard flood repairs. This funding is specifically for Property Flood Resilience (PFR) improvements that make a home better able to withstand or recover from future flooding.

These improvements can include:

• Flood doors and demountable barriers
• Self closing air bricks
• Non return valves to prevent drainage backflow
• Waterproof membranes and tanking
• Sump pumps within the floor, and puddle pumps at floor level
• Raising electrics and sockets
• Replacing damaged materials with more resilient alternatives such as hard flooring

 

The aim is simple. Reduce the scale of damage, shorten recovery time, and lower the emotional and financial burden on households and insurers. Flood Re introduced the scheme because repairing homes to their pre flood condition leaves them exposed to repeat events. Resilience measures help break the cycle of repair, flood, repeat.

Which Insurers offer Build Back Better?

Participation in the scheme is growing and continues to evolve. At the time of writing, insurers offering Build Back Better includes (but is not limited to):

• Admiral
• Allianz
• Aviva
• AXA
• Hiscox
• NFU Mutual

 

Because availability varies by provider and policy type, homeowners should always check with their insurer or broker before purchasing a policy. The landscape is changing as more insurers recognise the value of resilience.

Aviva is one of the most active participants. The insurer can provide up to £10,000 extra funding for flood resilience improvements on eligible home insurance claims, in addition to standard repair costs. To qualify, the flood damage repair bill generally must be at least £25,000 and the resilience measures must be supported by a Flood Risk Survey. Aviva has already supported more than 400 customers through Build Back Better, helping them install meaningful resilience upgrades.

Ashfield Solutions is proud to be a Specialist Partner for Aviva, providing expert flood risk guidance before and after claims.

Survey Requirements for Build Back Better

Before any resilience measures can be installed, insurers require a professional Property Flood Resilience survey. This ensures that the improvements funded through the scheme are appropriate for the property and follow recognised standards.

A compliant survey must:

• Be carried out by a PFR specialist
• Follow the UK PFR Code of Practice
• Assess all potential flood pathways
• Review the construction and condition of the building
• Identify weaknesses and opportunities for resilience
• Provide a clear written report with recommendations and and consideration of costs

 

This report is essential. It forms the basis of the insurer’s approval and ensures that the £10,000 allowance is used effectively. Ashfield Solutions provides prompt, comprehensive surveys that give insurers and homeowners a clear understanding of the risks and the most suitable measures.

How Ashfield Solutions supports you through the Build Back Better process

As PFR specialists, Ashfield Solutions makes the Build Back Better journey straightforward for homeowners. Our role is to guide you from the moment your insurer approves your flood claim through to the point where resilience measures are ready to be installed.

Here is what we do for you:

1. We visit your property to understand how the flood occurred and what damage it caused.
2. We assess all flood pathways, including river, coastal, surface water and groundwater sources.
3. We examine the structure of your home, identifying weak points such as doors, walls, floors, drains and air bricks or vents.
4. We recommend tailored resilience measures that follow CIRIA best practice and suit your property.
5. We produce a clear, insurer-ready report that explains what should be done, why it helps and how it fits within the Build Back Better allowance.
6. We liaise with your insurer to support approval of the recommended measures.
7. We guide you through the next steps, ensuring you understand how the improvements will better protect your home in the future.

 

Our focus is always on clarity, practicality and long term resilience. We help you make informed decisions and ensure the process runs smoothly.

A More Resilient Future for Flood Affected Homes

At Ashfield Solutions, we’re committed to helping homeowners rebuild stronger and reduce the impact of future flooding. Our expertise, prompt reporting and insurer partnerships ensure that you get the most from the Build Back Better scheme.

If your home has been affected by flooding and you want to understand how Build Back Better can help you safeguard your property, contact Ashfield Solutions today. Our qualified specialists are ready to assess your home, guide you through the process and help you build back with confidence.