Getting a Building Inspector to report on a hole in ceiling for insurer

[martygturner]

I would check the policy excess first ...they can often approach or exceed the repair costs..looking at the room you are probably not going to get any compensation for decoration, the hole whilst it looks horrific is just a patch job..I would get a plasterer / builder in to quote before continuing on.

You have to work out in your head if its likely to be covered, the fact that the insurer is asking you to front up the cost points me to think that its not. Have you read the specifics of the policy.. lots included the sudden escape of water clause especially the cheaper one's, that's why they are cheap.

Read the exclusions and conditions.

 

[gizmo1990]

Thought I'd update this thread with the latest situation. I've rung the insurer and the claim is now under an escape of water. I've had a plumber round to asses and quote and he's supplied me with a cause of damage report which says that the leak was coming from the sink combined waste and overflow and sink trap. We're getting them in tomorrow to repair that.

I've contacted the insurers and they've now told me to contact some builders for quotes including sufficient 'breakdown of work' information for the ceiling repair. They've said that they can go through their own surveyors but this could take up to 12(!) weeks. I've been on to checkatrade to detail the work and ask for quote but not had any replies yet other than ones declining interest. Is this a recommended route to take? Or should I be contacting builders directly? It feels like there might be multiple professions needed too? A builder and a plasterer? Or would one company cover the lot.

Any good advice on moving forward with this is much appreciated. Along with reputable builder suggestions for the Purley area, if that's allowed!

 

[gizmo1990]

Another update with what is likely a very stupid question (I apologise in advance!) but I'll ask it anyway because I need to move this on and I don't mind looking stupid. Perhaps I should create a specific thread but I'll post here first.

I'm finding it very difficult to find builders who do these sorts of jobs/repairs. I've had one quotation so far but I need several more to send to the insurer. I've been through checkatrade and all I got is builders declining the job, except for the one I mentioned. I've spent some time searching online but all the local builders I find seem to specialise in things like roofing and extensions. I need some kind of general builder who will undertake general house repairs which include plaster, brick work and painting etc.

Could someone point me in the right direction to hunt down these companies? Am I missing some keywords I should be using? What specific companies should I be looking for?

Any advice much appreciated!

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Try popping a post on a Local Facebook community group.

 

[Notch7]

I've been on to checkatrade

bad move, dont do that

Could someone point me in the right direction to hunt down these companies? Am I missing some keywords I should be using? What specific companies should I be looking for?

as above try local facebook group or nextdoor

 

[mrrusty]

I think you are looking for the wrong sort of person. This is handyman/general house repairs/maintenance territory rather than a builder. Agree with @Notch7 - local facebook group or nextdoor is a good place to start

 

[gizmo1990]

@freddiemercurystwin @Notch7 @mrrusty Thanks everyone. I'm checking both fb and nextdoor now.

On a related note, the insurer is saying to send in the one quote I do have so far so they can run it through their system to estimate costs for the repairs. I was going to wait till I had a few and send them all at once, but I'm happy to send it in now. However, I've probably been reading/researching far too much on the net about insurers being difficult and it's making me continually question my actions so.. is sending just your first quote in, a good thing to do in the forum's experience? Perhaps the quote is quite low and they'll immediately say 'ok, we'll accept that one'. Then later quotes are higher etc but I'm stuck with the initial one?

Also the quote I do have mentions in its report,

The ceiling shows areas of water staining, indicating moisture exposure over time.

Again, I've been reading horror stories of insurers turning down claims due to 'negligence' on the owners part. Is phrasing like that going to give the insurer any ideas in that area? The plumber said the leak wasn't our fault and wasn't noticeable and the ceiling part just came down, things like this happen, it's an old house etc. Am I just being needlessly reticent and apprehensive worrying about this? I'm just trying to do my best basically and not screw this up for my mum.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

It does look like it was leaking for sometime before the ceiling gave way.