New Build Flat -burst pipes!

r2mahara

Hi fellow Moneysavers,
I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this - if not then can someone move it to a better place?
We've recently bought a new build flat (9 months ago) and some pipes burst in the ceiling (no fault of my own), and the flat was drenched. We didn't have many things, so didn't get around to buying contents insurance yet.We pay the factors for buildings insurance - so structural damage will be covered.

My questions:
1) This wasn't my fault - is anyone liable for my sofa and bed being ruined? The builders are evasive and say they do not admit liability for the accident - presumably they are blaming the plumbers. Am I screwed because I don't have contents insurance, or is there something I can do?

2) How can I be guaranteed that the renovators hired by the insurance company will do a good job, and not just cover things superficially? Can I appoint my own structural engineer and have them cover the cost?Thanks for any advice - I really don't know who else to turn to. I made an appointment with the Citizen's Advice Bereau and I am thinking about going to see a solicitor.Right now we are being put up in alternative accommodation by the factors (so presumably the building's insurance pays). We are told it will take a while for everything to be fixed.Thanks in advance.

lynzpower

Ruined sofas etc should be covered by your contents insurance. But if you dont have it....


Also you need buildings insurance really for your property. Ie if you leave the hob on and there is a small fire, and it takes out part of your kitchen this would be covered by YOUR buildings insurance, not factors, who I presume only have buildings cover for the macro building adn not for each address. thats how it works here in these flats.

r2mahara

lynzpower wrote:

Ruined sofas etc should be covered by your contents insurance. But if you dont have it....


Also you need buildings insurance really for your property. Ie if you leave the hob on and there is a small fire, and it takes out part of your kitchen this would be covered by YOUR buildings insurance, not factors, who I presume only have buildings cover for the macro building adn not for each address. thats how it works here in these flats.

Well the cost of the structural repairs in our flat will be covered by the building's insurance. So provided that's done well - that should be ok.

So even though it's someone else at fault, my contents insurance (which doesn't exist!) will have to pay?

I will get contents insurance now - I've learned my lesson. But I can't believe that because of someone else's negligence, I have to lose financially.

Doozergirl

It happened to my sister in law and she got everything paid for by the developer. They even had to put her tenants up in a hotel while they got things sorted.

I wouldn't shut up until they sort things out for you. Writing a letter to the MD in a handwritten envelope marked 'private and confidential; should see it in the right person's hands. Of course it's their fault and you are covered by your NHBC guarantee for stuff like this, I'm sure. I'd give them a call too, they may pull the developer up themselves.

No reason why you shouldn't try every avenue possible.

Wouldn't worry about insurance companies contractors. They'd hardly use cowboys that would see more expense for them, would they? Contractors will get handsomely paid for insurance work and wouldn't want to cut their nose to spite their face, IYSWIM.

r2mahara

Doozergirl wrote:

It happened to my sister in law and she got everything paid for by the developer. They even had to put her tenants up in a hotel while they got things sorted.

I wouldn't shut up until they sort things out for you. Writing a letter to the MD in a handwritten envelope marked 'private and confidential; should see it in the right person's hands. Of course it's their fault and you are covered by your NHBC guarantee for stuff like this, I'm sure. I'd give them a call too, they may pull the developer up themselves.

No reason why you shouldn't try every avenue possible.

Wouldn't worry about insurance companies contractors. They'd hardly use cowboys that would see more expense for them, would they? Contractors will get handsomely paid for insurance work and wouldn't want to cut their nose to spite their face, IYSWIM.

Thanks for the advice Doozergirl. That gives me some hope - because I'm trying to go after the builders since they just sold me the flat and now it's messed up - it's their fault directly or indirectly.

So far they are being evasive and saying things like "we are not accepting liability" - and they offered to pay for a small percentage of the damage and replace my carpets. That makes me think that they are worried. They've fixed a broken boiler for another affected tenant.

I will take your advice about writing the MD a letter. I tried calling him today and left a phone message.

I talked to the NHBC already. They said that they are only concerned with structure, not contents - and that they won't get involved unless repairs aren't done, or aren't done well.

That's reassuring advice about the contractors - it puts my mine more at ease.

I do intend to follow every avenue possible. Thanks again.

lju

We had this in our new build 10 months after moving in. The developer fixed the leak the same day and replaced all damaged items i.e carpets, sofa.

terrierlady

Normal for the developers to sort this, however how did you buy without insurance most solicitors want to see a copy of the house insurance before you exchange sometimes, and most of all the big b/socs .