Bosch Siemens Neff Dishwashers 1999-2005 Fire Hazard

Toffeeman

Our house is 20 yrs old and the work being quoted for includes new plasterboard on the walls downstairs and up to the landing. The old system where the plasterboard was fitted straight to the walls now requires insulation to be installed between all outer walls and the plasterboard as per the building regulations.

The two builders who called out failed to include the insulation on their quotes and were going to use to old method of installation. They also failed to include a price to move our boiler as the Chief Fire Officer informed me that gas boilers are no longer placed near major electrical items and we need ours moved. As I said, their sole objective is to keep the costs as low as posiible for the insurance company and stay on their 'recommended builder' list.

Our policy is 'like for like' restoration and I have just got a quote for over 8k from the company that put our existing hardwood floors in. I also have a quote from our alarm company for 1500 to restore the alarm ...... thats almost 10k without the solid maple fitted kitchen with marble worktops, plumbing, plasterboard, new doors /window, Lean to roof, painting inside and out etc. When I asked how the builders were going to do all this and still make a profit ... there was silence. Finally it was admitted that there was no requirement on the builders as regards quality .... ie the approach is a door is a door and certainly not like for like in my book.
We are now waiting on the builders to call out again and this time take note of exactly what the existing standards are and requote with a full spec. I have absolutely no doubt that the loss adjuster knew exactly what was going on despite his shock that the builders were planning to use inferior quality materials / items. Three weeks in and its one step forward two back..... its just a game and insulting to think that I have to fight for the existing standards be replicated and updated if required by law.

Toffeeman

Just to let everyone know, its 11 months since our fire and we are still out of our home and no nearer a settlement with our insurers. Basically they offered us an error ridden scope of works and a quote from their selected builder with no details of materials etc. The list of errors is astounding, they threatened to take away our rent allowance and have spent a fortune on expert opinion (experts that are their mates as they know they will get it all back from Bosch under subrogation).

We cannot say how stressful this has been and my advice to anyone misfortunate enough to be a victim of a faulty appliance is simple .... avoid the insurance claim if you can and go straight after the maker/supplier. Our Insurance Company took the dishwasher for forensic testing and immediately pushed us to settle our contents early knowing that we were skint (we had huge expenses early on as we had nothing but the clothes on our back). Once we settled, they messed us around until I got annoyed and said I was going to Bosch .... at which point I was reminded that we no longer have any evidence as they have and own our burnt out dishwasher.

Just be careful out there, as the whole insurance subrogation carry on is a minefield and I would only compare it with putting your foot into a sea of piranas.

Toffeeman

21 months on and we are just back home ...... so glad I fought the insurance company over the standards as we are now fully compliant with all building laws and up to date with energy saving throughout the house. Builders did a great job and regardless of how good the final repair is, I would not wish this nightmare on my worst enemy.

My parting comment is 'always fight for your rights', the more people stand up against big corporations the better. The total cost of repairs went into six figures and basically triple what we were told was their fair and final offer.

Yorkie1

Welcome home!

What a nightmare on top of the original fire. Well done for persevering in what must have been extremely trying circumstances. Hope you settle back in quickly.