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Help: Conservatory Wall Issue

Due to the fact I made a pigs ear of my last post, I have re-posted.

Guidance Required

Over the past 4 years up to mid-January this year we have had an Issue with flooding, we had contacted various council departments / Environment / Local Councillor / MP for the district regarding who was responsible for the flooding. It came down to the Local Water Company, their flap valve taking water into the local broad had fallen of, therefor the water from the broad which is tidal back flowed in and out causing flooding of the gardens. This was established in April 2014 after having an onsite meeting with the Water Company Rep / environment and I, it took them to mid-January this year to rectify the situation. It does seem to be the case that the Water Company do not maintain / inspect these flap valves until a flooding situation arises.

Within the last year I contacted a local builder due to the fact having problems with the conservatory wall moving also the outside patio cracking, due to the flooding. He advised me to prop the wall up with timber and wait until the ground settles again.

Should I now
a - Ask a builder for a quote to make good.
b - Contact the Water Company who was responsible.
c - Contact my building Insurer.

Any comments or guidance would be appreciated.

Comments

  • FutureGirl
    FutureGirl Posts: 1,252 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I would first get a quotation for the work, and then look at your excess and decide whether it's worth claiming or not, considering your premiums will rise for the next few years due to the claim, unless the insurer can recover costs from the water co.

    Your insurer will ask you why you haven't contacted them sooner, and why you haven't done anything about the making good works when the repair was done in January.

    If you have been with various insurers over the past 4 years, you might find it difficult to identify which policy/insurer you should claim from, as the incident actually happened 4 years ago.
  • peabottle
    peabottle Posts: 25 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 10 Posts Combo Breaker
    Thank you for your reply Future Girl

    I see and understand where you are coming from regards claiming of the Insurer and the consequences regarding premiums thereafter. Good point

    My main concern at the time was who was responsible for the flooding. The conservatory wall did not amount to much at the time, an airline crack which I filled with DIY filler; it has only concerned me with in the last year, especially from Jan when they renewed the flap valve. The land has settled down now, hence the conservatory wall moving more creating a gap.

    Thankfully I have been with the same insurer over this period.

    Should I go straight to the water company and ask them what they are prepared to do about it?
    Many Thanks
  • peabottle
    peabottle Posts: 25 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 10 Posts Combo Breaker
    More comments would be appreciated on this subject.
    Many Thanks
This discussion has been closed.
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