House Insurance Claim Advice

Technik21

Our house was converted from a bungalow to a 2 storey house 6 years ago, by a local builder who has since ceased trading, as his company was dissolved 2 years ago.
The previous owner had the works \ conversion done, and then put the property on the market once the build was completed. We bought the property 5 yrs ago.
We now have a problem with rain water entering the fabric of the house (timber cladding), and consequently finding its way through the lounge ceiling. We have since discovered that there appears to be no flashing under any of the window sills, and indeed under any of the downstairs patio doors that are sitting on top of timber frames.
How this got through the building regs, is a mystery!
As mentioned, a surveyor and a builder have assessed as far as they can tell, that the leak may be coming in from the window frame\s above, but until all the exterior cladding is removed, it is impossible to tell.
The house up until now has been watertight, so something has failed or deteriorated over the 6 years since the rebuild.
It is quite a major job to remove all the timber cladding, and all windows and doors from the rear of the house to investigate and repair the issues.
As the original builder is no longer trading, and costs estimated to be around 10k plus for repairs, is this something we can talk to our insurers about?
Obviously I will need to approach them to discuss this, and it will depend on the type of cover we have, but thought I would get opinions from those that may have had similar experiences or have knowledge of how general home insurance works. (or not in our case?)
Thanks

Mungo76

Potentially a claim for the ceiling damage, if you can demonstrate this happened in a singular incident, but otherwise there's no cover for faulty workmanship/ poor design.
Again, unless you can demonstrate the damage happened as a result of an insured peril, such as storm, impact or earthquake (I can't think of anything else covered that could alter the frame that way).

Technik21

Ok, thank you.
I contacted my Insurance company, and they will only cover for damage caused, not for the problem itself.
Thanks again

Quentin

In future never contact your insurers over any potential claim. Only inform them of a loss when you know a claim will be made.

This loss will now be on your record and must be disclosed to future insurers you ask for quotes as part of your claims and losses history.

Technik21

Hi Quentin, thanks for the advice.

Catch 22!

So am I to take it that if you make an enquiry or seek information from your insurers regarding a potential claim, regardless of pursuing it or not, then you are penalised for approaching them when it comes to renewing in the future, as it has a negative loading on your premium?

Which is why I came here first to seek guidance , but for complete reassurance you would just contact the insurers for advice, as they will ultimately have the answer to a specific enquiry.

Damned if you do, Damned if you don't it seems......