Water Damage from flat upstairs

Soundgirlrocks

Hi All,

Hoping for a bit of guidance as to what people think is fair.

The flat above mine has had a leak which has come down into my bathroom, it not the first time this has happened (4th time in 5 years) although the last time was about 2 1/2 years ago. After the last time we had to replace the lights, neighbour paid for the replacement lights but I paid for the electrician as the lights were old and I decided to redecorate the bathroom, install a heated towel rail at the same time.

This time the the wall paper has been damaged, the whole lot needs stripping off, new paper and painting again. I would prefer to do this myself as I don't want the hassle of getting a decorator in & have to take the time off from work to supervise. Obviously I'll be asking the neighbour for the cost of materials but what do people think i should ask for for my time?

I don't want to be take advantage but equally it will be a days work start to finish and I don't see why my neighbour should receive the benefit of me doing it as opposed to a decorator.

TeamPlum

Well, what do you think is fair?

missile

Do you and neighbour not have insurance?

Soundgirlrocks

TeamPlum wrote: »

Well, what do you think is fair?

I thought £100 for labour and around £35 for materials. It will take whole day, if it was a pro it would be spread out over a couple of days as the paper will need to dry before you can paint it but actuall hours worked I think a day is more accurate.

missile wrote: »

Do you and neighbour not have insurance?

We have a building policy that covers the whole building however the excess for escaped water damage is £250 & as we have finally started to build up a no claims history I'm keen we don't make a claim unless necessary (Im also director for the block so deal with all the admin)

I have my own contents insurance but that wouldn't cover wall paper

Hoploz

Trouble is once you claim on insurance next years premium goes up, assume.

If this is a repeated problem, and I'd just redone it all 2 years ago, I'd be bloody fuming! I don't blame you for trying to get it paid for - Mr Nice Guy only wants to do it so many times!

I think it is fair (assuming it's the same owners upstairs) to get the whole lot paid for, regardless of who actually does your work. At this point I think I'd get a quote from a decorator and present ths to the owner of upstairs and get them to pay it in full. Then you can do the work yourself if you prefer.

Hoploz

A day's labour around here is £150-£180+

Why does the insurance not cover wallpaper? it should pay to return you to how it was before, surely?

Soundgirlrocks

Hoploz wrote: »

Trouble is once you claim on insurance next years premium goes up, assume.

If this is a repeated problem, and I'd just redone it all 2 years ago, I'd be bloody fuming! I don't blame you for trying to get it paid for - Mr Nice Guy only wants to do it so many times!

I think it is fair (assuming it's the same owners upstairs) to get the whole lot paid for, regardless of who actually does your work. At this point I think I'd get a quote from a decorator and present ths to the owner of upstairs and get them to pay it in full. Then you can do the work yourself if you prefer.

Tempting but London price it would probably be £500, and then my neighbour will want to claim on the insurance. I am fuming though especially as it was negligence by the lodger in the flat upstairs (she over filled the bath):mad:

Hoploz wrote: »

A day's labour around here is £150-£180+

Why does the insurance not cover wallpaper? It should pay to return you to how it was before, surely?

The building insurance would but the excess is £250 and we would lose the no claims bonus putting up the premiums for all 7 flats in the building. With my directors hat on I'm reluctant to make a claim on the building policy, as that will affect all the other leaseholders.

My own contains insurance does not cover fixtures and fittings.

tonyh66

why are you papering then painting the paper?

Soundgirlrocks

tonyh66 wrote: »

why are you papering then painting the paper?

Its just a lining paper, as the walls aren't in the best of condition then paint on top it is fairly common way of doing it to get a good result especial if the walls aren't great. https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/230370

Hoploz

So get a quote from decorator, show it to them (£500 perhaps) and if you're not comfortable asking them to foot the whole bill (though I think they should after all these episodes) then ask them now much they are prepared to contribute THIS TIME. Yes, make it clear you've had enough! I would.