New Build - Burst Pipe

DavidWFC

Brought a new build of a repretable builder 3 months ago, however on Monday night we experienced a burst pipe in the ceiling during the night which flooded our kitchen with approximately 2 inches of water. I would like advise on what I should be looking to claim and have some questions relating to what I can claim...

• Can I claim for the water which was leaked although it would be hard to accurately provide usage, would they estimate?
• I had to take two days of to allow them access to the property to resolve, can I claim this as lost holiday entitlement or loss of pay?
• Can I claim for electricityvused while they are drying out the property using humidifiers etc.
• Can I claim for water damaged goods and goods in fridge freezer which were no longer edible due to the power been out following?
• Can I claim for takeaway food costs while kitchen was deemed out of order and power been off.
• Can I claim for any inconvenience compensation or anything like this?

Also, they've got a company in to dry the water damaged areas out, they've advised a week is required and then they'll write up a report and advisable actions. Should I let them lead this all apply pressure and ask for timescales etc.

Alter_ego

Have you read your insurance policy?

ProDave

First off, I would have contacted your buildings insurer.

I am an electrician, and I have worked on several flood damaged properties. Correct and thorough rectification can often mean a LOT of stripping back to the bare structure, thorough drying out, and then reinsating. Probably some anti fungal timber treatment in there as well.

If they have just mopped up, fixed the burst and repaired the ceiling then I would be seriously worried for the long term damage that is currently hidden.

Just to give one example a burst pipe in the loft of a bungalow. When I first saw the property there was a ceiling down in a bedroom and the floor looked a bit damp. The insurance company paid for the entire bungalow to be stripped back to a bare brick shell, thoroughly dried out, and then all re fitted. It was like a new bungalow when done and took months, but at least the owners knew there would be no future problems e.g dry rot in the future.

DavidWFC

ProDave wrote: »

First off, I would have contacted your buildings insurer.

I am an electrician, and I have worked on several flood damaged properties. Correct and thorough rectification can often mean a LOT of stripping back to the bare structure, thorough drying out, and then reinsating. Probably some anti fungal timber treatment in there as well.

If they have just mopped up, fixed the burst and repaired the ceiling then I would be seriously worried for the long term damage that is currently hidden.

Just to give one example a burst pipe in the loft of a bungalow. When I first saw the property there was a ceiling down in a bedroom and the floor looked a bit damp. The insurance company paid for the entire bungalow to be stripped back to a bare brick shell, thoroughly dried out, and then all re fitted. It was like a new bungalow when done and took months, but at least the owners knew there would be no future problems e.g dry rot in the future.

They're saying that the damage isn't bad, they're saying that the dehumidifier will dry the place out, then they may need to replace skirting boarding, patch up a hole in ceiling and then maybe replace the flooring if it doesn't dry out properly. Sounds a bit like they're trying to do it on the cheap. They've told me that it will be fixed under warranty and I don't need to inform my insurance, should I ignore this and get my insurance involved?

SuboJvR

DavidWFC wrote: »

They're saying that the damage isn't bad, they're saying that the dehumidifier will dry the place out, then they may need to replace skirting boarding, patch up a hole in ceiling and then maybe replace the flooring if it doesn't dry out properly. Sounds a bit like they're trying to do it on the cheap. They've told me that it will be fixed under warranty and I don't need to inform my insurance, should I ignore this and get my insurance involved?

I think I would give them a call, at the very least they can come around and do an assessment themselves and you can see how the stories compare?

bouicca21

I had a leak, less severe than yours. The loss adjuster must have been pals with ProDave - floor taken up, bottom 3 foot of walls stripped to bare brick, new floor, new skirting boards, replastering and redecorated throughout.

Talk to the insurers to make sure you get the job done right.

eddddy

If you contact your insurance company, the incident will probably be recorded, which could result in increased premiums for 5 years.

If the insurance send somebody to have a look, they will have to pay them, so it becomes a claim on your policy, which could affect premiums for 5 years.

Personally, as the builder has accepted liability, I would instruct a surveyor. I would also tell the builder that I expect them to cover the surveyor's bill.

cjmillsnun

Looking at my insurance policy things covered by an NHBC warranty aren’t covered by the insurance. Also your property being under 2 years old is in the builder’s own warranty period. This covers damage to the house due to non wear/tear defects.