Current insurance claim for building and contents damage from water leak. Advice appreciated.

pseudopensioner

Insurance company have accepted and agreed the claim however no prices or cost have been mentioned
 
Drying equipment is in situ and it will be approximately another  two weeks before a "Dry Certificate' can be issued and work can begin. All contents will be removed to storage next week.

The loss adjuster has asked me to obtain quotes for the necessary repairs/renovations which includes removal and replacement of ceilings, floorings, electrical wiring and light fittings as needed and full decoration to affected rooms. Not sure yet if kitchen units will need replacing. Affected areas include L shaped hallway, large and small bedroom/study, bathroom, sitting room/lounge and kitchen.

I have obtained one quotation for to supply and fit all items and provide  labour for complete works.  They require 60% payment prior to work commencing and the balance upon completion. Estimated time to complete the work is 4-4 weeks. Total cost iro £38,000.00-£40,000.00.

I'm waiting for costings from another company to compare their costs.

Adjustor said they can provide the necessary tradesmen to do the complete works however because their are so many similar claims being dealt with he suggested it can be achieved faster if I organise this myself! I submit quotes and if acceptable they will pay the monies to me and then I pay the contractors.This causes me some trepidation.
I have no idea if the first quote is low/high or reasonable. The property is a detached bungalow.

I have been given the option to move out and have hotel accommodation or find appropriate rented accommodation but at the moment I prefer to remain here in my own home. I've moved into one unaffected bedroom and have kept basic minus items to see me through till work is completed.

As in title, any advice will be appreciated.

DullGreyGuy

Be aware if you choose your own suppliers you have no complaint to your insurers if they do a poor job... many aren't impressed with the reviews of those insurers choose but if things go wrong you have comeback and access to the Financial Ombudsman.

One key thing to check... do you have matching set cover? You have the potential for arguments in the future if you dont and only some of the flooring/kitchen units etc need replacing.

pseudopensioner

DullGreyGuy said:

Be aware if you choose your own suppliers you have no complaint to your insurers if they do a poor job... many aren't impressed with the reviews of those insurers choose but if things go wrong you have comeback and access to the Financial Ombudsman.

One key thing to check... do you have matching set cover? You have the potential for arguments in the future if you dont and only some of the flooring/kitchen units etc need replacing.

The point you raised in your first paragraph  is one of my main concerns.  

The bedroom furniture, if affected cannot be matched due to age and the adjuster has stated they will all be replaced. If the kitchen units are affected then age is again a factor necessitating full replacement.

My daughter is now helping with the financial legalities to protect my interests and project management if I use my own contractor. She has advised that  due to my age and disabilities I am classed as a vulnerable person and as such the insurance company and their loss adjustors have a legal duty of care to which they must adhere. 

I prefer to remain independent as much as possible and remaining in my home aids that, however I have had no overhead lighting since this happened and rely on lamps and torches to negotiate some areas even during daylight, short daylight hours do not help!.  If using contractors means the work can be completed in two months as opposed to six or more months till the adjustors arrange them I will be less likely to incur hotel bill which could prove costly to the insurers.

Action21

Hi, I would recommend speaking to an independent loss assessor to see if they can help.  They will work on your behalf and will recommend contractors and suppliers who are experienced in this sector and they will take be able to apply for interim payments to the contractors so that you are not being pursued for payment.  Ordinarily their contractors will need to obtain a signed satisfaction note from you (the client) before the final invoice is settled so you have some protection there.  There is usually a 6 month - 12 month rectification period if a JCT contract is signed too.  If you would like any recommendations of loss assessors let me know where you are based and I can provide you with contact info 

pseudopensioner

Action21 said:

Hi, I would recommend speaking to an independent loss assessor to see if they can help.  They will work on your behalf and will recommend contractors and suppliers who are experienced in this sector and they will take be able to apply for interim payments to the contractors so that you are not being pursued for payment.  Ordinarily their contractors will need to obtain a signed satisfaction note from you (the client) before the final invoice is settled so you have some protection there.  There is usually a 6 month - 12 month rectification period if a JCT contract is signed too.  If you would like any recommendations of loss assessors let me know where you are based and I can provide you with contact info 

Thank you, I'm in Swindon, Wiltshire.

Action21

Try Grant Williams of Oakleafe Claims on 0178 2438 255, if you mention you got his name from Action Insurance Repair.