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damp from external wall after building work -- claim on neighbours insurance?
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I'd recommend following the links where it sourced that information, and checking that. eg, were they even UK based. AI will be convincingly correct until you show it otherwise, then it apologises and moves on.
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Yes, quite possibly!
I dug out a very specific damp rectangular shape to find an old metal plug socket casing just plastered inside the wall. The problem is there and below — and I suspect the previous owners (who didn't build the extension) did some cheap refurbs when they redid the kitchen in 2018, and this section of that wall wasn't dealt with very well. It seems like a around a meter square below where that socket is — the plaster has blown and is crumbling off.
Can I claim on buildings insurance for this? How do I word it?
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Has the damp on your side changed since they laid the patio? Does it run all the way up to your property or is there any sort of french drain?
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It is all the way up to the wall. And the damp has improved quite a lot — but that was (I thought) because we painted on a waterproof sealant to the exterior wall last September. I was told it might take months to dry out — but the damp meter peaking has reduced to the 1 metre area I mentioned since then. It might be the patio addition, or the sealant — not sure.
And now, dealing with it is outside of my skillset. I think I could replaster and patch up the wall, but just don't want to do that and then the problem return later…
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Most insurers will only cover damp related to a sudden unexpected event, like a burst pipe or appliance failure. This sounds like wear and tear and so wouldnt be covered, but its maybe worth asking them.
It sounds like this was a pre-existing issue which has come to light when the wall was exposed. Your neighbours might have caused the issue by removing the lean-to, but theyre perfectly entitled to do that and unless you can prove they damaged your wall in the process then it will fall to you to correct it.
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That's what I thought… this isn't quite wear and tear but it I don't think they cover crappy work done by previous owners either…
I just got hopeful that insurance might cover it — or my neighbours insurance might cover it — but it seems neither is possible, and I am again going to have to sort out a probably cheap fix the previous owners made…
Do you think it's worth asking the insurance company anyway?
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I would read your policy first....if it's clearly covered or not covered you will have your answer.
The issue with asking the insurer is they are likely to say 'maybe' and will need you to initiate a claim to investigate. Their investigation is undoubtedly going to lead to the removal of thr lean-to, at which point they will likely want to speak to your neighbour/their insurer to understand what happened, so it could quickly get a bit messy.
You may want to get a quote for the fix first to help you decide if its worth pursuing.
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How can I be sure from what the policy says… its all so vague…
Plus, my current neighbours who did the work are about to move out — so will it then fall to dealing with new owners?
I also think getting a quote to fix wont be easy— coz they'll first need to figure out what the issue is…
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If you choose a reputable contractor that does external walls, they should be able to figure out the cause.
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"Their investigation is undoubtedly going to lead to the removal of the lean-to"… Pretty sure the OP has said the lean to has already been removed. They have build a side extension, but not to the party wall. So, i can't see how any insurance investigation would involve the neighbours.
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