Ceilling about to collapse !!

downandout!

Hi folks,

Just before christmas, me and my partner noticed a crack appearing on our living room ceilling. This has gradually got worse and we got a building company to come round and look at it today. The gent says it is dangerous and could come in at any moment. This is more worrying as we have 2 young kids.

Would I be covered for this through my insurance? The guy said we are looking at a couple of thousand to repair it :eek:
He also said it will probably take about a week to fix and we would probably have to move out while it is being repaired.

mattymoo

Did the builder say what had caused it?

Water damage from a leak above would be covered.
Simple wear and tear would not although I am not aware of ceiling collapsing due to a lack of attention.
If hubby put his size 10 through the ceiling from above (loft if bungalow, or bedroom or whatever above) then that is covered if you have accidental damage cover to buildings.

If the builder is suggesting Subsidence then be aware that you may have a £1,000 excess for this and it will be very difficult to get insurance in the futue. Normally, you would expect to see walls cracking as well if subsidence is involved.

Finally, is there anything heavy in the room above like a water bed, slate bed snooker table or large safe?

downandout!

He said it looks like water damage from upstairs, possibly from the heating system as there is a radiator directly above.

Sooperted

How old is your house?

what is your ceiling construction? - if it is a simple plasterboard ceiling then its likely it will be from a water leak.

if its an older property you live in and the ceiling is of lath and plaster construction then its likely the ceiling has lost its key and thus you wouldnt be covered.

downandout!

Hi folks,

Insurance company agreed to pay for repairs and work was carried out in early March.
Once ceiling was down it was apparent problems with the roof had caused the damage. The company doing the repair, fixed the roof (some missing slates and guttering replaced). I assumed this cost would be added to the claim however the builder has posted a letter through my door saying he is going to take the roof tiles and guttering down if it is not paid for tomorrow. Can they do this?

It now looks like we have got "rogue traders in". On closer inspection of the invoice for the work they have charged for the following:
"Reinstate ceiling with 2 layers of 9.5mm gyproc", however one of the workmen told me it was only 1 layer they put up.
"Put new coving up as required", however there has been no coving replaced, with the original coving now half the size it was.
"Allow for removal and reinstatement of ceiling rose", however the original rose has gone and what can only be described as a cheap replacement is now in its place.
"Allow for removal of lounge carpet and replacement", I assumed a different carpet but the same one has been put back down.
"Allow for 12 rolls of wall coverings @ £10 per roll. Lounge size approx 30 square metres", however they have simply painted over the wallpaper which we had up.

Is this legal or should I report them? and if so who do I report them to?

Many Thanks

mountainchrisriver

Personally I would get your insurance company involved if things are not to the required standard and specification...

jennifernil

The repair to the roof you would have to pay as "wear and tear" or maintenance, but the damage to the ceiling etc should be covered by your insurance.