Subsidence Company Woes
Discussion
At the beginning of September 12 I noticed a horizontal crack in my front wall along the damp course. I contacted my insurance company who advised me that as I had only recently taken out my policy with them, I had to contact my previous insurance company (this I learnt is standard for subsidence claims).
I was referred by them to a specialist subsidence company who I believe most of the large insurance companies use.
They have been very slow in getting anything done and have constantly had to be 'kicked' to get anything done.
My main bone of contention is that in November they sent me an engineer's report detailing their findings following two site visits by an engineer and the company who surveyed the drains.
Their recommendation was remove the willow tree in the front garden as this was the cause of the subsidence and to pack and point the crack in the brickwork.
Having read the report I could see nowhere that said the tree could have caused the problem. My best mate is a chartered builder so I showed the report to him, and he agreed. He also said the repair was totally inadequate as the brickwork was still moving and it has also rotated and the lower section no longer sits directly under the upper brickwork.
He helped me prepare a response to the subsidence company. They didn't respond for a good month although I did get an approach from a company who had been instructed to remove my tree. I told them to contact the subsidence company as we were in dispute.
Another engineer was finally despatched who told me to my face that the tree had nothing to do with the problem.
I've stated all along that I think it's caused by a major water leak at my next door neighbours. They had a mains water leak under their driveway for a suspected two months. This leak was directly uphill from my subsidence. These houses have been sitting here for 25 years and it's coincidental that the two events coincide. Anyway, the latest engineer has added some studs to see if the wall is still sinking.
I'm still awaiting the outcome of his written report.
The reason for my post is to see if anyone thinks I have any redress against this company. They have clearly given me an incorrect evaluation of the problem and had I not intervened, I would have lost my tree and would have been given an inappropriate repair.
If I had been a little old lady, I'd more than likely have taken them at their word and just let them get on with it. The whole experience has been unprofessional from their side.
I was referred by them to a specialist subsidence company who I believe most of the large insurance companies use.
They have been very slow in getting anything done and have constantly had to be 'kicked' to get anything done.
My main bone of contention is that in November they sent me an engineer's report detailing their findings following two site visits by an engineer and the company who surveyed the drains.
Their recommendation was remove the willow tree in the front garden as this was the cause of the subsidence and to pack and point the crack in the brickwork.
Having read the report I could see nowhere that said the tree could have caused the problem. My best mate is a chartered builder so I showed the report to him, and he agreed. He also said the repair was totally inadequate as the brickwork was still moving and it has also rotated and the lower section no longer sits directly under the upper brickwork.
He helped me prepare a response to the subsidence company. They didn't respond for a good month although I did get an approach from a company who had been instructed to remove my tree. I told them to contact the subsidence company as we were in dispute.
Another engineer was finally despatched who told me to my face that the tree had nothing to do with the problem.
I've stated all along that I think it's caused by a major water leak at my next door neighbours. They had a mains water leak under their driveway for a suspected two months. This leak was directly uphill from my subsidence. These houses have been sitting here for 25 years and it's coincidental that the two events coincide. Anyway, the latest engineer has added some studs to see if the wall is still sinking.
I'm still awaiting the outcome of his written report.
The reason for my post is to see if anyone thinks I have any redress against this company. They have clearly given me an incorrect evaluation of the problem and had I not intervened, I would have lost my tree and would have been given an inappropriate repair.
If I had been a little old lady, I'd more than likely have taken them at their word and just let them get on with it. The whole experience has been unprofessional from their side.
I would go to the insurance company who will be paying for the claim. Make sure that they understand that you need convincing that the correct cause of the problem has been identified to prevent the claim becoming an ongoing problem, leading to further rectification costs.
You need them to take ownership of the problem. Oh, and do it in writing and keep your records. Once there has been a subsidence claim on a property it gets very difficult to insure. Convention says that it should stay with the insurer who pays for the rectification, as they will then then have recourse back to any contractors for substandard works.
If a subsidence claim goes wrong, it can be very difficult and expensive to sort out.
You need them to take ownership of the problem. Oh, and do it in writing and keep your records. Once there has been a subsidence claim on a property it gets very difficult to insure. Convention says that it should stay with the insurer who pays for the rectification, as they will then then have recourse back to any contractors for substandard works.
If a subsidence claim goes wrong, it can be very difficult and expensive to sort out.
As said above, unfortunately your house will be blighted due to the claim, so make sure they do all the work required and keep all paperwork for when/if you need to sell in the future. You need to keep on top of the insurance company as they will try and wriggle out of any responsibility and cost. I would get rid of the willow tree if there is the slightest risk of it causing subsidence, how close is it to the house?
I know from experience. I cannot move insurance companies, every time I ask for a quote they decline as soon as the subsidence issue arises. My claim was over 10 years ago and was due to a tree in the street, no issues since it has been removed. I have now removed all trees and bushes that are close to my house, not worth the risk I'm afraid. The foundations on my 30's built house are only 2ft deep and the soil is clay.
I know from experience. I cannot move insurance companies, every time I ask for a quote they decline as soon as the subsidence issue arises. My claim was over 10 years ago and was due to a tree in the street, no issues since it has been removed. I have now removed all trees and bushes that are close to my house, not worth the risk I'm afraid. The foundations on my 30's built house are only 2ft deep and the soil is clay.
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