Martyn Surridge

I usualy start with this advice for new tenants.
• To reduce moisture levels when cooking, cover boiling pans and don’t leave kettles boiling
• Dry washing outside or use the bathroom with the window open or extractor fan running, and the door shut
• Don’t dry washing on radiators. If you have no option make sure room is well ventilated.
• If you use a tumble dryer, make sure it’s ventilated to the outside air
• Do not use portable gas or paraffin heaters
• Always keep the house warm and ventilated. Keep trickle vents permanently open.
• Keep the doors shut during, and for at least 30 minutes after using the bathroom or kitchen.
• Regularly check spots where air circulation is poor, for example, behind furniture and inside cupboards.
Martyn... Read More

Hi Jane,

The marley tiles need to be tested before they are lifted and disposed of. If they contain asbestos they will have to be removed by a licensed company which makes it even more imperative that the insurers appoint a loss adjuster without delay.

If you would like to contact me directly you should be able to do so via the members profile below my name above.

Kind regards
Martyn... Read More

Hi Jane,

I have been specialising in repairing properties following a buildings insurance claim for the last 8 years and I have never come across a insurer who has refused to replace damaged laminate flooring. Some loss adjusters used to ask if the flooring was stuck down but in the end they all accepted that you cannot successfully relay the flooring. Even if the laminate was not covered they would still have to pay to replace the skirting’s and the cost of labour to re lay the floor as it must be lifted to repair the leak and to dry the concrete floor below.

I would suggest that you get a full estimate for all the work, including all the laminate flooring, skirting’s, re decorating the walls (walls will be affected when taking off the skirting’s)and any other work you think should be done. Also include the drying, trace and access and stripping out costs. You can also estimate the loss of rent. Send all these costs to you insurer and ask them to send a loss adjuster out to meet you at the property to discuss the claim. They will only be able to argue against you estimates by sending someone to the property.

The alternative would be to appoint a qualified loss assessor to handle the claim for you.

Kind regards
Martyn... Read More

Hi Nick,

Most insurers would classify carpets, including fitted carpets to be contents unless they are glued to the floor, which would be unusual. Seems unfair but unfortunately that’s the way it is. Having said that I would always add carpets to the list of repairs as some insurers do let it through, although they are in the minority.

Martyn... Read More

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Thank you for your comments but you make some incorrect assumptions.

Firstly WE ARE NOT LOSS ASSESSORS and we do not get ‘kickbacks from contractors’ we are the contractor and like all contractors we earn our money for carrying out building work. We just happen to specialize in building insurance work.

If we feel that a client has been unfairly treated by their insurance company we will bring in a fully qualified, senior loss adjuster, who will act as a loss assessor on their behalf.

We have a good working relationship with most loss adjusters we deal with. Unfortunately many insurance companies these days are employing the services of unqualified surveyors whose sole purpose is to persuade the insured to settle the claim immediately in cash. In my experience this has never been to the advantage of the insured.

We are not in the business of inflating claims. Our aim is to agree a proper and fair schedule of works with the insurer. It is very rare that a proper loss adjuster does not agree our full scope of works.... Read More

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Lawrence,

I would speak to your insurers ASAP. It sound to me that this was storm damage and unless you can prove negligence against your neighbours you will have to claim on your own policy. It is quite likely that your neighbours Insurance company will not be interested in dealing with any damage outside the property their policy covers.

If you speak to your own insurance company they will be able to inform you of your rights and what you will need to do. If you fail to inform them in a reasonable amount of time you may find that they will repudiate the claim anyway.... Read More