Pooley64
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7 Posts
Hi. My property suffered slight subsidence caused by a collapsed drain owned by the water board. They accepted liability and replaced the drain. However, as a direct consequence of this my insurers repaired the internal damaged which was mainly cosmectic, replaster paint and decorated over the cracks in the affected rooms, However, they have reappeared just weeks after they have completed the work in November 2023. Intially when I reported the subsidence in 2020, I was told the works to be carriedout would be around £12K. I pestered them to get on with the works after months of excuses from them i.e monitoring for further subsidence Eventually they brought in a building contractor in Februarry 20203, and they quoted a much cheaper quote of £8K, unsure why, but the works they have carried out is mainily cosmetic.
I have reported this information back to the insurers, who have told me that the case is now closed but would refer the matter to a surveyor, so I am hoping they will reassess and fix the problem,
After reporting the cracks my current insurer, they immediately excluded any future claims for subsidence and the new current works undertaken only provides a 24 month adequacy certificate, not a warranty, against the works that have been carriedout by the building contractors, which is cosmetic. There was no underpinning, only a few struts put in the internal walls. My mortgage has expired and I am worried that this will prevent me obtainiong a new mortgage and structual insurance that would cover subsequent subsidence .I am also concerned that this is going to affect the value of my property.
Do you think as a consequence of potential financial loss I can sue the water board, (who accepted liability for the collapsed drain) for compensation for the loss of value etc...?
The property is empty at present, as tennants have left, so not recieving rent. My mortgage has expied and current interest rate is 6.09% Do you think I should get shot of the property and put it up for Auction? I planned on keeping it for another 5 years by which time the mortgage would be paid off, but now feel I am stuck in this dilemma!!
Any practical response would be greatfully appreciated.
