Water Damage to Converted Barn – Sussex

Background

Mr and Mrs Sim has a concealed leak in their kitchen floor from the heating pipes which served the whole house. On investigation, the repair required the flagstones to be partially removed and the pipe repaired.

Mr Sim submitted his claim to his insurers who appointed Building Validation Solutions (BV-Solutions) to attend and examine the damage. BV-Solutions rationale is to try and scope the claim onsite and offer a settlement to the policyholder there and then.

After being offered £1,950 for the damage thank fully the insured felt this was woefully inadequate and sourced help from an independent insurance assessor.

The Claim

ICS attended and after investigation by their approved drying company it was clear the water damage extended throughout the ground floor. This would require the removal of the kitchen, bathroom, lounge and study.

ICS appointed a local chartered surveyor to schedule the works and then secured long term alternative accommodation for Mr and Mrs Sim whilst the works were ongoing.

Insurers appointed Sedgwicks who reluctantly agreed with ICS and the schedule of works by the surveyor was tendered. As a result the Clive Christian kitchen was replaced, together with the Karndean flooring and the whole ground floor decorated.

Outcome

The policyholder has just moved back into his home and when asked for feedback commented –

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude and thanks for all of your support and hard work in settling out claim. You have exceeded our highest expectation of having our home back to better than it was before the leaking pipe as discovered”.