Escape of water is one of the most frequent claims on building insurance, and in blocks of flats it rarely affects only one home. A failed pipe or appliance in one flat can damage the ceilings, walls and floors of the flats below, and the common parts as well.
The visible damage is the start, not the end
Water travels. It runs along joists, soaks into screeds and plaster, and gets behind kitchen units and floor coverings. Drying out has to be confirmed by measurement, not by appearance. Reinstating too early traps moisture and leads to a second claim.
Three parties to satisfy
A water damage reinstatement has to satisfy the residents who live there, the client who owns or manages the building, and the insurer’s loss adjuster who agrees the cost. The best way to keep all three aligned is a single evidence chain:
- the cause established and recorded;
- a specification that the loss adjuster can check line by line;
- a competitive tender on that specification;
- a properly administered contract, with interim certificates and practical completion certified;
- an agreed final account and final certificate.
Every pound should be traceable from the escape to the repair.
Is the building insured for enough?
A claim is also a good moment to check the sum insured. The RICS professional standard Reinstatement cost assessment of buildings sets out how the rebuilding figure should be assessed.
See our Insurance Claims and Reinstatement service, and two flats reinstated on one evidence chain.