subsidence - who to contact

lxbn · 20 Aug 2019

I have an issue with subsidence at a property. The insurers have said that they are not liable so basically it's down to the homeowner.

What is my first port of call. I don't know where to start although I think I would need to contact a competent person/company to assess what needs to be done and then instruct a builder to carry out the works as itemised. Who do I need to contact to do the assessment and recommendations, is it a chartered surveyor or civil engineer or someone else?

Any input would be welcome.

Thanks

Londoner2 · 20 Aug 2019

Are you a tenant?

If so your landlord is responsible to contact the insurer.

lxbn · 20 Aug 2019

No I'm not a tenant. Sorry may have given that impression as I referred to the "homeowner". To be honest I'm enquiring on behalf of a friend who is the homeowner and they don't know where to begin.

HERTS P&D · 20 Aug 2019

Tell them to read their insurance policy to see why they are not covered.

And tell your friend to join on here, as describing a job second hand could lead to confusion.

Andy

^woody^ · 20 Aug 2019

Has subsidence been actually confirmed by a qualified person?

Why don't the insurance cover it?

lxbn · 21 Aug 2019

Evidence of subsidence has been confirmed. The insurers say that the subsidence occurred before the policy was taken so they are not liable.

^woody^ · 21 Aug 2019

If a professional had confirmed subsidence, then he will have identified the cause. Deal with the cause first, and then carry out any repairs- if any.

You need a structural engineer to specify and oversee any works and certify completion. .

Londoner2 · 21 Aug 2019

lxbn said:
Evidence of subsidence has been confirmed. The insurers say that the subsidence occurred before the policy was taken so they are not liable.

2 ways to resolve:

1) underpinning, this is invasive and more disruptive

2) Injecting, have a look at https://www.geobear.co.uk/house-subsidence-solutions/ non invasive but as expensive.

Both need a proper structural report.

^woody^ · 21 Aug 2019

Londoner2 said:
2 ways to resolve:

1) underpinning, this is invasive and more disruptive

2) Injecting, have a look at https://www.geobear.co.uk/house-subsidence-solutions/ non invasive but as expensive.

Both need a proper structural report.

And if the cause a tree or broken drain, and that is fixed and the ground swells back up?

lxbn · 21 Aug 2019

Thank you all for your input. Think I am much better informed now so can advise my friend in the right direction. The Geobear link looks interesting. Definitely requires to be done properly and certified by a qualified engineer/surveyor.

Londoner2 · 21 Aug 2019

^woody^ said:
And if the cause a tree or broken drain, and that is fixed and the ground swells back up?

Thats why you need a structural report before you decide on the 2 options.

^woody^ · 21 Aug 2019

Londoner2 said:
Thats why you need a structural report before you decide on the 2 options.

No, the options are not options if they are not required.

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subsidence - who to contact

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