Leak in apt caused by builder - apt 5 years old

C

carina

Registered User
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Hi folks,
Myself and a friend own an apartment (duplex)
We have a leak in the ensuite bathroom at the moment and it has gone through to the hall of the people who live below us.
We have a Mgt Company - who are horrible to deal with btw - and our buildings insurance is through them.
A plumber came out to look at it today and he reckons that it's a miracle the ceiling hasn't caved in below. He said it's a big job. The floor is destroyed, the whole bathroom will have to come out.
Last week my friend called them and they said we'd have to get a quote and submit it to them, they would then send an assessor out to survey the damage etc;
I rang them today - spoke to the same person - and was told that we had to just go ahead with the work and then send them the bill, not only is there an excess of €750 BUT it may or may not be covered!
I would have thought that we would be covered by Home Bond? Do all new houses have that does anyone know?
Also the plumber said that it looks like it's the builders fault and in that case I don't feel like we should have to pay anything.
Any advice appreciated.
 
Home Bond covers structural faults, it does not cover dodgy plumbing.
Leo
 
carina said:
Hi folks,
Myself and a friend own an apartment (duplex)
We have a leak in the ensuite bathroom at the moment and it has gone through to the hall of the people who live below us.
We have a Mgt Company - who are horrible to deal with btw - and our buildings insurance is through them.
A plumber came out to look at it today and he reckons that it's a miracle the ceiling hasn't caved in below. He said it's a big job. The floor is destroyed, the whole bathroom will have to come out.
Last week my friend called them and they said we'd have to get a quote and submit it to them, they would then send an assessor out to survey the damage etc;
I rang them today - spoke to the same person - and was told that we had to just go ahead with the work and then send them the bill, not only is there an excess of €750 BUT it may or may not be covered!
I would have thought that we would be covered by Home Bond? Do all new houses have that does anyone know?
Also the plumber said that it looks like it's the builders fault and in that case I don't feel like we should have to pay anything.
Any advice appreciated.
Click to expand...

Get the insurance details from the management agent to confirm who the block policy is with. As on owner and member of the management company they cannot withhold this information from you. You could then email or ring the insurance company to put them on notice of the claim.

The building is covered by them but you should have your own contents insurance to cover contents. Notify them and at least the contents may be recovered. (excess on this will be €100-€250 depening on company)

An escape of water from a fixed water or heating installation is covered as standard by all insurance policies and shoule be covered. Even if the excess is €750 on the block policy, if the damage is large then at least you may get something from it.
 
I found out today that the Insurance Co is Zurich.

I called the Mgt Co again, the guy said to send in a full breakdown of all repairs required and they'd send out an assessor. Fingers crossed it'll happen quickly.

Thanks for the replies guys.
 
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