Last week saw the collapse of a roof that hit the front page of the Evening Standard. This posts advises why it’s highly unlikely that the home owner’s insurance company will cover the cost. Read on to find out how it happens, who picks up the tab and why legal action is often the end result.
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How does a roof just collapse?
Collapsed RoofIt’s been said that the accident is due to some form of faulty workmanship, crap materials or just old age. However, it’s often difficult to tell when faced with a pile of rubble.
It is highly unlikely that the home owner’s insurance company will cover the cost. Most policies exclude such damage, especially when they are being renovated.
So, who covers the cost?
So who pays for this? It’s difficult to say and I think it will most likely end up in the courts. I doubt anyone will want to take responsibility, yet the blame could be a aimed at a contractor, architect, surveyor or even the homeowner. Especially if the appropriate planning permissions were not obtained.
If nobody takes responsibility the owners of neighbouring properties damaged may find themselves uninsured. They’ll probably lay the blame (and cost) at the door of the “guilty” property. It happens from time to time.
Last resort, take action? Only if you know who to sue!
There is a form of protection that covers works and damage caused after they have been finalised. High quality architects and responsible builders recommend or invest in. It protects neighbours’ properties too.
However, I’ve lost count of the number of people that say they’ll sue someone else if things go wrong, rather than protect themselves. As if they have the money to do that. Do they realise just how much it costs to work out who is responsible for a pile of rubble?
Wrap up: Property renovations are a shrewd investment when the cost of labour and materials are so low. The opportunity to increase the value of assets can and should be balanced against the risk of a project going wrong.
Top Tip
Inspect insurance protection of those you allow into your property to complete repairs or maintenance. If they’re not protected, you might not be. Always be careful to survey a property owned by a “DIY Del” before making an offer. Visit our Top Tips page for a free Property Owners download.
Share this with: property owners, architects, surveyors, contractors, engineers and anyone else who gets involved in property improvements.
