jamesthefirst
Private Member
Guys guys guys…..
Calling all experts! - Insurers may be telling porkies about plastering drying time?
- Thread starter Looby Lou
- Start date
FreeD
Private Member
Hi guys,
Firstly, I'd just like to say I'm a newbie here with zero plastering knowledge, so apologies if this seems very basic to you all!
Almost a year ago I discovered 2 leaks in my bathroom ceiling and had to fight my housing association tooth and nail to get it fixed via insurance, as they said it wasn't their fault. It was though, as it was due to a leak in the roof coming through to my bathroom ceiling, not to mention the ventilation in my bathroom also no longer works. I'm a shared owner and they are responsible for external and structural maintenance. I live on the top floor of the building, hence it came through to my ceiling. The mixture of the leaks and no ventilation has ruined my bathroom with damp and mould all over the ceiling. My bathroom also has no windows, so its really awful in there now. They also admitted that they knew about the leak and had already sent a roofing contractor out to fix it, but never told me about it. They eventually agreed to sort my bathroom via insurance (I pay this through my service charge). They also sent a contractor out again to look at the roof, who then repaired it (apparently) and told me I should no longer get any leaks. The housing association then put me in touch with their insurers, who then instructed 'contractor 2' to source local builders to actually carry out works - 'contractor 3'.
A surveyor from the builders (contractor 3), visited my home and said ceiling needs replacing along with other works, and that I'd need to be moved out for approx 6+ weeks as I wouldn't be able to use the bathroom for a while due to drying, and also the toilet, bath and sink being removed. I was surprised, but OK with it as I just need it done. All paid for by insurers and fine with me. Contractor 2 and insurance company approved it and everything has been agreed for months now. I even got a call from the temp accommodation company discussing my upcoming accommodation in November, with no issues in sight.
Fast forward - works are due to start in one week and now the builders called me concerned, saying they've been told by contractor 2 that I'm now not being moved out, as no need to. They said they explained why I can't stay, but contractor 2 was refusing to listen and asked if they can 're jig' the works so I don't need to move out.
I called contractor 2 and they said I should be able to have a 'body wash' as long as 'I'm careful' but I said I want to shower and bathe which will involve steam, and said I was told by builders that I can't due to the drying. They still said it will be 'OK' and 'toilet will be put in first' so I can still use it. I told them my concerns, as that's the complete opposite of what I've been told for months now and worried that they're rushing the works at my expense.
They said their works are guaranteed for a year, but I replied that's not very long. They haven't said anything about ANY periods of time that I can't use the toilet or shower/bath, which can't be right? I called insurers directly and they confirmed that it was all agreed for me to move out and unsure why contractor 2 is now back peddling. Insurers then called back and said contractor 2 said they recently 'reviewed' my works and they 're jigged' things so that I can stay and use the bathroom. I'm dubious as the builders have said from day 1 that works will take a while, and not once ever mentioned that anything can be done to avoid this. My bathroom also has no windows. I don't trust contractor 2 as they also left off major things from scope of works which I queried (removal of bath, toilet and sink as they're doing the flooring, they added it in after I queried it saying it was left off 'in error'). My worry is, I accept the claim and works start, but I'm unable to use my toilet/bath/shower and need to find alternative accommodation. I don't have anyone near me that I can go to, so will need to find an alternative. Also worried that if they rush the job, I can't do anything if the work is sub standard as I've agreed to the claim. Worried that if It's faulty down the line, I'll have to pay to get it fixed at my own cost.
I have attached the scope of works they're carrying out (it's missing removal of the bath, toilet and sink, but they're doing this too). Admittedly I don't really understand it, so my question is, do you think I can stay here with only one bathroom that will be out of use and if not, how long do you think it will be out of action for? Really would appreciate your help on this as I'm really worried they may be trying to rush things at my expense! I have a sneaky feeling the costs of temp accommodation may be the cause of this, as I live in London and contractor 2 may be trying to look frugal in the insurers eyes to get repeat business.
Thanks again guys
Am I right in concluding that you are getting all this for free and you are complaining?
essexandy
The Lake Governor
Perhaps you could send her an estimate? She'd never moan again (stop it @BigBruvOfEnglandUK), assuming she regained consciousness.
ChrispyUK
Well-Known Member
Yes: whoever is doing the work for the insurers will be on a good screw so should be in and out in no time.
I’ve done a lot of bathrooms over the years and even 80 yr olds have managed with just a sink while the work was being done.
Can appreciate its not nice not having the usual refinements we’re used to, but if you’re really concerned, join a pure gym for a month and shower there.
ChrispyUK
Well-Known Member
You’d start calling a hand board a hawk after witnessing what I saw Hector. May pop it in the private members
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essexandy
The Lake Governor
Poor old Hector got thrown out of the private section for "continual misinformation".You’d start calling a hand board a hawk after witnessing what I saw Hector. May pop it in the private members
ChrispyUK
Well-Known Member
And lowering morale?
Stevieo
Royal Spin Doctor
Shut up it was YOU that did the plastering.
ChrispyUK
Well-Known Member
I’m not that good
did not even know i was in the private section,
in fact , first i have heard of this private section,
and another fact , i may just join now,
p. s. what is it some kind of southern/hawk carryingmembership of the free masons, kind of thing ,
cant hold me back now, gonna join up,
essexandy
The Lake Governor
Their ceiling lines do look better than yours for sure.
Spitandpolish
Well-Known Member
You'll fit right in there H, a duck to water and all that ! Just don't venture into the "restricted area" whatever you do mate ! .
paulf
Well-Known Member
Spitandpolish
Well-Known Member
The morale missed the last bus home after it was chucked out of the mini cab mate, so sad a sight it was mate !!!
not for me spitandpolish, secret socities/masons/hawk appreciation society, cant do with all these barmpots, but i am intrigued by this restricted area, may just have a wander in there , will report backYou'll fit right in there H, a duck to water and all that ! Just don't venture into the "restricted area" whatever you do mate ! .
Spitandpolish
Well-Known Member
I don't blame you one bit , just be careful though mate ! Expect the unexpected
Steve Brown
Well-Known Member
Recce not reccy.
plas1
Well-Known Member
Switched off after second paragraph mate
Longest first post
