News from the Residential Property Investor, the bi-monthly magazine for RLA members other artilces from the October / November 03 issue RPI news archive

Summer leaves insurers with that sinking feeling - October / November 2003

Houseowners are being warned to check their properties for signs of subsidence.

One unwelcome result of this year's long hot summer will be a spate of subsidence problems, Peter Ellis of building damage consultants Cameron Durley Consulting told RPI.

'According to major insurance companies the warning signs are already appearing. A surge in subsidence claims is pointing to a repeat of the dramatic subsidence last seen eight years ago. In 1995 drought caused the London clay to dry and shrink and many houses cracked severely as a result'.

Ellis said property owners should check walls inside and out for any new cracks. 'Look at small hairline cracks that have been there for years to see if they have suddenly become a little wider. Other signs of subsidence include warped door and window frames, cracked driveways and uneven patio paving'.

Not all property insurance includes subsidence cover, but where it does and the insurer is informed, early action may be taken to stop the problem getting worse. However, said Ellis, policyholders need not necessarily accept the proposals for remedial action and can appoint their own experts.
 

other artilces from the October / November 03 issue

• The news is...tenants can be ruthless too
• Leaseholders gain right of challenge
• In brief
• Rental demand moves ahead
• Deposit action urged
• Summer leaves insurers with that sinking feeling
• HMO properties go missing
• Mould warning
• Remortgaging to boost returns