Water damage can be a challenging event for any homeowner. When water from an upstairs bathroom leaks through to the living room below, it can create both visible damage and hidden complications. This blog explores a real-life incident that occurred in Belfast, where a homeowner experienced water damage from an upstairs bathroom, and how Property Claims Loss Assessors (PCLA) ensured they received their full insurance entitlement.
As a firm of Loss Assessors based in Belfast & Omagh, PCLA supports homeowners across Northern Ireland through the complex process of filing and negotiating insurance claims. In this case, our expertise ensured that the homeowner received fair compensation for their losses, including significant additional expenses that the initial insurance offer did not cover.
The Incident: A Shower Leak Leads to Damage
In March 2024, a family in Belfast experienced an unexpected leak. Whilst the shower was being used in an upstairs bathroom, family members in the living room below noticed water coming through the ceiling. The shower was immediately turned off, and towels were placed to contain the water, but some damage had already occurred.
The issue was traced to a leak in the hot feed pipe. The leak released enough water to saturate the bathroom floor and soak through to the living room ceiling, affecting the solid oak flooring in the lounge below, which began to cup and rise.
At PCLA, we understand that swift action is crucial when dealing with water damage. Once we received the call, we arranged for a plumber to attend and isolate the leak, stopping further water escape. However, our job was just beginning; assessing the full extent of the damage and navigating the insurance claim process were the next steps.
Assessing the Extent of Water Damage
When it comes to water damage, what is visible is often only part of the issue. Once the leak was contained, we conducted a thorough assessment of the damage. In addition to the visible damage to the living room ceiling and wooden flooring, the stud wall in the bathroom and areas of the floor were found to be saturated.
Water damage can affect areas beyond the immediate leak location. Water can seep into structural materials, weakening them over time and potentially leading to issues such as mould growth. To ensure the homeowner’s claim covered all necessary repairs, we meticulously documented every area of damage, from the affected ceiling in the living room to the flooring and walls in the bathroom.
Reviewing the Insurance Policy and Initiating the Claim
One of the key roles we play at PCLA is reviewing insurance policies to confirm coverage. Every insurance policy has terms, conditions, and exclusions that determine what is and isn’t covered. In this case, we closely examined the homeowner’s policy to verify that water damage incidents, such as this one, was indeed covered.
After confirming coverage, we notified the insurance provider and requested that a loss adjuster be appointed due to the extent of the damage. A loss adjuster is typically appointed by the insurance company to assess the validity of the claim and determine the settlement. While loss adjusters aim to be objective, their responsibility ultimately lies with the insurer. Our role as Loss Assessors is to ensure that every detail is accounted for and that our client’s rights are protected throughout the process.
Working Alongside the Loss Adjuster
When the loss adjuster arrived to evaluate the damage, we attended the meeting to ensure that all affected areas were accurately recorded. It was important to advocate for a complete scope of works, which included the ceiling replacement in the living room, repairs to the oak flooring, strip out and reinstatement of the entire bathroom suite and tiling, drying of the property and full redecoration of all affected areas.
Following our walkthrough with the loss adjuster, we prepared a comprehensive cost schedule. This cost schedule would form the basis of the claim, detailing the required repairs, material costs, and labour expenses. Once submitted, the initial offer from the insurance company arrived, but it was not satisfactory.
The Initial Settlement Offer and Our Intervention
Upon reviewing the loss adjuster’s proposal, we identified several important omissions. The initial offer did not include the cost of dehumidifiers or the increased electricity usage required to run them, which are essential for drying out affected areas and preventing secondary damage. Additionally, the offer overlooked the need for “scabbling” the lounge floor after removing the wooden flooring—a process required to ensure a smooth, level surface for reinstallation.
Similarly, the bathroom restoration presented another discrepancy. The original floor tiles were marble, a significantly more expensive material than the ceramic tiles the adjuster included in the offer. We ensured that the offer was amended to cover the actual marble replacement costs, including the additional expense of sealing the marble tiles after they were laid.
Furthermore, we noted that the loss adjuster’s measurements of the affected rooms were inaccurate, with the square footage calculated as less than the actual space. We promptly corrected this, which further increased the compensation amount.
Through careful negotiation and thorough attention to detail, we ensured that these overlooked items were added to the claim. By the end of our review, we had successfully raised the insurer’s initial offer by an additional £7,500, securing a fairer settlement for our client.
The Role of PCLA: Ensuring Fair Compensation
In cases of water damage, an incomplete insurance claim can leave homeowners out of pocket, potentially covering significant unplanned expenses. At PCLA, we serve as advocates, ensuring that every client receives the full entitlement under their policy.
Navigating an insurance claim can be overwhelming for homeowners unfamiliar with policy wording and claim processes. Our expertise lies in understanding what is covered and anticipating hidden costs that often arise during repair and restoration. Our team comprises qualified building surveyors and insurance professionals with over 30 years of collective experience. We don’t just help you make a claim; we ensure that the claim fully compensates for all losses and repair costs.
In this Belfast case, our involvement was key in highlighting the hidden aspects of water damage that might have been overlooked. From moisture trapped within walls and floors to ensuring the use of appropriate materials and techniques for replacement, every detail mattered.
The Importance of Professional Help in Water Damage Claims
Water damage can be one of the most challenging types of home repairs. It affects areas that may not be immediately visible. Without expert intervention, it is easy to underestimate the scope of work required and, therefore, the claim amount. By engaging a professional claims management firm like PCLA, homeowners can be confident that their interests are safeguarded and that they will not bear the financial burden of unanticipated repair costs.
If you have experienced water damage or any other significant property damage, we strongly recommend consulting with a Loss Assessor. Your home is a valuable asset, and settling for less than you’re entitled to can have long-term financial implications.
Why You Should Trust PCLA with Your Insurance Claim
When water began leaking through a Belfast homeowner’s ceiling, what initially seemed like a straightforward repair turned into a comprehensive restoration project. Thanks to PCLA’s thorough approach, the homeowner received a fair and complete settlement, covering all necessary repairs and preventing further out-of-pocket expenses.
If you are dealing with property damage, whether from water, fire, or any other cause, remember that a Loss Assessor can make all the difference. At PCLA, we are committed to protecting the rights of homeowners across Northern Ireland, ensuring they receive the support and compensation they deserve.
Final Thoughts
Do not let unexpected property damage become a financial burden. Contact PCLA today to discuss how we can help you navigate the insurance claims process and secure your full entitlement. For more information, visit our website or call us to set up a consultation.
