scooby_doo_do Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 We bought a new house about 1 1/2 ago which had previously had some underpinnnig on the single story garage extension about 10-15 years ago. Before we moved in we had extensive work done extending the house including removing the old garage and making it part of the house with a room above it (extendind loft etc). The new foundations were all piled and made deeper than normally suggested. The question is, do i need to tell the house insurance company's when i ring round to renew that it was under pinned previously even though the house has been partly re-built with new foundations? - I'm finding as soon as they say "has it been previously under pinned" and you say "yes" - they won't give you a quote, or even consider due to the rebuild. Thoughts on a postcard ;-) Thanks Craig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie_b Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 Tricky one that. From a logical point of view, I imagine there are at least 2 reasons why a house needs underpinning: 1) built poorly in the first place; 2) issues with the ground it stands on. If (1) was the reason you *might* not need to let your insurers know (see caveat below!!). If (2), then I imagine you would need to let them know. I would guess the actual outcome is that you need to tell them. I would definitely seek professional advice about this as there's too much at stake to trust half-baked opinions of those who don't know what they're talking about (like me). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mistermann Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 Insurers will definately need to know. The obvious lack of movement since the original underpinning all those years ago is a good sign and the fact that you have gone above and beyond the specifications for piling this time around when you had the extension built is another bonus - was the piling guaranteed and carried out by a bonafide contractor (who should have liability insurance themselves - should anything happen as a result of their work)? I have asked around my office and everyone pulled a sour face when I mentioned underpinning however when we come across scenarios like this we use: http://www.towergateinsurance.co.uk/property-insurance/underpinned-property.aspx The provide a specialist policy for previously underpinned properties, however I should say that they will charge a £160 (nonrefundable) fee to carry out a survey of the property before deciding whether to insure it or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mistermann Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 There has been date to their service - they charge £174 for the intial survey but the will refund that if they decide they cannot provide insurance for you. I have the application form and details here if you want to PM me your email address, i'll scan it and send it over to you buddy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pig Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 I work for an insurance brokers. We have a special department that deal with "non standard" cases such as this. They will be able to help, please email me your number on [email protected] if you would like me to get them to call you. thanks Jon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.