Question: We located a leak. The insurer’s builder has quoted a delay before work can commence. We are worried about mould. Can we speed up the repair process?
We own and live in our apartment with our two children. We noticed a leak in the apartment a few months ago. The leak was between the internal wall and the block work under our kitchen sink.
The strata insurance has a $5K excess. The builder has provided a quote of $8K. We haven’t received a building inspection report or itemised quote despite the inspection taking place a month ago.
The builder has given at least a 5-week wait before he can attend to start an invasive investigation under the sink and carry out repairs.
Is there any way the repair can be fast-tracked? We are concerned about the health implications if there are delays. My partner has a medically identified mould/mildew allergy and is taking medication to cope.
Answer: The repair process can be faster if you use your own repairer.
Owners are able to engage their own local repairers. In fact, this can sometimes be a better option as the cost of repairs for the insurer’s repairers can be higher due to project management fees associated with the insurer’s repairers.
The repair process can also be faster if you use your own repairer.
It must be noted the insurer does not guarantee the work of any tradesperson they do not engage and therefore, the owner will need to take any workmanship issues up with the builder themselves.
If you are using your own builder, we suggest you arrange a quote and submit it for the insurer to confirm coverage prior to work starting. As your reasoning for using an alternate builder, include your health concerns due to the mould.
Given the health issues, consider whether it is appropriate to ask the insurer to consider the Temporary Accommodation benefit under the policy. This is designed to offer temporary accommodation when the property is uninhabitable or unfit to be occupied for its intended purpose.
This post appears in the June 2023 edition of The NSW Strata Magazine.
Tyrone Shandiman Strata Insurance Solutions E: tshandiman@iaa.net.au P: 1300 554 165
This information is of a general nature only and neither represents nor is intended to be personal advice on any particular matter. Shandit Pty Ltd T/as Strata Insurance Solutions strongly suggests that no person should act specifically on the basis of the information in this document, but should obtain appropriate professional advice based on their own personal circumstances. Shandit Pty Ltd T/As Strata Insurance Solutions is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No. 404246) of Insurance Advisenent Australia AFSL No 240549, ABN 15 003 886 687.