Basement Problems
Again today we are dealing with and advising clients with regard to basement leaks.
Our clients have bought a new house and the basement living room is leaking, the waterproofing is completely inappropriate & hidden behind dry lining.
The developer was a self builder and nobody can help our client with information, so they are left with financial loss and a basement that is not fit for habitation.
Surveyors and Solicitors should be asking the right questions when their clients are purchasing a property with a basement.
Is it waterproofed & how was it waterproofed?
Who designed the waterproofing? Do they have PI for waterproofing design?
What guarantees were given and by whom?
Did the installer have insurance which specifically covers consequential loss?
Most guarantees specifically exclude consequential loss, and are limited to the value of the work carried out. These are not of value to the client / purchaser.
When checking out a contractor you need to know how long have they been trading & how financially stable they are. Will they be around to service the guarantee on the basement you are buying. Never rely on insurance backed guarantees that cover if the contractor ceases to trade, they will be limited to the value of the work carried out. They, like manufacturers guarantees will specifically exclude consequential loss.
The basement waterproofing is critical. If there is any doubt as to the validity of guarantees, then the value of the basement should be negotiated accordingly, because in the event of a leak the investment will be devalued. The greater the risk of a leak, the less the value of the basement should be.
Ian MacLennan CSRT CSSW
For more information, Please visit our website or email us at [email protected]
Supplying and advising on Structural Water & Gas Proofing systems, for at, above or below ground levels is what we do at Delta, Often in an innovative & progressive manner.
8 年Hi Benjamin I think that may be true of any country, but I also feel that a far bigger problem is that in any country, there are too many "Have a go hero's", who don't feel they need training in this highly specialist industry, who seem to perhaps think its a simple money making game, but try telling that to a client who has ploughed huge amounts of money in to expensive finishes, only to need them ripped out to get back to the faults on a substrate. I have seen very good basement / structural waterproofing in the UK as well as countries like Spain, Portugal, Switzerland and Norway, all with an obvious emphasis on good , long established manufacturers and suppliers training modules, and am always at a loss as to why any serious contractors cannot see the value of such ?.................
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8 年We have found over the years that compared to other European countries standards people in the UK generaly just want cheap. These are the rewards. ??