Rics: Save cash on earthquake repairs
Tuesday, 4 March 2008 12:00 AM
UK residents should follow professional advice to ensure they are not paying more than necessary to repair damage from last week's earthquake, warns the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics).
A quake -lasting ten seconds and measuring 5.2 on the Richter Scale - shook central England on Wednesday 27th February, causing damage to property across the region.
Now insurers are predicting the cost of the damage could run to millions of pounds; however, Rics has advised homeowners to exercise caution when deciding which repairs are essential.
Initially residents are advised to carry out an inspection and look out for the tell-tale signs of damage. These include:
- Cracks in ceilings or walls.
- Blocked drains or broken drainpipes.
- Missing roof tiles.
- Stiff doors or windows.
A registered chartered surveyor should be employed following the quake, according to the industry body, which will be able to determine the severity of the damage, and advise on what repair work needs to be carried out.
Surveyors will also help with the formulation of an insurance claim.
The British Geological Survey said the earthquakes epicentre was 8km east of Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, and 22km south-west of Grimsby.
However, it was felt as far away as Carlisle, Nottingham, Worcester, Birmingham, and Cardiff.
It is feared the cost of the damage could be significant for homeowners.
For example, a crack in an exterior wall could allow water to seep into foundations - potentially causing dampness to surface in walls and rotting in timber floors and walls.
According to Rics it can cost £135 to £190 to repair a one metre crack in brickwork, and even more if scaffolding is required.
Additionally, missing roof tiles offer a warning a property's roof has been compromised.
Repairs can range from £280 to £290 per tile - with potential costs running into thousands if a chimney is damaged.
The Rics sentiments were echoed by Allied Surveyors.
"Areas across the country have been impacted by the earthquake, and it is important homeowners inspect their properties as soon as possible and notify any changes immediately," said Allied Surveyors technical director, Chris Rispin.
"New cracks in both internal and external walls, along with broken pipes are typical of the damage caused by earthquakes and they must be logged and reported as soon as possible to insurers."
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