Buying a Leaky Home
If you’re considering purchasing a property built between the late 1980s and mid-2000s, it’s important to be aware of the potential risk of it being a leaky building. The term ‘leaky building’ applies not only to homes but also to apartments, as the construction methods used during this period often led to water ingress problems. Leaky buildings can result in significant repair costs, as they typically require extensive work to fix issues like rotting timber, mold, and damaged foundations. To avoid unexpected financial burdens, it’s crucial to thoroughly investigate the property and seek expert advice before making a purchase. Give us a call.
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What are leaky homes or buildings?
Leaky homes or buildings refer to properties that have water ingress issues, often due to faulty or inadequate building designs, materials, or construction practices. These buildings were typically constructed between the late 1980s and mid-2000s, during which time certain building methods, especially the use of untreated timber, poor waterproofing, and inadequate cladding systems, became widespread. As a result, water would penetrate the exterior walls and enter the interior of the building, leading to significant damage over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most standard homeowners' insurance policies do not cover issues related to latent defects, such as water damage caused by poor construction practices or hidden leaks. In many cases, if a leaky building's issue is due to defective workmanship or materials, the insurance company may not provide coverage.
Damage caused by a sudden, unforeseen event—such as a storm that causes an immediate leak—could be covered under your policy. It’s important to read the fine print of your insurance policy to determine what is covered and whether there are any exclusions related to construction defects or water damage.
For leaky homes that were built between the late 1980s and mid-2000s, a Weathertight Homes Tribunal (WHT) may provide a means of compensation, but this is separate from standard homeowners’ insurance. Homeowners may be eligible for financial assistance or compensation if their home has been identified as a leaky building. In certain cases, if the builder or developer is still in business, they may be liable for the repairs.
If the problem is due to faulty workmanship or construction defects, you may be able to make a claim against the builder’s insurance or the contractor’s warranty, provided the defect was caused by their work. This is more common if the building is still within the warranty period or if the builder is still operating.
In some cases, homeowners may be able to secure specific insurance policies for leaky buildings that provide coverage for repairs. These policies are often more difficult to obtain, especially if the building is already showing signs of damage, and they may come with high premiums due to the increased risk.
Weathertight Homes Financial Assistance may be available through government programs for certain leaky homes.
Expert Legal Services For Buying A Leaky Home
We offer expert legal services for homeowners dealing with leaky homes, providing comprehensive support to navigate the complexities of construction defects, insurance claims, and remediation processes. Whether you’re seeking compensation, facing disputes with builders, or exploring options under the Weathertight Homes Financial Assistance Package, our experienced team is here to help protect your interests. Feel free to call us today to discuss your situation and find out how we can assist you in resolving your leaky building issues efficiently and effectively.