Insurance claims services

Subsidence

Stephen has had 30 years’ experience of dealing with subsidence related issues whether for insurance companies, loss adjusters, commercial or residential property owners.
Customer centric he is able to explain sometimes complex technical issues in every day jargon free language
Typical issues, consequences and requirements as a result of subsidence can be found listed below. BellCross consultants offers solutions for all of these and more:


Expert diagnosis of Subsidence, Heave and Landslip

Cracks in buildings may arise through many causes such as settlement, thermal movement, lintel failure, cavity wall tie failure, chemical reaction, timber deflection, roof spread and even earthquake. It is vital that the correct diagnosis is made.
Detailed investigations
Understanding the construction and depth of foundations and type and nature of underlying soils. This will also include the identification of the ground water table, botanical analysis of any tree roots discovered and in many cases a survey of underground drainage.


Mitigation

Mitigating shrinkage of clay soils by reducing or removing trees but being mindful of soil recovery and heave.
Tree root barriers are also an option in certain conditions.
Lining and replacing drains on certain types of subsoil is also an effective way of mitigating foundation movement.


Monitoring

Monitoring helps diagnose the cause, confirms whether the building is still moving, whether mitigation has been successful and informs the most appropriate repair and remedy.
The type of monitoring is also very important and can take the for of simple crack monitoring to level monitoring and floor contour and verticality surveys. 

Determination of appropriate repairs

Repairs will range from crack repairs and redecoration to partial and full underpinning.
There are numerous ways to repair cracks, including simple repointing, the cutting out and replacing of masonry such as brick or blocks, the installation of helical stainless steel rods (commonly referred to as helibar) or resin bonding.
Similarly underpinning can also take many forms including traditional mass concrete trench fill, concrete beam and base, stainless steel helical piling, mini and concrete piling and concrete piled rafts.
Other repair options are also appropriate in certain circumstances and these include ground stabilisation techniques using grout, or other proprietary methods such as Hoopsafe and Quickbase

Over 30 years experience

Stephen is a highly experienced Chartered Building Surveyor, Chartered Insurance Practitioner and Construction Health & Safety professional capable of handling both household and commercial buildings claims ranging in value from £2.5k to £20M, including high net worth, major and complex losses and real estate.

Stephen has spent 30 years handling buildings damage claims for both loss adjusters and a large blue-chip composite insurer. He has also led and managed a team of chartered surveyors, and chartered engineers including support staff.


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Property damage

If your property has suffered damage by the cover provided by your insurance policy e.g. subsidence, fire, flood, storm, vehicle impact, escape of water, burst pipe we are able to Project Manage and organise the restoration of your home,   either directly on behalf of the property owner, loss adjuster or insurer.

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Expert diagnosis of building defects and technical report writing.

Diagnosis of Building defects and techincial report writing. This can help resolve many property issues and help householders, property owners, loss adjusters and insurance companies understand whether an insurance policy is able to respond to a partiuclar situation.


Typical examples include:


• Cracks in your building

• Dampness or water ingress into your property

• Mould or rot

• Cavity wall tie failure

• Workmanship issues

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Audit to identify improvements and opportunities

Stephen has over 20 years of experience auditing property and household claims where loss has occurred through Subsidence, Fire, Escape of Water and other covers provided by a typical insurance policy. This has also included auditing claims practices and protocols often leading to claims saving initiatives and innovation.


- Analysis of technical, strategic and financial performance of household and commercial claims including complex and major loss. 


- Claim process analysis and audit to identify claims savings initiatives and innovation. 



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If there are any insurance services and advice that you require which have not mentioned, please do not hesitate to get in touch as we can discuss your plans and work together to find the best service for you.