by Guest » Fri Feb 05, 2010 12:23 pm
i just bought a new house and close in Sept. During the home inspection, all cleared fine.
the house was a bank owned foreclosure, and with it came no closure and the bank did some minor repairs before it hit the market.
now... 4 months living in the house, we noticed the master bedroom suite's shower walls are soft! the tile is coming loose, and the wood is expanding. it looks to me like it's a major water damage issue.
also, the foyer leading to the master suite shows some water stains on the tile where it meets the wall. (the floor was replaced by the bank before it hit the market) - it looks like they just covered it up cheaply!
my question is can i file a claim for this? the end result repairs would likely exceed my deductible. this is a serious problem, we have noticed carpenter ants in the bathroom and after talking to some folks, they are attracted to the damp, wet walls. termites may too soon follow.
please help me figure this out. i don't want to call my insurance company until i seek outside counsel.
thank you.
the house was a bank owned foreclosure, and with it came no closure and the bank did some minor repairs before it hit the market.
now... 4 months living in the house, we noticed the master bedroom suite's shower walls are soft! the tile is coming loose, and the wood is expanding. it looks to me like it's a major water damage issue.
also, the foyer leading to the master suite shows some water stains on the tile where it meets the wall. (the floor was replaced by the bank before it hit the market) - it looks like they just covered it up cheaply!
my question is can i file a claim for this? the end result repairs would likely exceed my deductible. this is a serious problem, we have noticed carpenter ants in the bathroom and after talking to some folks, they are attracted to the damp, wet walls. termites may too soon follow.
please help me figure this out. i don't want to call my insurance company until i seek outside counsel.
thank you.
Posted: Fri Feb 05, 2010 12:58 pm Post Subject:
my question is can i file a claim for this?
Of course you can file it but I doubt it will be covered..the end result repairs would likely exceed my deductible. this is a serious problem, we have noticed carpenter ants in the bathroom and after talking to some folks, they are attracted to the damp, wet walls. termites may too soon follow.
Sounds terrible! The problem is most (if not all) HO policys will stipulate that the loss/damage must be 'sudden and accidental' and will further exclude damage that is 'gradual deterioration'. However, that being said, you need to report it IMMEDIATELY..tell them you just found this out. Further, I'd contact the bank find out who replaced the tile, call them ask them about the water damage, and if they advised the bank of this problem, and if so what was the banks response? Cover it up? You say there was no disclosure statement from the bank, but if they had work done, they HAD to know of some issues. I'd try to pursue it on both ends..Unfortunately, you knew you were buying a repo-and there was zero home warranty. But to my way of thinking that wouldn't total obsolve them of 'hiding' damage, if you can prove it...please help me figure this out. i don't want to call my insurance company until i seek outside counsel.
Why not? You need to get this claim filed NOW, it may be denied, (and a good chance of it)..but it will most certainly be denied if you don't report it as soon as you know about it...Let us know if we can be of further assistance, and what your carrier says..
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