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Are you sitting on a Ticking Time Bomb? - Mortlock McCormack Law | Property and Commercial Law | Christchurch, New Zealand
Are you sitting on a Ticking Time Bomb? - Mortlock McCormack Law | Property and Commercial Law | Christchurch, New Zealand
Are you sitting on a Ticking Time Bomb? - Mortlock McCormack Law | Property and Commercial Law | Christchurch, New Zealand
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Are you sitting on a Ticking Time Bomb?

September 2020 Sarah Manning

While the Government is vowing to overhaul the Earthquake Commission due to its poor handling of the 2010-2011 earthquakes, this will not help you if your house was repaired and you still have concerns about that repair and haven’t done anything about it.

If there is another earthquake event any failed repair or missed earthquake damage will be deemed to be “pre-existing” damage and will not be covered under any future claim. THEREFORE, YOU NEED TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE NOW.

If your house has:

  • missed earthquake damage
  • out of level floors (beyond construction tolerances, because of earthquake shaking)
  • deficient and/or non-compliant pile repair
  • crack repairs that were undertaken without a full and proper structural assessment being done
  • a repair that has failed (or you suspect has failed)

it is essential to protect the value of your property – and to avoid problems in the future – that you address these issues immediately.

All well advised buyers are now obtaining thorough building inspection reports when they purchase property in Canterbury – so should you wish to sell your property, it is likely that any issues will come to light then. If there are issues, the sale may well fall over.

Also, under the terms of your mortgage, you will have an obligation to keep your property in good repair.

We understand that many people cannot bear the thought of engaging with EQC again or having to undertake further repairs. We are happy to put you in contact with the right experts to scope and cost any missed earthquake damage or failed repairs. We can also assist you with EQC or your insurer to attempt to resolve any issues.

We are experienced in working with the Canterbury Earthquake Insurance Tribunal and the Greater Christchurch Claims Resolution Service to facilitate speedy, cost-effective resolution of outstanding earthquake insurance claims.

The peace of mind you will have knowing that your house is structurally sound (and protecting the value of your property) is well worth the investment. Contact Sarah Manning, Principal (DDI 03 343 8456 / sarahm@mmlaw.co.nz) today if you have any concerns.