Escape of water can cause an extraordinary amount of disruption to a home.
A burst pipe, leaking water tank, failed plumbing connection or substantial leak may initially appear to be a relatively straightforward problem. However, once water has spread through ceilings, walls, flooring or several rooms, the drying and repair process can sometimes take weeks or even months.
If your home in or around Maidstone has suffered significant water damage, there may come a point when remaining in the property is simply impractical.
This is where temporary or alternative accommodation may be required.
For homeowners and families facing a longer period away from home, a furnished serviced apartment can provide a much more practical solution than spending weeks living in a hotel.
What Is Escape of Water Damage?
“Escape of water” is a term commonly used by insurers to describe water leaking from a domestic water or heating system.
Examples can include:
- Burst or damaged pipes
- Leaking water tanks
- Failed plumbing connections
- Leaks from bathrooms or showers
- Water escaping from central heating systems
- Significant leaks from appliances or pipework
- Water leaking from another part of a property
The Association of British Insurers identifies burst pipes and water damage among the events commonly covered by home insurance policies.
However, the circumstances of every claim are different, and homeowners should always check the exact terms and limits of their individual insurance policy.
Why Can Escape of Water Repairs Take So Long?
Stopping the leak may only be the beginning of the repair process.
Water can travel considerable distances through a property before the full extent of the damage becomes apparent.
Affected materials may include:
- Plasterboard
- Ceilings
- Timber
- Flooring
- Carpets
- Kitchen units
- Electrical installations
- Insulation
- Decoration
- Furniture and belongings
Before repairs can begin, parts of the property may also need to be professionally dried.
Dehumidifiers and drying equipment can sometimes remain in place for an extended period while moisture levels are monitored.
Damaged plaster, flooring or fittings may then need removing before reinstatement work can start.
Consequently, what initially appears to be a relatively modest leak can become a substantial insurance repair project.
When Might You Need Temporary Accommodation?
Not every escape-of-water claim will require you to leave your home.
A small contained leak may be repaired without significantly affecting day-to-day life.
More extensive water damage, however, can leave important parts of a property unusable.
For example, temporary accommodation may become necessary if:
- The kitchen cannot be used
- Bathrooms are unavailable
- Bedrooms have been damaged
- Extensive drying equipment is operating
- Floors or ceilings have been removed
- Electrical systems require repair
- Building works make the property unsafe
- Several rooms are undergoing simultaneous repair
- Living in the property would significantly interfere with restoration work
The Association of British Insurers states that buildings insurance can provide alternative accommodation where a home is uninhabitable while insured repairs are taking place. Exactly what is available will depend on the particular policy and claim.
Will Your Insurance Company Pay for Alternative Accommodation?
Many home insurance policies provide some form of alternative accommodation cover if insured damage makes the property uninhabitable.
However, limits and conditions vary considerably between policies.
Your insurer, loss adjuster or claims handler will normally determine whether temporary accommodation is appropriate and how the accommodation will be arranged.
Sometimes the insurer arranges accommodation directly.
In other cases, a relocation company may be instructed.
Homeowners may also sometimes be asked to identify suitable accommodation themselves and submit the details to their insurer for approval.
The Financial Ombudsman Service says that, when considering alternative-accommodation disputes, factors such as the suitability of the accommodation, distance from work and school, number of bedrooms, medical requirements and whether pets can be accommodated may all be relevant.
For longer stays, the Ombudsman also specifically notes that private rental accommodation or a serviced apartment may be more appropriate than remaining in a hotel.
Hotel or Serviced Apartment After Water Damage?
For the first night or two following an emergency, a hotel can be an excellent solution.
It is immediate, easy to arrange and provides somewhere safe to sleep.
The situation can feel very different if repairs are expected to take several weeks.
Living from a hotel room becomes restrictive surprisingly quickly — particularly for families.
A serviced apartment provides facilities that make it possible to establish something much closer to normal everyday life.
These can include:
- A proper kitchen
- Separate bedrooms
- A living room
- Washing facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Space for children
- Dining facilities
- Somewhere comfortable to work
- Greater privacy
If you have been told that repairs could take several weeks or months, it is therefore worth discussing longer-term accommodation options with whoever is managing your insurance claim.
Temporary Accommodation After Water Damage in Maidstone
St Andrews Apartments provides fully furnished two-bedroom serviced apartments in Maidstone suitable for people who temporarily need to leave their homes following an insurance claim.
Our apartments are particularly suited to longer stays because guests have the facilities required to actually live normally rather than simply stay overnight.
Facilities include:
- Two bedrooms
- Two bathrooms
- Fully equipped kitchens
- Washing and laundry facilities
- Separate living and dining areas
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Smart TVs
- Towels and bedding
- Allocated parking
You can find more information about our dedicated insurance accommodation in Maidstone service.
We welcome enquiries from homeowners and tenants as well as insurers, loss adjusters and specialist relocation companies.
Staying Close to Home Can Make a Big Difference
One of the most difficult aspects of an insurance claim is that normal life still needs to continue while repairs are taking place.
Children may still need to attend the same school.
Adults still need to travel to work.
You may want to remain near family, friends and neighbours.
You may also need to visit the damaged property periodically to meet contractors, loss adjusters or insurance representatives.
Finding temporary accommodation locally can therefore considerably reduce the disruption.
For people whose homes are in Maidstone and the surrounding area, remaining locally means everyday routines can often continue despite the repair work taking place at home.
What Happens if the Repairs Take Longer Than Expected?
This is another reason flexibility matters.
Building work following escape-of-water damage does not always follow the original timetable.
Drying may take longer than anticipated.
Additional damage can sometimes be discovered once floors, ceilings or walls are opened.
Replacement materials may be delayed.
Different contractors may need to complete different stages of the work.
As a result, temporary accommodation initially required for four weeks can occasionally become an eight-week or three-month stay.
Where availability permits, St Andrews Apartments can accommodate extended stays if the repair timetable changes.
What Should You Do Before Booking?
If you expect your insurance company to pay for your temporary accommodation, speak to your insurer, loss adjuster or claims representative before committing to a booking.
Confirm:
- Whether alternative accommodation is covered
- The approved budget
- The expected length of stay
- The number of bedrooms required
- Whether the insurer will book directly
- Whether you should book and reclaim the cost
- Whether the accommodation needs to meet any particular requirements
Insurance policies and claims differ, so approval should always be obtained from the appropriate claims representative.
Need Temporary Accommodation in Maidstone Following Escape of Water Damage?
If your home has suffered escape-of-water damage and you need somewhere to live while drying, repairs or reinstatement work is completed, St Andrews Apartments may be able to help.
Our furnished apartments are designed for stays lasting several weeks or months and provide considerably more living space and everyday facilities than a conventional hotel room.
Visit our temporary insurance accommodation in Maidstone page or contact us to discuss your expected dates, number of guests and likely length of stay.
We are happy to deal directly with guests or with the insurer, loss adjuster or relocation company managing the accommodation requirement.
Insurance policies and individual claims vary. Always confirm your entitlement to alternative accommodation and any applicable limits with your insurer or claims representative.
References:
Association of British Insurers — Buildings Insurance
Financial Ombudsman Service — Alternative Accommodation Guidance