Property Insurance
Claim Report
A complete sample report generated by Claim Builder — escape of water, external drainage failure, Sheffield residential property.
Escape of Water — External Drainage Failure
42 Weston Lane, Sheffield, S11 8PL
Insurer
LV= Insurance
Total Claim Value
£23,625
Illustrative image onlyProperty Insurance
Claim Report
Prepared on behalf of the Policyholder
Report Reference
PLR-2025-SHF-004291
Claim Reference
LV-2025-EOW-229614
Date of Report
12 November 2025
Loss Type
Escape of Water
Assessor
Richard Harrison CILA · Harrison & Clarke Loss Assessors Ltd
Insurer
LV= Insurance
Total Claim Value
£23,625
Section 1 — Parties & Incident Overview
FactualInstructed Assessor
Richard Harrison CILA
Chartered Loss Assessor
Harrison & Clarke Loss Assessors Ltd
17 Devonshire Street, Sheffield, S3 7SB
0114 294 8820 · r.harrison@harrisonclark-la.co.uk
Policyholder
Mrs Patricia Owens
42 Weston Lane, Sheffield, S11 8PL
07712 334 582
p.owens@outlook.com
Insurer
LV= Insurance
Policy Number
GH-449021-HB
Claim Reference
LV-2025-EOW-229614
Property Type
Semi-Detached Dwelling
Tenure
Owner Occupied
Date of Loss
14 August 2025
Incident Overview
This report has been prepared by Harrison & Clarke Loss Assessors Ltd on behalf of Mrs Patricia Owens, the insured under Policy Number GH-449021-HB with LV= Insurance, in respect of a claim arising from the failure of an external drainage system at the above-mentioned property.
On or about 14 August 2025, the policyholder identified abnormal levels of damp and moisture within the ground-floor kitchen. No internal source of ingress was identified. Subsequent investigation confirmed that an external below-ground drainage pipe serving the kitchen side return had suffered a partial structural collapse, resulting in prolonged sub-surface escape of water. Ground saturation adjacent to the external kitchen wall had allowed water to track laterally into the building fabric over an extended period prior to discovery.
The escape of water has caused material damage to the internal finishes, structural fabric, and fitted elements of the kitchen. The property remained occupied throughout, though the policyholder reports significant disruption to habitable use of the kitchen during the period of investigation and works.
Section 2 — Property & Damage Assessment
Area AnalysisCondition Summary
A detailed site inspection was conducted on 22 August 2025 by Richard Harrison CILA. Moisture readings were taken at multiple locations using a calibrated conductance-type moisture meter. Affected areas were identified, mapped, and photographically recorded. A CCTV drainage survey was subsequently commissioned and its findings are incorporated within this report.
The escape of water has been ongoing for a material period prior to identification, and the degree of saturation within the wall structure and base unit substrate is consistent with prolonged exposure. The cause of damage is attributable entirely to the failure of the external drainage system and is not the result of any condensation, structural defect, or occupier neglect.
Kitchen — External Wall (North Elevation)
Full height damp penetration confirmed from floor to dado height across the full width of the external kitchen wall. Plasterboard saturated throughout with visible discolouration and mould growth to rear faces. Plaster friable and detached from substrate in multiple locations.
Kitchen — Base Units and Carcasses
All base unit carcasses affected by prolonged water saturation. MDF and chipboard construction has deteriorated throughout. Swelling, delamination, and structural failure of unit bases recorded. Units are beyond economical repair and require full replacement.
Kitchen — Floor and Sub-Floor Zone
Vinyl flooring lifted and moisture present below at skirting interfaces. Concrete sub-floor shows elevated moisture readings. Drying works required. Flooring to be fully replaced following drying confirmation.
External Drainage System
CCTV survey confirmed partial collapse of 100mm clay drain at approximately 1.8 metres below ground level. Root ingress from adjacent boundary vegetation identified as primary failure mechanism. Water has been escaping and tracking laterally into the kitchen sub-structure over an extended period.
Section 3 — Scope of Works
Narrative FormatProfessional Scope Narrative
The scope of works required to reinstate the property to its pre-loss condition comprises five principal work categories, set out below in order of programming sequence.
Strip-Out and Preparation
The initial phase requires the complete removal of all affected kitchen base units, wall units where impacted by moisture migration, and all internal finishes that have been compromised by water ingress. This includes the removal of saturated plasterboard across the full width of the external kitchen wall to the full height of water penetration, the stripping of floor finishes, and the careful preparation of the exposed structural substrate to allow for effective drying and subsequent reinstatement.
External Drainage Investigation and Repair
Following CCTV inspection confirming partial pipe collapse and root ingress at approximately 1.8 metres depth, the defective drainage run requires open excavation, removal of the failed clay drain sections, and replacement with new HDPE pipe to current Building Regulations standards. Surrounding ground is to be reinstated and the formation compacted appropriately. The scope of drainage works is limited to the confirmed failed section and includes all necessary making good of external surfaces and landscaping disturbed during excavation.
Structural Drying and Decontamination
A specialist drying contractor is to attend and install a calibrated array of industrial dehumidifiers and axial air movers within the affected zone. The drying programme is to run until moisture readings within the structural fabric are confirmed within acceptable tolerances across a minimum of three consecutive readings taken at 48-hour intervals. All affected surfaces are to be treated with an appropriate anti-microbial solution prior to reinstatement works commencing.
Internal Reinstatement
Following confirmation of structural dryness, the affected kitchen wall is to be reboarded with moisture-resistant plasterboard, skimmed to a smooth finish, and allowed to cure fully prior to decoration. New floor coverings are to be supplied and installed to replace those damaged during the ingress and subsequent drying phase. Full internal redecoration of the kitchen is to follow, including two coats of emulsion to all wall and ceiling surfaces and the painting of all woodwork and skirtings.
Kitchen Replacement
The full suite of ground-floor kitchen units is to be replaced on a like-for-like basis, with supply and installation of new base and wall unit carcasses, doors, and drawer fronts to match the pre-loss specification as closely as practicable. New worktops, sink, and taps are to be supplied and installed. All associated plumbing connections are to be remade by a qualified plumber. The assessor confirms that partial replacement is not viable given the extent of water saturation to the carcasse substrate across the full run of base units.
Section 4 — Cost Breakdown & Total Claim Value
Final Account| Work Category | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Strip-out & Preparation | £2,500 | |
| Drainage Investigation & Repair | £3,200 | |
| Drying & Decontamination Works | £1,500 | |
| Reinstatement Works | £6,800 | |
| New Kitchen Supply & Installation | £7,000 | |
| Sub-total (Works) | £21,000 | |
| Project Management & Claim Handling Fee (12.5%) | £2,625 | |
| Total Claim Value | £23,625 | |
Works Sub-total
£21,000
Management Fee (12.5%)
£2,625
Total Claim Value
£23,625
Section 5 — Project Management Fee: Justification
12.5%Fee Justification Summary
A project management and claim handling fee of 12.5% of the agreed works sub-total is applied to this claim, equating to £2,625 and producing a total claim value of £23,625.
This fee is appropriate and proportionate to the nature and complexity of this claim for the following reasons.
Investigation and Causation Analysis
The identification of an external drainage failure as the causative mechanism required both specialist assessment on site and the commissioning and interpretation of a CCTV drainage survey. The correlation between sub-surface water escape and internal moisture penetration required expert analysis to establish and document correctly for the purposes of the claim.
Contractor Co-ordination and Programme Management
This claim involves five distinct work categories requiring three separate specialist trades: a drainage contractor, a structural drying specialist, and a general building contractor with kitchen fitting capability. The programme requires works to be sequenced correctly to avoid conflict and to ensure drying is confirmed before reinstatement commences. Co-ordination of this multi-trade programme represents a significant element of the assessment service.
Negotiation with Insurer
The scope and associated costs have been agreed with {CLAIM.insurerName} following submission and review of the full schedule of works. Negotiation of the final agreed scope, including the justification for whole-kitchen replacement rather than partial reinstatement, required detailed written representation by the loss assessor. The policyholder's entitlement to full reinstatement has been successfully established.
Policyholder Representation and Documentation
Throughout the claim, the loss assessor has acted as the sole point of contact between the policyholder and the insurer, managing all correspondence, responding to insurer enquiries, and ensuring the policyholder's position is correctly and professionally represented at all stages. The preparation of this report and associated documentation is included within the scope of the fee.
Section 6 — Recommendations
The insurer is respectfully requested to approve the agreed schedule of works and authorise settlement of the total claim value of £23,625 upon completion of works and submission of the final contractor invoice.
The policyholder should be advised to maintain the external drainage system at appropriate maintenance intervals going forward. Inspection of drainage serving the kitchen side return is recommended on a biennial basis.
The approved contractor is to provide a written works guarantee of no less than twelve months upon completion of the internal reinstatement works.
A post-works moisture check is recommended at six months post-completion to confirm the sustained effectiveness of the drainage repair and the continued integrity of the reinstated wall fabric.
This report has been prepared to the best of the assessor's knowledge and belief based on site inspection, documentation reviewed, and information provided by the policyholder and appointed contractors. All costs cited are based on market rates as at the date of this report.
Richard Harrison CILA
Chartered Loss Assessor
Harrison & Clarke Loss Assessors Ltd
Report Ref: PLR-2025-SHF-004291
Date: 12 November 2025
Formal Insurer Letter Included
Every generated report includes a complete, insurer-addressed settlement request letter — professional, reference-accurate, and ready to send.
Full settlement demand with claim ref and policy number
Summary of cause, scope, and completed works
Professional justification of management fee
Payment instruction and response deadline
1 credit · Full report + insurer letter · Saved to your dashboard
Sample Report Disclaimer
This is a sample report for demonstration purposes only. All names, addresses, claim references, policy numbers, amounts, dates, and details are entirely illustrative. The property image is representative and does not depict any real property or loss event. In your generated report, all content will reflect the actual claim details, survey findings, and costs you provide.
Incident Overview & Chronology
Structured factual narrative of the loss event, investigation findings, and a full dated chronology from notification to completion.
Area-Specific Damage Assessment
Room-by-room analysis with severity ratings and professional description of damage consistent with loss assessor standards.
Scope of Works Narrative
Full works description written in professional prose — not bullets — covering all trades and sequenced correctly for a credible claim pack.
Cost Breakdown & Fee Calculation
Itemised cost table with management fee calculation and AI-generated written justification — correctly framed for insurer review.
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