Significant Reinstatement Change
This case study is of a block of 7 two storied solid masonry and concrete units. The property has been assessed as a total loss by insurers at significantly less than it would have taken to reinstate. As part of the assessment process, the owners used Underfoot to independently assess the foundation. We help guide them through the process to achieve a quality outcome.
1920’s House In TC3 Zone
This case study is a 1920’s house in TC3 zone repaired by EQC/Fletchers.
The overseas owners returning home after repairs were carried out in their absence and were not happy with repairs. Underfoot Services investigation found that the supposed structural repairs to the cracked and damaged ring foundation were cosmetic and did not meet both MBIE guidelines and the building code. Liquefaction had not been removed from under the house and floor levels exceeded MBIE guidelines and should have been levelled. No geotechnical assessment had been carried out despite the property being TC3 and close to the river. The property is in the process of being reassessed.
100+ Year Old House
This case involved a 100+ year old house that was stuck in limbo with insurers refusing to carry out re-levelling, stating that settlement was historical and cracks in the ring foundation were to be epoxy filled.
Underfoot Services was able to prove that the ring foundation and stone piles were unrepairable and the house required lifting and a new foundation installed that was code compliant.
Investigation Beyond Insurance Scope
The insurance scope of works identified three visible cracks for epoxy repair in the foundation and only minor re-levelling of the foundation by cutting in to the bearer and lowering the floor over a few piles.
Underfoot Services’ investigation found that the floor levels did not comply throughout the house, that there were a further six cracks to the foundation that were unrepairable and that the foundation construction was unsuitable for repair and needed replacing.
Port Hills House
Insurer were just a week away from jacking and packing level a 60 year old house in the Port Hills using the existing foundation without any foundation improvements. The owner engaged Underfoot Services for a second opinion. Underfoot Services found evidence from damaged drains that underground streams and new springs higher up the hill had undermined and voided under existing foundation; this led to further Geotechnical investigation being done, proving extensive foundation design was required along with slope stabilisation.