Client Categories: Property/Maintenance Managers

Rebuilding a community icon

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In July 2012, lightening struck Egypt Hall, causing a fire which devastated the community building at the heart of the small hamlet of Georgina on the southern shores of Lake Simcoe. The hall was owned by the town and served as a focal point and venue for gatherings and parties. Cunningham Lindsey’s executive general agent Rick Bahen was immediately called in to advise the insured on the loss.

  • The Challenge:

    A review of the original building plans revealed that the building – constructed by a team of volunteers in 1989 – failed to meet current building standards. The Hall Board and Community members wanted their new hall to have all the character and amenities of the original building but were aware that as a public space, it was critical the new structure met modern building codes.

  • The Solution:

    Contractors and tradesmen involved in the rebuild were all local to the area and understood the importance of retaining the integrity of the original hall in their rebuild. This included sourcing bricks that were identical to those used on the first structure. Eighteen months after the fire the new hall was complete, stronger and more resilient, but with the same character of the first Egypt Hall.

Faulty girders cause multi-million dollar loss

 


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Construction on the underground tunnel had begun in 2011 and was due for completion in the fall of 2014. However, problems were identified with the pre-stressed concrete girders in 2013 and work on the tunnel halted.

 


  • The Challenge

    The contractor hired to design, build and install the pre-stressed concrete girders made 500 between August 2012 and May 2013. While a quality management procedure and plan was in place, the insured was concerned about the use of tack welding in the girders.

  • The Solution

    Extensive testing and analysis of the girders began with the random demolition of six girders and extensive load testing. It was determined that in addition to the use of tack welding and lack of regulatory approval, none of the girders were fabricated according to the original agreement. The loss adjusters determined they were deficient and unsafe to be put to use in highway tunnels.

Water and mould threaten new construction

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A water leak in a building in its final phase of construction led to the discovery of mould growth in summer 2014. The discovery threatened to postpone completion of the high rise, which was 90% finished and due to be handed over to its new management company.

 

  • The Challenge

    One suggestion involved the removal of all floors and plasterboard on the floors that had been affected by the water intrusion. Such action would come at a considerable business interruption cost for the developer.

  • The Solution

    EFI Global were contacted by the adjuster running the claim to carry out a detailed inspection and clarify the extent of the problem. The team positively identified mould impacts in three of the units and six building hallways. Within two months of EFI Global’s initial inspection, the mould part of the project was completed. Positive results from the post remedial verification inspection and air sampling meant these areas could be handed back to the developer, allowing him to rebuild and deliver the building on time.

2015 Australian storms and floods


Overview
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A spate of hailstorms and cyclones caused widespread damage throughout New South Wales and Queensland during the early part of 2015, with claims reaching US$1.5bn

We worked closely with insurers and brokers to make sure policyholders received the best possible service.

We quickly mobilised local teams including technical loss adjusters, restorers, building consultants, engineers and forensic accountants to provide immediate assistance, with our 24/7 Customer Services Centre in Wollongong ensuring priority was given to the worst-affected customers.


  • The Challenge:

    After a succession of natural catastrophes, including hail storms, cyclones and floods, the damage ranged from minor water damage of homes through to total commercial building collapse and business interruption. In total, the industry received over 170,000 claims that it needed to assess and process as quickly as possible.

  • The Solution:

    Cunningham Lindsey stepped up its response, establishing Catastrophe Management Offices for each event, setting up Customer Care Teams in Melbourne, Parramatta, Adelaide and Brisbane and bringing in 20 experts from the UK, New Zealand and US, experienced in the complexities of severe storm losses, to support local teams.