Emergency Repair Guide

For UK homeowners, acting quickly is essential to prevent insurance claims from being rejected due to negligence. A professional emergency response focuses on stabilising the situation immediately, followed by a plan for permanent reinstatement.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Immediate Site Assessment: Identifying the root cause of the emergency and checking for secondary risks like electrical hazards or gas leaks.
• Utility Isolation: Shutting off water, gas, or electricity if the structural damage threatens these services.
• Structural Stabilisation: Installing temporary props (Acrow props), shoring up dangerous walls, or boarding up breached windows and doors.
• Water Ingress Control: Fitting heavy-duty tarpaulins or emergency felt to leaking roofs to prevent internal water damage.
• Debris Removal: Clearing fallen masonry or timber that poses a trip hazard or prevents access for further repairs.
• Safety Testing: Ensuring the building is safe to occupy or properly cordoned off before leaving the site.

Typical Costs

Pricing is heavily influenced by the time of day; expect to pay a premium for "out-of-hours" calls between 6 PM and 8 AM, or during bank holidays. Location also plays a role, with London and the South East typically seeing rates 20-30% higher than the national average.

How Long Does It Take?

• Initial Response: Most emergency builders aim to be on-site within 2 to 4 hours of your call.
• Making Safe: Typically takes 1 to 4 hours for tasks like boarding up or installing temporary roof covers.
• Structural Shoring: May take a full day if significant propping or debris clearance is required.
• Permanent Repairs: These are rarely done during the emergency visit and are usually scheduled for 1-2 weeks later once materials are sourced.

DIY or Professional?

Emergency structural or roofing work should never be a DIY project. The risks of falls from heights, structural collapse, or hidden electrical dangers are too high for an untrained homeowner.

Professional builders carry Public Liability insurance which is vital if the emergency involves shared walls or public pavements.

Furthermore, most UK home insurance policies require work to be carried out by "competent persons." Attempting a DIY fix could void your policy, leaving you liable for the full cost of the eventual permanent repair.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Verify Insurance: Ensure they have at least £2 million in Public Liability insurance.
• Check Specialisms: Not all builders handle roofing or structural propping; ask if they have the specific equipment needed.
• Response Time: Get a firm ETA. "As soon as possible" is not a commitment.
• Questions to Ask:
  • Does the call-out fee include the first hour of labour?
  • Will you provide a written "make safe" report for my insurance company?
  • Are you VAT registered (this affects the final bill)?
  • Do you offer a guarantee on the temporary fix?

UK Regulations

• Building Regulations (Part A): Any structural stabilisation must eventually meet Part A standards for safety.
• Health and Safety (CDM 2015): Even on small emergency jobs, the builder is responsible for site safety and risk management.
• Waste Disposal: Professional builders must hold a Waste Carrier Licence to remove debris from your property legally.
• Insurance Documentation: Expect a "Schedule of Works" or an invoice detailing the emergency actions taken to support your claim.

Common Problems

• "Patch" Failure: Temporary roof covers can blow off in high winds if not secured with timber battens rather than just weights.
• Secondary Damage: Failing to isolate water properly can lead to mould growth or electrical shorts days after the "fix."
• Price Gouging: Some rogue traders inflate prices during local disasters (like floods); always try to get a quote for the call-out fee upfront.
• Lack of Documentation: If the builder doesn't provide a detailed receipt, your insurance company may refuse to reimburse the emergency costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my home insurance cover the emergency call-out?

Most "Home Emergency" add-ons cover the call-out and immediate repairs up to a certain limit (usually £500-£1,000). Standard buildings insurance will usually cover the cost of "making safe" if the damage was caused by a covered peril like a storm or fire.

What is the difference between an emergency repair and a permanent fix?

An emergency repair is designed to stop further damage (e.g., a tarpaulin on a roof). A permanent fix involves replacing the damaged materials (e.g., new slates and battening) to return the building to its original state.

Should I call a builder or my insurance company first?

If the damage is causing immediate danger or further property loss, call an emergency builder first to mitigate the damage. However, take photos of the damage before they start work to provide evidence for your claim.

Do emergency builders work in the rain or at night?

Yes, emergency builders are equipped with lighting and wet-weather gear. However, for safety reasons, they may not go onto a roof during high winds or lightning, opting instead to secure the property from the inside where possible.

Can a builder fix an emergency gas leak?

No. Only a Gas Safe registered engineer can legally work on gas appliances or pipes. A builder can help with the structural damage caused by a gas incident, but the gas itself must be handled by a specialist.