Inspiration to Action – Our Story

Embarking on a journey in March 2009, HICH LTD wasn’t just a venture but a response to a dire need for change. Picture a landscape where storm-related claims faced relentless rejections, leaving property owners in disarray. In this narrative, I invite you to witness the genesis of HICH LTD—an odyssey born from industry shortcomings and a relentless commitment to transforming the norm.

In the frosty winter of November 2009, my journey with HICH LTD began amid a record-breaking cold spell. With years of expertise as a qualified building insurance validation surveyor and a robust trade background, I navigated the storm, working an exhaustive 16 hours per day, seven days a week. The mission was clear—assess and validate a surge of building insurance claims inundating us from across the UK.

Delegated with authority to assess claims of up to £10,000 each, our primary focus was determining the cause and assessing the liability for property damages observed during inspections. The variety of claims was vast, from minor roof damages to the aftermath of adverse weather conditions. Yet, it was during the storms of 2009-10 that a stark reality emerged: rejection rates soared to around 90% for storm-related claims and 50-60% for escape-of-water incidents.

The outcomes of these claims hinged on a myriad of factors, ranging from policy coverage to considerations of poor workmanship or gradual process loss (wear and tear). This pivotal moment we marked the genesis of HICH LTD, as we unearthed a pattern connected to rejected storm claims, notably tied to two prevalent issues: poor workmanship and gradual process loss.

Unraveling the Storm’s Deception

One striking case study epitomised the challenges we were determined to address. A first-floor flat, part of a two-storey suburban building, became the canvas for severe water penetration issues just two weeks after its purchase. The initial property survey, conducted as part of the Home Report, had failed to detect crucial defects. The lack of experience and inadequate equipment and training led to missing roof slates and unnoticed decay in the chimney stack, eventually causing substantial damage to the property.

This oversight by the attending surveyor resulted in the insurer rejecting the claim, asserting that the external defects were pre-existing and not covered under the policy. The homebuyer faced significant financial setbacks, a consequence that could have been prevented had the surveyor detected and addressed these issues before the property purchase. This case underscored the need for a paradigm shift in how building inspections were conducted—a vision that would shape the future of HICH LTD.

A Winter Storm Unveils Industry Gaps

As we approached the winter of 2010-11, news headlines once again echoed with heavy snowfall, setting the stage for a surge in storm-related claims across the UK. The relentless storms and freezing temperatures brought forth a new wave of challenges. In my dedicated postcode area, a daily influx of 10-15 storm-related building insurance claim inspections became the norm for the next three months.

This time, the focus shifted to collapsed guttering on newly built properties, specifically timber-framed housing developments with 20 or more properties in specific geographic zones. However, what unravelled during these inspections was disheartening—a staggering 90% plus repudiation rate. Poor workmanship by developers emerged as a recurring theme, leading to claim rejections and leaving property owners in the lurch.

One vivid case exposed a developer’s directive to homeowners, absolving themselves of any liability for storm-related damages. This revelation, alongside similar patterns observed by surveyors nationwide, painted a bleak picture. High volumes of insurance claims, especially for gutter and roofline failures in newly built properties, faced rejection, leaving homeowners stranded without insurance or warranty assistance.

The shortcomings of the NHBC warranty, seemingly worthless in many cases, further exacerbated the situation. The need for change became evident as a gap in regulation allowed developers to self-regulate, leaving homeowners grappling with damages, no assistance, and inadequate warranty coverage. In this landscape of frustration and negligence, the seeds for HICH LTD were sown in March 2011.

HICH LTD – Bridging the Gap

HICH LTD was conceived with a straightforward mission—to help and assist homebuyers and property owners left in the wake of defective regulation. Our business model was rooted in accuracy, utilising specialised equipment for comprehensive property appraisals, including multi-storey properties and their connecting elements. Our vision was to offer a one-stop-shop solution, incorporating thermographic surveys and asbestos management surveying.

Our approach to pricing was revolutionary, ensuring fairness for all. Market research and experience allowed us to establish survey fees based on the number of bedrooms, prioritising quality of service over property value or location. But we didn’t stop there. We aimed for a seamless client experience, leveraging an advanced AI system. Clients could email their requirements through our website, triggering an automated response that outlined survey costs, booking details, and an efficient inspection arrangement.