Gumboots and Umbrellas

I recently faced the unfortunate consequences of an incident that started as a seemingly minor act of vandalism but ended up causing severe and devastating damage to a property.

The chain of events leading up to this point began with the property owners vacating the premises, making a significant move abroad.  We had successfully sold the property at the desired price, which might sound like a triumphant tale, but wait - there is more to the story.

The 'minor vandalising' was in fact unauthorised removal of copper pipes located throughout the property, including the roof.  Yes, you read that correctly, just copper pipes.  However, the consequences were far from minor.  The removal of these seemingly insignificant element led to a cascade of calamities:

1.   The geyser started leaking profusely, causing

2.   Extensive water damage;

3.   Ceiling in three rooms and the corridor came crashing down;

4.   The elegant oak wooden floors were drenched seemingly beyond salvation;

5.   The once-lovely kitchen was rendered irreparable and to top it off;

6.   The electrical, plumbing and security system were in a shoddy state.

Adding to the debacle, the absence of occupants in the house - a critical oversight - meant that I only stumbled upon this chaotic aftermath the morning I opened the property for the bond originator. 

This ordeal turned into a nightmare for everyone involved - the property owners, the insurers, concerned family members, diligent attorneys, and most significantly, the eager buyer.  Sadly, this first time buyer was not prepared to stick around and we graciously relieved her of any obligations.

The story, however, did eventually find its silver lining.  

After five gruelling months of meticulous restoration and renovation efforts, we managed to turn the property around and sold it again within a short space of time.

But lets not underestimate the toll this took.

Those five months were filled with excruciating stress and painstaking management as we navigated through the intricacies of repairs, negotiations, and legal matters.

So what's the bottom line here?

1.   When you are absent from your property, even just for 24hrs, take a moment to shut off your main water valve.  

2.   If you planning on being away on holiday, I would earnestly seek you to employ a house-sitter.  Unoccupied homes are prime targets for nefarious activities.

3.   Ensure you have a dependable armed response and top-notch security system - don't forget to check those back-up batteries. Also consider installing a motion-sensor beam in the roof near the geyser.

4.   Thoroughly examine you house insurance policy for sneaky loopholes. 

Understand that none of the above suggestions can promise a foolproof escape from unfortunate incidents, but they can significantly diminish the profound distress and pressure that tend to accompany such events.

As property professionals, we've had our fair share of experience in these matters.