Yesterday morning we made a discovery that we thought we’d share with you because it serves as a very good cautionary example of what happens all too often in vacant properties.
During a routine inspection, our guard found a water leak from the ceiling of a client’s building. This discovery immediately prompted a well rehearsed response; the guard called in the problem to our 24-hour response centre where an operator immediately dispatched an engineer from our repairs department. Within half an hour, the leak was repaired and the clean-up had begun.
All too often, the result is much different; building which are not subject to frequent and scheduled inspections are left so long that even a small leak creates extensive damage to the fixtures and even the fabric of the building. It wouldn’t be the first time that water has caused serious structural damage – damage that could easily have been prevented.
Too many people believe that preventing access to a void property is enough to protect it. At SPS, we always recommend scheduled inspections because we know unwanted intrusions don’t just come from people; water, vermin, fire and wind are all credible risks that can affect the integrity of an empty building. Only regular scheduled inspections will ensure that these risks are minimised.
Our report to our client wasn’t the news they wanted, but they certainly appreciated that our swift action prevented what could have been serious and extensive damage to the property, so ultimately they and their insurance company are grateful they chose an adequate property protection plan.