Important Update
The assessment process of damaged dwellings is continuing but the enormity of the task is now very apparent.
A total of over 117,000 claims have been made to date with still approximately 80% of assessments still to be carried out.
Claims must be lodged by 4 December 2010.
With the ongoing aftershocks and new damage appearing we would recommend that all property owners lodge a claim. Some of the damage is not always apparent. We have already found significant floor cracking concealed by carpet and a dwelling that had moved on piles, not identifiable until an under floor inspection revealed this damage. It has been recommended to Ray White McPherson Property Management that a claim ne lodged for even those properties with no visible damage.
If you do not wish McPherson Property Management to lodge this on your behalf please advise us by 24 November 2010.
For all claims that McPherson Property Management are handling we are insisting a field assessment be carried out by an EQC representative.
If a claim is lodged and further damage is discovered or occurs this can be added to the original claim. Once a claim is lodged it never closes.
Claim information is not listed in LIMS (land Information Memoranda) or PIMS (Property Information Memoranda) by the EQC.
The EQC have set up a specific website for the Christchurch earthquake. This will assist in providing you information. www.eqc.govt.nz/canterbury
There is not a housing shortage in Christchurch currently. There was an initial high demand for family homes in the worst quake affected areas as families sort to stay in their local area.
Reconstruction will not gather momentum until 2011 but a conscious effort to use local contractors has been stated.
One of the biggest realisations is that it is an ongoing event, the physical and mental impact of aftershocks, plus the timeframe for reconstruction.
We are positive on Canterbury moving forward and 2011 will be a buoyant time for the region.
Kind Regards
McPherson Property Management