[jacko]

I have been asked to survey a shop carpet - Wool 17x34 with some footprints made by builders of black bitumen paint.  Apparently there is also some white sealant in the carpet from the fitting of new windows.

2 Questions

1) Should this be an insurance job (shop should claim against builders insurance) and if so who would normally pay me?)

2) What is the best method of removing the black stuff?
I should get the sealant out with citrus gel??

Your expert advice will be appreciated !

[Dynafoam]

Jacko,

On the face of it the shop clearly has a claim against the builders (who may then invoke their insurance) but make sure that you have clear authorisation to proceed, ideally from the shop themselves, with payment to you coming from the shop - what happens thereafter is not your concern.

The sooner the job is done the better as mastic has a habit of getting tracked around and becoming impacted.

There are many solvents that will tackle both Bitumen and mastic, smelly white spirit, Solvall, citrus-based products etc. but I would use Eco Spotter. Whatever you choose, do not apply liquid solvents direct to the carpet - dampen a cloth and apply with this.

[Derek]

Jacko

John is right, at this stage it isn't your problem

The complaint should be directed at the builders and if they require your services they should contact you direct...I would certainly get confirmation of the instructions in writing and reply, also in writing, that you will carry out the work but give NO GUARANTEE

Derek

[woodman]

I agree with Boltons

But would add that this is definately a claim against the builders and their insurance.

Who asked you to survey the shop?

Unless the shop in question agree to employ you direct, pay you on completion and then claim back from the builders do not touch it ,until you have  established who is responsible for payment the builders will quite happily let you get them out of trouble and then ask you to invoice their insurance.

What you have to ask is what  their excess is on the policy.This will almost certainly cover the cleaning costs before their insurance kicks in so don't be fobbed off by them to invoice their insurance.

If they are a large company then they will issue you with a job number to proceed which must quoted on your invoice.If they are small, make sure you get payment on completion otherwise you may never see it.

[jacko]

Thanks guys - great advice as always!

Jacko