The Problem
Optera were asked by the insurer to respond to a property which was damaged after a car crashed into it late at night. The house has a large single-storey extension to the rear with a 7m-long steel lintel which supports the first floor of the original house. The force of the impact had moved the side wall of the extension 1m along the damp-proof course and the supporting steel lintel had been compromised to such an extent that there was a considerable risk of collapse.

The Optera Solution
The insured was swiftly moved into alternative accommodation and following the agreement of costs, Optera carried out a temporary works design and implemented a scheme to support the first floor of the property using steel needles and Acrow supports above the displaced steel lintel. The remaining extension was taken down and the property shored and secured.

With the temporary works in place, the steel lintel was carefully moved back to its original position before being secured in place. New pad stones were constructed for the lintel and the extension was rebuilt.

New aluminium bi-fold doors, underfloor heating and first and second fix plumbing and electrics were all replaced within the area of damage and the bathroom, removed as part of the temporary works scheme, was refitted and tiled.

Project Conclusion
The property has been returned to its pre-loss condition within budget, with the insured returned from the alternative accommodation within the required timeframe. Optera have delivered a technically very demanding project on time and within budget, ensuring the safety of those on site together with the requirement to minimise the impact on the customer and return their house to the home they knew prior to the crash.

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