Household and Personal Effects
One of the principal factors to be considered by the surveyor is the proximate cause of damage, which is, in many cases, inadequate or careless packing. In this context there are a number of specific points to be noted, for which the following may be a useful guide.
China and Glass – To save time, a packer will often stack a quantity of plates without interleafing the necessary packing materials. As china is extremely susceptible to chipping, breakage, etc., damage can often occur which can easily be mistaken for phycial impact. Lids, stoppers, etc., should be wrapped individually.
Electrical and Mechanical Appliance – It is essential that the packers secure all free moving parts, i.e. revolving drums, etc., to avoid intyernal impact damage. Where a washing machine or freezer, etc., has been used as a loading base, the surveyor should try to confirm that the surface was adequately protected.
Floor coverings – See Floorings
Furniture – Corrugated cardboard manufactured by the sulphite process is frequently used to protect polished surfaces. Sweating and/or exposure to water or pressure causes damage to the surface along the lines of corrugation. Even if lightweight paper is inserted this will still occur. Waxed or waterproof paper does not allow free ventilation and may cause staining and loosening of veneers, due to condensation. Glue used in the manufacture of corrugated paper may soften and mingle with the finish on the furniture, leaving an alkaline scar.
Furniture with fragile legs or highly polished surfaces should not be used as loading bases unless the latter are adequately protected. Damage to furniture, particularly pieces with a lacquered finish, can be caused by the use of adhesive tape or lebels.
The surveyor should examine broken and cracked surfaces of china, glass and furniture to determine whether the break or crack is of recent origin. Humidity which is often found in loose packing materials such as straw, encourages mildew, which can damage wooden and metal furniture. During the drying-out process, mould may form and surveyors should take care not to confuse this with mould directly caused by water. When furniture is transported it is susceptible to climatic changes which can cause cracking, warping or splitting. However, this can also occur during storage in a warehouse or private residence where there is central heating. Where wardrobes, chests, etc., have been used as containers, often by the owner, breakage of legs, drawers and joints can often occur due to overloading.
Linen and Clothing – This is often owner-packed into sealed plastic/polythene bags, which can cause condensation. This should not be mistaken for water damage.
Paintings – Methods of packing vary considerable, usually according to the value. Where paintings are framed and glass-fronted, adhesive tape should be used to minimize the damage to canvas, etc., by glass breakage. In addition, the pieces should be wrapped individually, preferably in water-resistant paper. Unframed canvases should be packed so that painted surfaces do not make contact. Obviously, works of considerable value should be crated individually, the frames protected – on each corner, at least – and the crate lined with water-resistant paper.
Upholstery and Carpets – Latex/foam backed carpets should be rolled, not folded. Folding will result in breakage of the backing and permanent creasing of the carpet pile. Upholstered pieces should be protected from any ropes/strings used by suitable packing materials.
There is tendency to be more lenient with regard to personal removal goods compared with commercial shipments and this is understandable in that removals can include items of sentimental value rather than appreciable intrinsic value. For removal of goods a valued inventory prepared at the time of effecting insurance is of great advantage in the event of a claim arising.
If under-insurance is apparent then average should be applied to the adjusted claim.