by jeepnmatt » Sat Jan 17, 2009 09:03 am
Okay, I'm going to try to not be long winded but this may take a minute. My home sustained some wind damage to the roof back in March of 08. I called my insurance and they quickly rectified the situation, with a complete new roof, raingutters etc. When the adjuster came out back in may we saw that there had been water leaking through the roof into my attic, but did not see any damage to the ceilings in the rooms in my house. Well my son got those glow in the dark stars to stick to his ceiling in his bedroom for Christmas, when I got up to stick them to the ceiling I have found that in fact the ceiling was damaged from the water. I called the insurance company again, and quickly they came out and agreed that it was related to the previous damage, and reopened my claim. So, my question now is he gave me a "preferred contractor" who I called and he came out and gave me an estimate (the contractor also sent this bid to my adjuster) The bid is for 2,800.00 to take down the ceiling completely, replace, re-insulate the attic, paint, etc. Here is my question. When I used their "preferred contractor" for the new raingutters in May, I was not satisfied with the job and really had quite a battle getting it fixed to my satisfaction. So can I ask for the check directly to me and do the work myself? I have completely remodeled my house, from new windows, doors, plumbing, electrical, etc. I'm very comfortable with doing the work myself. But I know it will not cost me that in materials, so am I doing something bad/illegal/unethical? I'm not trying to make a quick buck, but would just trust myself more at this point. Nobody is as meticulous with my house as I am. Also, can they make me do it within a certain time? I work crazy hours during the winter and may not do it until summer or so. Any help or advice you guys can give me would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 09:30 am Post Subject:
I'm very comfortable with doing the work myself. But I know it will not cost me that in materials, so am I doing something bad/illegal/unethical
No its not unethical. You can tell the insurance company that you would prefer to use another contractor since you weren't satisfied with the work he has done. They may issue the check to you, or, may inspect the house after the repair work is done and upon satisfaction will issue the check. It may work either way. So, get its clarified first.
Now, if you can fix the damage at lower cost you can keep the rest of the money. But make sure that the work is done properly. If its found that the repair work wasn't satisfactory and the roof start leaking again the insurer may not entertain the claim next time.
Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 09:43 am Post Subject: Thanks!
Just to clarify, the water damage was from the roof that has since been completely replaced back in may. There is no water leaking now, nor has there been since May. I know I can fix it, thats not a question. I just don't know if I can simply request the check be sent to me, and they (the insurance company) consider the claim paid and move on, or if its going to be more headache than its worth to do it myself to get a finished product I'm happy with. Thanks!
Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 01:22 pm Post Subject:
When I used their "preferred contractor" for the new raingutters in May, I was not satisfied with the job and really had quite a battle getting it fixed to my satisfaction. So can I ask for the check directly to me and do the work myself?
Certainly you can, just ask that the draft be made payable to you and you would prefer to handle getting your own contractor, you may run into trouble with the draft however, they may have to include your mortgage company on the draft, if so then just call your mortgage company and discuss with them their procedure for getting you paid...I doing something bad/illegal/unethical?
Not at all you are due (and paid) for the damage, you don't even HAVE to repair it...it's totally up to the homeowner...(and perhaps his mortgage company)...Also, can they make me do it within a certain time?
No, but they may only issue half the amount and the other half upon completion...they may also required receipts (but they shouldn't)...you certainly don't want this to continue, or not repair it very soon, because of the mold etc..also if you not repairing it timely causes additional damage you will be out of luck, you do have a duty to mitigate your damage.Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 04:42 am Post Subject: THANKS!!
Ok, when I talked to the insurance adjuster he mentioned that to me about having to make the check payable to myself and my mortgage company, but he said that would only be if it were over 5k. So I think I'm safe there. The other thing, this slight water (I say slight because the ceiling is not caving in or anything, just barely sagging in a couple spots, with some stress cracks) Anyway, it is no longer wet up there at all. I've been up there, and things are completely dried. Remember this happened in may, so I've had 100 degree summers here in Salt Lake City Utah to more than dry things up. I would just prefer to do the work myself because I know I will do a job that I will be happy with. I bring all this up because I think the insurance may get upset when I request these things. It almost feels as if the insurance company is getting a kick back from this "preferred contractor". Even my insurance adjuster called the contractor, gave him my address, cell phone number, etc. trying to get said "preferred contractor" to get the job. Again, thanks for all of your info. I really do appreciate your help!
Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 12:37 pm Post Subject:
I bring all this up because I think the insurance may get upset when I request these things.
Jeep, I'm sorry what do you mean by 'these things back?"It almost feels as if the insurance company is getting a kick back from this "preferred contractor". Even my insurance adjuster called the contractor, gave him my address, cell phone number, etc. trying to get said "preferred contractor" to get the job
No, No kick back (to the adjuster) probably a few reasons...first of all this contractor may have agreed to work for a reduced labor or material amount, and secondly (and most likely the reason) if this preferred contractor does it the adjusters job is easier...ie he will likely have to write his own estimate now... :lol: too bad...You still have the right to have it made out to you...don't worry about any problems with the adjuster if he gets smart take him to task and ask what possible difference it can make to him who you use..etc, and perhaps you should talk with his supervisor if this is such a 'big deal' to him... you get the idea.Again, thanks for all of your info. I really do appreciate your help!
Please let us know if we can be of further assistance, and please to come back and post the outcome...(people leave us 'hanging' all the time :wink: )Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 01:30 pm Post Subject:
Lori, what if the poster can show he could do the work cheaper than the contractor or would this take away some of his rights? I can see this is really important to him so hopefully it works out.
Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 02:19 pm Post Subject:
Lori, what if the poster can show he could do the work cheaper than the contractor or would this take away some of his rights?
No and it should be inmaterial...they should just pay him per the contractor or adjusters estimate..Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 12:06 am Post Subject: Thanks again!
The "things" is me asking to have the check made directly to me. I just get a feeling from our first meeting that he may not be to pleased at the request of me asking for the check myself. I will request this with him tomorrow and see how things play out. We will see, and I will for sure keep you posted! Once again, thanks for the info. Im happy to feel educated when going up against this unfortunate situation in general!
Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 10:09 am Post Subject:
Wow!! nice to know that the thing have started taking a positive turn for you. Hope things work out fine in the meeting. Even if the adjuster isn't happy with the idea of sending the check to you, he can't deny you what is due. So, please remain firm with your demand. And, keep us up-to-date.
Im happy to feel educated when going up against this unfortunate situation in general!
That's the very purpose of having this forum online.
~Jeremy
Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 11:47 am Post Subject:
I just get a feeling from our first meeting that he may not be to pleased at the request of me asking for the check myself.
Well Jeep, ya' know, I'm not too pleased everytime, i have to lay in the mud or snow to get under a car to look for damage either....but i have to do it nearly every day...part of being a grown up...(don't that just suck!? :roll: :wink: being a grown up just isn't what it was cracked up to be)...don't worry about his reaction...as i said, the ONLY reason he should have any problem with it is purely personal...meaning it may cause him a little more work, tough..(adjusters like that realllllllllllllly tick me off...just lazy, and I don't ''do'' lazy very well)..Im happy to feel educated when going up against this unfortunate situation in general!
We're always pleased when we can help someone Jeep...do let us know...thanks for the kind words.Add your comment