All Forum Posts by: Jim Brozny

@Austin Fruechting  Yes, Next time I'm going to handle it differently.  More like what you describe

@Rodney Sums - Yes, that is my question. 

Now that the process is in flight, I have a better understanding.  The insurance company didn't care how many estimates I received.  Nor did they care if I had a contractor show up to be with the adjuster.  They determined how much they will pay and have already cut a first check in my name.  The second check, the depreciation amount, will be sent to me after I prove the work has been completed.  They told me it's my decision who does the work.

Had I gotten three estimates and one of them was less than the insurance payout, I'm not sure the insurance company would care. 

In my situation, I wanted the contractor to meet the adjuster because he knows more about the job of replacing siding and gutters than I do.  I wanted someone there that would ensure the adjuster took everything into consideration.  Although most of the damage occurred on one side of the house, the adjuster determined the siding and gutters on the entire house need to be replaced.  The contractor may have helped the adjuster come to that conclusion.

So far, I've had a very good experience with the insurance company and my contractor.  All have been very professional. 

@Keith Harris, @John Mocker, @Curtis J.  Thank you all for your feedback.  I haven't had a claim like this before and I wasn't sure if there is a common practice.  The contractor is a referral from my management company and they have a strong reputation.  I asked him to meet the adjuster to make sure all of the damage and work gets addressed. 

I have replacement cost coverage.  The adjuster sent a detailed report of the work, materials, and labor costs.  I can only assume the contractor and the adjuster agreed about the work.  Would the adjuster share the payment amount with the contractor?  The check will be made out to me.

I filed a claim with my insurance company for wind damage to the siding on one of my properties.  At the last minute, I called a contractor to meet the adjustor at the property so they could inspect it together.  The contractor said he would do it as long as I gave him the job.  I agreed. 

Because I did not get any estimates prior to the adjuster visiting the property, I really don't have a good idea about what the job really costs.  I only know what the insurance company is paying me.  They are paying a healthy amount to replace the siding, gutters, and downspouts for the entire property.

My question to all of you, would you pay the contractor the entire amount the insurance company is paying me or would you negotiate?

Thanks!

A slow leak developed in a pipe in the ceiling of a unit in a duplex.  Water pooled in the ceiling and the drywall began to droop.  The tenant allowed her young child to play under the drooping ceiling.  The ceiling fell on the little girl.  Luckily she was unhurt but very frightened.  She went to the emergency room to be sure she receive any head trauma. 

The tenant didn't call me until after she came home from the hospital.  She said the bubble in the ceiling had been getting larger and larger throughout the day.  When I asked her why didn't she call me when she first saw it happening, she said she didn't know.

Insurance paid for the repairs, but they really saved me three months later when the tenant sued me for negligence.  I called the insurance company and they took over - assigned an attorney and took charge.  The case was in the courts for almost 2 years before the judge finally dismissed it.  The insurance company won!

Ultimately, the tenant had no case. A month or two prior to the event, the city had inspected the rental unit and had given a green light for rental. Also, HUD had completed their inspection around the same time and approved it to be rented. I had documentation from two governmental bodies that the property had been inspected and found clear of issues.

Hi @Mark Ainley.  A close friend of mine owns Xanadu builders based out of Elgin.  He recommends Franks Concrete or Walter Husion.  I can PM the phone number if you'd like

@Michael Facchini - I'd like to take you up on the offer.  I'll send you a private message.

Hi @Ryan Fox.  GC Realty manages several of my properties.  Glad to connect if you'd like.

I work in the city, but I may be able to make it that night.

@Tom Olson 

Hi Tom - After the repairs have been completed, does your company provide property management services?