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My niece’s house recently had a fire. It’s fairly new (5-10 years). Structually it’s ok, but gutted; all the screws show through the sheet rock, windows blown out, things melted, lots of smoke damage. She’s now fighting with the insurance company on what should be replaced vs. what they’d like to just clean-up & call it good. Where the experts (and amateurs with strong opinions) at Fine Home fits into all of this: Does anyone know of a system or rating system tells home builders/remodelers when to replace & rebuild rather than patch up fire damage? Is there a book or code of standards? Let me know what you know.
Thanks
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Is there a local building inspector? His would be a voice with authority.
*There are professionals who specialise in being the advocate for homeowners and negotiating with the insurance companies. They make it their business to know all the ins and outs, understand your policy, know the areas where the insurance company will try to cheat, etc. They get a percentage of your claim, but those I have spoken to who have used them say it was worth every penny.
*She's spoken to some of these folks (evidently they were on her like investment pros on a lottery winner), but they all seemed to want a real healthy cut of the proceeds and it's hard to gauge whether they really increase your payment. Though from what you say maybe they are worth it. Thanks.
*If you can find a b reputablefire damage contractor, they might help you with the initial claim. And what about the help available from her agent? Many don't just sell the insurance, they represent you.
*> they were on her like investment pros on a lottery winnerThe ones you have to look for will generally give you a better deal than the ones who come looking for you. This is true of all service vendors, including contractors.-- J.S.
*Look for an independent claims adjuster. Talk to some other insurance agents and ask for names of independent adjusters. They are out there for almost every aspect of the insurance industry, wheather it is automotive to commercial freight, to what ever it is possible to insure.Look at the damage caused by, say hurricain Andrew years ago. Do you think local agents appraised all of that damage? Some of the large companies brought additional adjuster in from across the country, but they also hired the service of independent adjusters.Hire one of them. They work for a set amount of money based on the estimated time required to complete the damage appraisal and write the report. They do not work off of a percentage! The people that earn thier living doing insurance adjusting depend on thier fairness and honesty to keep them employed. Still check anyone out with your local BBB, and ask for referances.The reason I mention this is that we have a friend that does this for a living. His specialty is maritime losses. He works for insurance companies and for those companies that have sustained a loss. He is not on anyones payroll, and doesn't care which party he works for. That is the type of person I would hire. Someone that doesn't have any "skin in the game". Contractors, attorneys and others that stand to profit from the amount of a settlement would be futher down IMO.Dave
*If nothing else helps, call the State government office that sets the regulations for insurance agencies. Also, be fully aware of the type of policy that she has. Does it call for replacement of all items with like items or are their limitations? You would be amazed how valueless your valuables are to the insurance companies.
*Thanks for all the tips. The claims adjusters who approached her all wanted a percentage of the take. I'll let her know about the hourly ones. Again thanks.
*A friend whose house burned down just before Christmas used a hired adjuster who was recomended to them. His comment was that they would have settled for less from the insurance co than they will ultimately be getting even minus the adjusters percentage. The hired adjuster knew areas to negotiate and payments they were entitled to based on their policy they had that they did not realize. If they work for a percentage and are good they will fight for as much as possible (at least until you say "Enough! We have to start rebuilding!").
*This may be a red herring, but would a good home inspecter help with what has to be done, but not dealing with the insur co.
*I work for a company that only does fire,water and mold damaged houses. We have all our own estimators and the companys we works for rarely even send there own out because we always do what needs to be done. If the the windows have smoke damage on them they normally get replaced if they are unclean able. The dark spots around nails are usually not a problem once everything is painted. They have to pay to put it back the way it was before the fire depending on here limits in her policy. I recommend and independent adjuster just because they take a cut of the money they get you from the insurance company and when that is done they are gone and your left to get the work done. A larger restoration company like the one I work for handles all aspects such as supplementing extra items as the job progresses that might not be on the original contract(the independent adjuster will be long gone)and dealing with the insurance company so you dont have to and also so one company is responsible for all warranty work. We also garranty no smoke smell at the completion of the job.Good luck and read all fine print. Chris
*Jimbo, Like Chris, I also work for a firm which has a division that has been doing insurance repair for about 65 years. We are not a franchise operation like Firedex or Barclay. Our term for the insurance adjusters that work for a percentage of the take is public adjusters or PA's. Generally, independent adjusters are people that fit in one of two molds. The ones who maintain local offices and provide their services to a particular region and those that traverse the country from disaster to disaster, only staying in one area for a few months as needed. Both types of independents are hired by the insurance companies on an as needed basis. Some insurance firms have their own company adjusters and others subcontract all of their work to independents. For the homeowner, it really doesn't matter which you end up with, whether it is a company or independent. There are good and bad ones everywhere. Once you get over the initial shock of the fire, it isn't that hard to tell if you've got a decent one assigned to your loss. Compassion is a good sign as well as willingness to quickly pay to get you situated in temporary living quarters with some new clothing and other supplies. The next step is to talk to the adjuster about reputable repair contractors. Sometimes they will recommend a firm, sometimes they aren't allowed. You should get some names and ask around to find out all you can about these companies. The benefit to hiring a firm that handles this type of work on a regular basis as opposed to your brother's friend Joe who is a remodeler, is experience. They know how the insurance company wants the estimate written (this is a much bigger deal than you can imagine) and they also know where to stop and start ripping and tearing. As far as the PA's go, you can generally expect the estimating and repair process to take about twice as long if you hire a PA. PA's are pretty much loathed by company and independent adjusters. No matter what, you are going to have a company or independent assigned to your loss. 99% of the time, the company adjuster will not allow the rebuilding to begin until resolution has occurred with the hired PA. This resolution often comes with lots of sparks flying and can take months. How much do you like your temporary quarters ? I see a few people above mentioned good experiences with PA's. I'm glad to hear this. I cannot remember a single one. If you consider hiring one, make sure that if unseen damage is found during the repair, that this can be dealt with grief-free. I could go on and on here, but my typing skills can't keep up with my brain. I would be happy to talk to you further if you want to email me.
*Years ago...my sisters house burnt...and the independent adjusters were there real quick too. She and the BIL weren't sure...so they had my dad check out one of the guys. He worked purely percentage. They all agreed the 20% he worked for would save them a whole lotta hassle which could instead be directed at getting their lives back together.....it was a total loss. Everything. The guy said he usually got about 140-160% of the insurance's direct offer to the covered. He was right on. They figured even if the insurance offered quit a bit more than the initial offer.....he got them about 140%....and then took his 20%. In their case...they came out ahead....and the independent agent did all the fighting. Very first nite...the ins. rep. came out with a check for the hotel for like $250 to get them in somewhere.....this guy gave it back.....asked how a family is supposed to stay somewhere nice on that....and they got a check for over a thou on the spot. He set them up with the Red Cross...and gave them solid advice all the way. Got paid well.......did a hell of a job. All these guys can't be this good.....and she just got lucky....trusting him......but I know it worked once. Good Luck.......just grill the guy a coupla hours.....he should expect it....then put up. This guy had charts and graphs on everything. Average teenages sweatshirt collection.....and number of socks a preteen girl owns on average....are 2 that I remember. Jeff
*About the public adjusters, I have never had a personal fire but I have been on numerous jobs doing the board up work which our company also does and while the homeowner is walking back and forth packing there car with a few items this guy is badgering them like a car salesmen walking right along with them asking for a signature so they can get started. We call them ambulance chasers because around here they listen to fire channels to see how big it is and if its worth him going to. There is also a service that you can subscribe to that faxes a printout every morning of the previous nights fires so you can go check them out for yourself and leave cards on the burned out front door. Thank god the company I work for doesnt take advantage of those(In my opion crooked) options.
*that's what I woulda thought...till it saved a family member a lifetime of BS. Jeff