So...my home is basically ruined.

Yup. There are maybe 2 guys in this entire state who still do that (no exaggeration) and they are busy. But why would anyone spend the cash for plaster these days anyway?

And the lawyer thing....I have 3 law firms for separate issues. I haven't used one of them in years...luckily because that's the family law practice (no longer on retainer). But I don't fuck around about that shit. The ones that are known for winning high-profile cases around here and kicking ass in all the other ones....I have two of those firms. One of them is a criminal law firm that I've rarely used. They used to send my retainer back once a year and I would call them and tell them I was tearing up the check. Finally, they just stopped doing that after I told them I just want them on retainer...more or less permanently. Funny thing though....when I have called them, the receptionist acts like we just talked last week and she knows exactly who I am. Probably reading something on her computer, I bet. Or I'm the crazy dude who keeps them on retainer so I know I will always have representation even if I never plan to use it.

 

Yup.

Yup on this too. But..I can totally see how someone might make a huge mistake on a claim. I admit that I am lucky enough and experienced enough to have maybe a bit more advantage in this over someone who is in the same boat but desperate. It's really not fair to take advantage of people in a tough spot. But...I can also see how the insurance co. is trying to settle the claim as quick as possible for their customer.

 

And I hope the lasts posts didn't come across like I've spent a shitload of money on retainers. I've spent a little bit of money but it doesn't cost as much to retain representation if you don't have litigation pending. The big cost comes when you have to have them for a trial. Shit like this insurance deal isn't very much, relatively speaking.

 

I am relieved that you have legal representation. It is better to not need it than to need it and not have it.

 

Agreed. IMO...one of the best non-commercial investments you can make. But I think there is something really unfair about the system. Especially the criminal court system. You supposedly have the right to counsel...even if you can't afford it. That isn't true at all. You have the right to court appointed counsel if you are basically unemployed. There is a pay scale and if you have a decent job...you don't qualify for that right. I have a young guy who works for me that just got caught up in a huge pile of bullshit. He's a good kid in a bad situation who never should have been arrested. He has two co-defendants who got free representation. All three cases are total bullshit but he has to drop $1500 just to have minimal representation. There are so many red flags in his case that should get it tossed but he doesn't have the access to representation. It's not fair that I have more ability to exercise the law because I have more resources. My lawyer would probably laugh at this, get my charges dismissed and maybe even go after them in a counter-suit (in this specific fucked up case). He doesn't have access and I think that's wrong. I'm halfway tempted to pay my lawyer to represent him just on fucking principle. This isn't fair at all.

Edit to say...sorry...I'm obviously pissed about this deal. This person is a big asset to my business plan. This isn't a problem we need.

Edit again to say...the fact that I can say this isn't a problem we need and maybe get him out of it is only a symptom of the shitty legal system that treats some people differently than others.

 

Things are a little more complicated when there's a mortgage... Brings a third party into the deal.


Usually when the insurance company brings their own construction guy right off the bat I would worry.... Cheap Chinese drywall anyone?

 

I'm not that worried. I have my own people. But yeah....the scam seemed possible from the start. The guy wants thousands for stuff that won't even be done? In addition to over-priced shit that does need to be done? Like...$1700 for a hard wood floor in a fairly small room? Doubtful. If the money is in my control, we won't be having that sort of bullshit. I'm capable of doing this entire job myself if I wanted to. I would actually enjoy it but I have other things to do right now. My thought right now is that I will be better off acting as a general contractor and just managing it all.

 

We have some what the same issues here with "Legal Aid" in that if you really need it chances are you are not going to be able to get help unless you are willing to put up any assets you have to repay them. The exception is as usual those who are on the social system and already receive benefits. Not a fair situation for many.

I hope your acquaintance comes out of this on the right side of a legal decision.

 

Watch em'!! If they want to issue a check with a contractors name AND your name on it---it's kickback time. Hell, let the "chosen"contractor run his bid up as high as he wants if that's what the insurance will pay. But that double name check stuff is a racket. I have a story about this and there was NO DOUBT whatsoever that the agent and contractor of which I speak--were in collusion. I knew he was crooked from years before, because ALL the real estate people in my hometown blackballed him. He was crooked and the agent turned out the same way. ( the insurance people were pissed from the get-go because my girl friends family had been using them for so long---they had a 100 dollar deductible!!

 

So far, so good. My attorney called me today and said everything is on the up and up. He did say not to sign the check until I've decided on who will be doing the work though. The check is in my name and the mortgage company. When I talked to them, at first I didn't like how this has to go but once I had all the details, I think I prefer it this way. I can choose whoever I want for whatever price I want and all of the money will be sent to me (over time) to pay them. They will send out an inspector on three occasions to verify that the work is being completed. There are no charges or fees to me for any of that. Any interest accrued on the escrow account also belongs to me.

The next thing is getting bids for the work. There will be no shady operators working here. I called the chamber of commerce for local names and also the two biggest and most established construction companies around here. They do mostly commercial business but their reputations are golden. I knew they would understand the type of smaller contractors I'm looking for. So my list of prospective bidders has come from those sources. I'm also going to call my friend, Charlie, who was a master carpenter when he was younger. He knows who everyone is around here and has never lead me astray. If they are good enough for Charlie, they're good enough for me. So that's where I am and two estimates have already been scheduled for this week. Let the games begin.

Still having a hard time finding a place to live though.

 

I was just reading some reviews and doing some homework on contractors when I found this about my own business....edited obviously

As much as I appreciate the kind words.....WTF? This cracks me up!

 

And btw....^^^^ is total bullshit. We don't usually even do residential work. Who knows what that's all about.

 

Come here and cut trees...

 

I guess I shouldn't say it must be bullshit. Who knows when it was posted or who did it. There was a time...a long time ago...when we were one of the biggest residential contractors in the area. But we've also always done utility line clearance and that's almost the only thing we've done for years now. We don't even have an advertising budget or a published public phone number.

 

I was joking but I have some dead Ash trees around the woods that I have no clue how to get out of there... And I've done this kind of work before.

 

PM me some pics and I can give you some ideas. But it is usually a little tough to tell everything just from pics.

 

Likely photos won't show enough... Some are widowmakers just waiting to happen. They are in thick woods and the Ash borer killed them.

 

I just typed out a few options and a bunch of safety stuff but it got a little long so I decided not to post it but I'd be happy to PM you if ya want.

 

Yeah... Has nothing to do with your house anyways.

 

that is awful ......but...it doesn't take months to fix a house...

it takes weeks or less.... they can build a house from scratch in days now....

go to the nearest motel and make a deal to stay there for a month to start....most will take a few hundred up front until you get you money flowing again......

I moved my wife and kids into a motel after my first fire....they were sympathetic and gave us a good price...we stayed there near 2 months

don't underestimate the generosity of strangers to nice people in a bad way

good luck