I have had recent damage to my home but I cant find a contractor to do the work?

Question

I had water damage to my home back in january. I turned in a claim to my insurance company and starting calling contractors for estimates. In the meantime the insurance company had an adjuster come out and give her own estimate. I talked to a couple contractors over the phone, telling them what damage we have and the amout the insurance company approved. Most responses were laughter. Now I have to find a 3 general contractors to give estimates and turn them into the insurance company. The problem is I cant find a general contractor willing to do the work! My home is a danger to be in right now but I dont know what to do. Another thing is that my insurance company only gave us 6 months to find a contractor, get all the work done or they wont pay completley! (also they cancelled my policy right after we filed the claim and I cant get insured with my home like it is)

Answer 1

Google for water damage cleaning contractor. I found a list of several, some show 24/7 service. If that doesn't do anything for you, contact the nearest 'builders assoc' and see if they can give some names. It is possible that a Lowe's or Home Depot can help you find someone.

Contact your attorney general about being canceled.

Answer 2

The agency I work in would "suggest" someone that would do the work -

and that person is someone who will do the work without ripping off the agency OR doing you wrong!

and if it goes over the "estimated insurance cost" the agency would still pay him - because they know they are not getting ripped off by a contractor.

The insurance company is covering themself from being ripped off is what you're seeing...they have to pay an amount that will PUT YOU BACK IN THE POSITION YOU WERE IN BEFORE THE DAMAGE!

That is the purpose of insurance...and the 1st amount they offer can be adjusted - but not if they can see that the contractor is doing you favors by improving the house.....or just plain overcharging.

And don't for get you'll be paying your deductible - don't expect that to get "worked in" as alot of people and contractors try to do.

Answer 3

You need to ask your agent to help you.  Or you need to HIRE a contractor to give you an estimate, then turn in the bill for the estimates to the adjuster for reimbursement.

Answer 4

You paid homeowners insurance for how ever many years and you file a claim and they drop you?  I'd call a lawyer because you need to be covered WHILE the work is being done for your protection.  HealthNet just got sued because a woman was diagnosed with cancer and they cancelled her policy.  She sued them for millions and won.  This was very recent.  I realize that was health ins. but with the current housing crisis, I can't imagine, if this was publicized, that it would be looked on favorably.  Call your newspaper and tell a reporter, call your local TV stations and tell them.  Go after that Ins. Co.  Get a lawyer.

Don't tell any contractor how much your ins. quoted you.  Find the "Registrar of Contractors" online and search your area for licensed contractor's.  Call them and tell them that you need an estimate - keep it brief and simple.  Estimates are free.  Just don't talk about your Insurance other than who you're with, if they ask and ONLY if they ask.  Good luck.

Answer 5

You must be with State Farm!  Or should I say, used to be.  You need an attorney because they will do everything they can not to pay.