A pipe leaked in the upstairs bathroom (not frozen – apparently former owner put a drywall screw through a pipe and it has finally given way). The water leaked (all day while we were away) into the walls behind the kitchen cabinets as well as through the kitchen ceiling. LOTS of water.
The adjuster came a first time (we’d already had the plumber there) and he sent out people to rip out all the ceiling and cut out low parts of soggy walls. He told them that if they had to take out the cabinet to work behind it, try not to destroy it, but do what they had to do. They not only had to rip up the cabinet to get it out but damaged nearby cabinets as well. These are older cabinets and not anything we’ll find similar anywhere ever.
In addition, the demo guys chipped the enamel on the stove when taking out the cabinet.
Adjuster has said walls and ceiling will be repaired and repainted but when we talk to him about what happened with the demo guys, what should we expect?
continued
Reasonably (and legally, etc) what should we expect? Should the insurance pay for all our cabinets to be replaced? I’d assume, if this were the case, we’d get the cheapest line cause ours weren’t extravagant. Like I said, the old ones were sturdy and good but ugly and no company in their right mind will still be making them.
Also, should they have the stove enamel fixed by a professional? Is it the insurance company’s responsibility (and not ours) to go after the demo company if they want to hold them responsible?
also regarding the cabinets, should insurance pay for any installation costs too? Then kitchen was good and functional before all this. no bad cabinets, good walls, good counters, etc.
thanks!
At least two of the upper cabinets were destroyed completely, doors and all. I’m going to have to find out which kind of policy it is. Thanks to all with the great info so far!
MTR 4:03 am on February 9, 2010 Permalink
Usually (under an ho3 policy form, with replacement cost..that’s what most people carry), you should be able to get new kitchen cabinets. However, sometimes, the boxes of the cabinets can be rebuilt, and the old faces put back on them. If the cost to do this is too much, then the adjuster would evaluate based on replacement of like kind and quality cabinetry. He would pay for those at a depreciated value, at least until the time you actually replace them.
As to the stove, it’s not all that unusual for a stove to be chipped. Certainly, the repair company didn’t do it deliberately, so it’s consequential damages. A repair of the stove would normally be included in the insurance company’s estimate.
erindrozda 4:03 am on February 9, 2010 Permalink
I would expect them to give you money to repair/replace everything that was damaged. That’s why you pay so much to them every year.
canela 4:03 am on February 9, 2010 Permalink
The insurance should cover reasonable replacement costs for the damaged cabinets. As they were old you shouldn’t expect too much but their estiamte should also include instalation cost. As for the damage the demo guys caused, you’ll probably have to go after them for that.
mbrcatz17 4:03 am on February 9, 2010 Permalink
OK, coverage varies by policy – you don’t state what type of policy you have, but you are indicating that the adjuster is saying that the damage seems to be covered.
I would NOT expect the damage to the pipe itself to be covered, but that’s the least of your worries.
The stove can be repaired.
Assuming that the damage is covered, AND that there is NOT an issue with underinsurance on the house (you’re insured to full replacement value), you can expect like kind & quality cabinets, like kind & quality drywall, and the enamel on the stove can be REPAIRED.
Depending on the type of damage, you could just leave the cabinetry and get new doors, replacing just the few that were water damaged with custom frames, or maybe if it’s just scratching, sand & refinish.
When they’re all done with the work, your kitchen should look consistant, though, not piecemeal – unless you have an HO8 form policy, which gives FUNCTIONAL replacement cost, not like kind & quality.
So if you edit this question . . . add your policy form. Is it an HO3? HO8? HOA? It matters.
boo v 4:03 am on February 9, 2010 Permalink
we can expect money from them
Chad K 4:03 am on February 9, 2010 Permalink
Your insurance should cover all of it, and your insurance company can go after the demo guys to get money from their company for damaging the stove.