Fire at one of my last rental

CIAK Said: Most homeowners dont and are taking advantage of ...not by the insurance company , surprise... surprise .

By the predatorial stormers who know the system and how to work it. It is pathetic to listen to the dribble from some of the local roofing contractors now matter where you are . There is opportunity lots of it here.

Ciak, please expand on the ways that you see the home owners being taken advantage of, in case I am looking at it from a different perspective?

Do you mean the contractors who do not know enough to get their client the full amount of remediation work done? This would thereby leave them at a loss of value after the work is completed, if so.

Ed>>>

I don't think I was even thinking in that vein Ed. I was more concerned about the H/O not getting the same quality workmanship from the stormer as from the local guy who is concerned with his community . Then not knowing the way the insurance company pays it's claims the process. The smart contractor as mentioned earlier has taken the stormers approach applied it through knowledge and his market doesn't suffer because he becomes a stormer himself. So instead of crying whining get smart do your home work . What is it that the stormer do that you don't . I'm not talking about workmanship I'm talking marketing your community. Get off your arse stuff. Knowledge is power , Bacon.>>>

I met the engineers and scientist today. They confirmed what I already knew , It is good to know what is going on. The next big question is " 20% + of the structure damaged . If it is a total upgrade to new construction standards will have to met. I've already been investigating making the property from the insurance money a whole lot nicer than it was. I am really happy how I have been treated . The people are first class professional . The process is moving along fairly rapidly . I look forward the construction to start. Very satisfied up to this point.>>>

You should be kept very satisfied though Ciak, because you have an insiders knowledge on how the process works.

Had you been an unknowing home owner, do you suspect that there would so far have been a different handling of the claim?

I don't mean as far as the professional respect that they usually do always provide to the home owner. They are all very well trained to be completely customer service oriented in a reasonable and diplomatic manner. But, your claim is not yet complete, so we need to see if they agree with the end resulting expectations you desire for the rehabilitation of the property.

You have a major advantage in this claims process, which is to know in advance all of the additional line items that should be included and who else needs to be called in.

I am sure that you will let them write it up, then you will analyze the scope for complete accuracy and thoroughness and if their are any items you are aware of, that they did not consider, you will be able to properly negotiate the additional line items to get included.

Now, if that does occur, think about the home owner. Would they know to ask for more items on a typical case? would they know about the GC OH & P that should necessarily be added to the bottom line amount? Would there preferred contractor they had been considering using know about those items?

Yes, they are very professional and respectful at all times, but you have to be aware when they are shaking your hand with one hand and picking your pocket with the other.

Please let me explain the bitter sound of those previous comments and do not take them personally.

Dang, that sounds a lot more inciting than I had intended it to come off as. I KNOW that not all adjusters are like that, but it sure does seem as if the majority miss so many items that should be considered.

As one point in perspective to get the point across clearly, I know you know Dougger222. He posted on Roofing.co this morning, basically how much he loves dealing with insurance adjusters and claims and we all know that he is very good at it and a complete professional about his business. But, he also stated that over the hundreds and hundreds of claims that he was involved in, not one time did any adjuster have the entire scope and cost correct. I am sure he was exaggerating to make a point, but that is even his impression of the majority of adjusters and he really likes working with them.

Ed>>>

Ed Man you are sharp. That is what I'm talking about. Knowing the process. If I have a customer with a roofing claim and they want me to handle it I do the same thing I do for myself . You can lead your customer through any circumstance . Even if you get an adjuster who shorts the claim , even if you don't know it till later in the process , If you understand how things work and are calm and not afraid the claims process just becomes a sequence instead of the dribble and whining you hear echoing through the hollow heads of those who seek to mislead or are ignorant lemmings , Knowledge is power Bacon. So by not feeding the frenzy you further your business your relationship with the people in your community and the professionalism of your craft, Fear is an illusion. I do have nervous feeling only because of conflict . What I realized along time ago conflict is part of life . So I'm not afraid of it anymore . If you know how things work you can better serve your customer. Nothing perfect. I haven't seen any of the numbers yet . That should be happening in a couple of weeks.>>>

I prefer that there is no conflict and that when the adjuster is supplied with the proper facts, they should act responsibly, not as if the money due were directly coming out of their pockets and make life and the job progression more difficult to get under way.

But, from about 1/2 of my experiences, it seems as if they stall at this point and try to see who can hold their breath longer, waiting for the go ahead for the scope discussed.

Ed>>>

Well ed let try to understand the process, The catastrophe adjuster is paid on a percentage , That is the more the claim pays the more he or she makes. Now if your dealing with an inside salaried adjuster it is in their best interest as far as the money goes to only what they see and know. The short sided side of that is the urban legend of the the insurance company ripping everyone off is perpetuated and the myth continues . On the other side the Insurance company are in business today because they know how to make money . All of it can be adjusted .Most inside adjuster pride themselves on getting the square footage of the roof correct , On this point for the most part I think I can agree . When you meet them on site they will let you know how well and how many roofs they look at in a month. That doesn't make then roofing experts by a long shot. that is where a lot of the issue start to play . Dp not be intimidated go for what you know as an expert . Watch what happens. is do it with firm kindness not the usual your ripping me off scumbag insurance companies etc Professionalism is what the are used to . If your right stick to your guns pursue it .>>>

Off to Oaklahoma City the palce is blazing see ya>>>

While I was away I contacted the inside adjuster to find out what was going on with the engineer's report. It hasn't been processed yet . The inside adjuster who I will be dealing with from here on because I haven't treated him like the enemy has been very accommodating and has helped me . The process works if you are calm and understand and work the process.>>>

CIAK Said: While I was away I contacted the inside adjuster to find out what was going on with the engineers report. It hasnt been processed yet . The inside adjuster who I will be dealing with from here on because I havent treated him like the enemy has been very accommodating and has helped me . The process works if you are calm and understand and work the process.

You just keep tellin' yourself that Chucky :P :P 'cause the hammer is comin' down soon and you know it.

JET>>>

I have just received my ALE check for lost rent 3 months , 2 in advance + tarp and clean up. Now I'll admit here that I had to get a little forceful with the inside adjuster. What I mean by this is , the process started to stall a little . With courteous understanding not whimpy dialogue ( it went a little like this ........ I'm glad you have reviewed my claim Thank you. Now all that aside it is time for action yadda yadda I don't want to fight you but I will . As a resort , however not the last one I will start with your manager then on to ......... I was on the phone with him after that and matters are well in hand and underway. Knowing the process's and staying calm but firm gets it done. After the engineer report I'll receive a claim summary which I will go over and any discrepancy I will go to the process>>>

Just received my tarp and clean up checks . I also have the adjusters summary in my possession . I have been reviewing it . Looks like I'm going to file a supplement for kitchen cabinet uppers . The rest of the claim so far is more than fair . With the 20% overhead and profit it will allow me to upgrade many of the systems in the house. It has been a very nice and well organized process, As I have mentioned before if you know the process things will and can work for you>>>

The same thing happened to me Chuck - I think you may be overlooking a few things though remember that public adjuster how did he get your name so quick?

Also consider this That PA would have probably done a good job for you but say you hired some third party that seemed to know all the tricks - The insurance company being the way they are would fight that third party all the way.

I can guarantee if you were to represent someone elses property it would not be as easy -- unless you had an in with insurance company - First off throw that 10 and 10 out the window and be prepared to show proof of contractors, Licenses, Permits, Materials before it is even considered.

The insurance company has a contract with the owner not the third party and unless you are in with the insurance company the 3rd party does not get any respect due to the riff raf stormers inflating claims.>>>

The PA's have police and fire scanners, this guy was there with in less than or about 30 mins after the fire trucks left I mean to say quick . With the percentage the PA would have charged me for representing me on this claim . It would have definitely not been worth my time with him . The process doesn't change it is the same . As far as throwing the 10 an 10 out not a chance . Like I've been saying if you know the process . It's the system . >>>

The only way we get approved the 10 and 10 is if we prove the following in a supplement - 3 Trades- proof of 3 separate sub contractors, our licenses their Licenses, Permits, Material invoices from our subs not us.

Unless that freak occurance the adjuster approves it on the spot. Which only happened on my personal residence.

My basement flooded i was only asking for damaged sheetrock, carpet and clean up -the adjuster threw in roof, siding, window, paint, stain, deck O and p without me even asking.

I have been working on Storm damage claims since 98 almost 11 years - I know the whole process and most line item charges are in memory.

In 98 we had a storm took 2 years for contractors to catch up - we had 4 storms last year work is done in 1 month each storm - The only work that is not done are those who spent money or are waiting on preferred ins contractors to catch up -

What would you do as an adjuster if you walked up to a job the homeowner and his contractor were there -- The contractor hands you a diagram of entire property and a 12 page exactimate printout? (Which 9 out of 10 times i have done every job) You still have to do your job right?

So here the deal - I can line item ins companies endlessly with exactimate turn a 6k job into 12k no problem. Problem is every contractor in the state does this you as the adjuster see every claim you go to is this way. What are you going to think? All contractors are scamming turn in a minimum so there is no risk of your claim getting flagged - i also understand they do random checks this is what i mean by flagged if you covered every claim to its fullest extent you would get flagged often - if you paid 10 and 10 every job you would get flagged. Unless you are a preferred contractor. Preffered contractors at least are in the database look it is so and so restoration we need to approve o and p they always get it.

I was in a neighborhood today seen a bunch of my competitors signs so i start knocking ---- yeah did you talk to Bills Const? Yeah good company what did he say? Says i got some storm damage - Mind if i take a look? sure but i am not signing anything -- no problem if there is damage i will leave an estimate for repairs -- i know Bills will not commit to a price but i do not mind my price is based on actual damage i know Bill likes to negoite with Ins on prices. I am typicially half the cost but i will take a look. I looked at 3 different houses marginal damage dents the size of a pin head on furnace pipes - no fascia damage - no loose siding, shingles etc very marginal damage --Ball parked 3 estimates not a chance in the world could i honestly meet an adjuster and convince them the roof or siding need to be replaced but Bills will probably convince 1 out of 10. and that 1 in 10 will be the one that the homeowner will not take no for an answer.

So i can not justify spending time on these kinda marginal adjustments - My only hope is that i get that 1 in 10 homeowner who Bills convinced the adjuster for a new roof to call me back and say hey i got this estimate half price of Bills which is still good money - Then upgrade materials for the rest of claim Tell HO to paint deck himself for $500 off.>>>