What a saga! Yes, insurance companies are the devil. Even if I had been able to replace my roof and fix everything, my premium was going to be $12,000 a year, so bye-bye house. Actually, I don't miss the stress. But then I am really really old, so there's that! Those plumbers were totally awesome, by the way. Thanks for sharing that story.
The plumbers were awesome though. I had a similar experience with our rural water company when our water line burst. Rural people rock, they know the score.
While I'm sure the insurance company will probably direct most of the work, if you have any questions about the electrical side of things (if any of that got damaged or needs replacement) feel free to ask. Licensed and happy to answer questions the best I can over the net - though in person is better. I simply offer in case the contractor you get isn't as nice as the plumber.
Fair. I wasn't sure how finished your basement is - if it has outlets or not. If it did that's a different story. If any electrical wiring or equipment is below the water line, push to have it replaced. Romex is not made to be wet - there's paper in the cable. If water gets in it, it won't get out, and will corrode the whole thing.
Well, see, I didn't know any of that. Thank you. There are outlets that got submerged, I think. Insurance is supposed to pay for all damages so I will push for that.
OK if I DM you with any questions or for more info?
The disaster cleanup team will be here in less than two hours. I'll be sure and press them about this. The insurance adjustor said he would do the same.
Huh. I didn't expect that last one, but I'll take it.
They're usually pretty good. I have a friend that just retired that was one, and another that double checked the claims afterwards. They're usually reasonable from the stories they told.
Well, good news. They got the paneling off and whoever installed the wiring put it at least a foot above the floor--the water was 5 inches deep tops--so none of it got wet.
I am glad to hear that you've got that horrible experience (mostly) handled! If you can also see the eclipse, enjoy it, and be prepared for traffic chaos as everyone leaves at once. It'll be worth it!
Love the account of your plumbers (fellow citizens) and all their good effort. It's things like that why I live in small town Upper Midwest. Sounds like your insurance company and city govt (once rattled awake) are doing right.
I am sorry for the mess! I loathe messes. I am from Ohio where cleanliness is godliness. But you and your lovely wife handled it in a no nonsense Midwestern manner! 👏
UPDATE: The hotel seems to have fixed its Wi-Fi. This hotel is an extended stay one, and does house some people on the edge of being down and out.
For the first time in years, it's filled up with better-heeled people, both for the eclipse and the NCAA Women's Final Four. There was quite a bit of yelling at the front desk, including from some calling the corporate office.
My best guess is that somebody at corporate decided to lift a data cap pronto. Amazing what a little yelling can do sometimes.
Cheers!
Yet, if you were an illegal with no money, no identification, and no habla, the government would put you on the Ritz Carlton in Cleveland.
Oh, almost forgot the free phone and weekly stipend.
Hang in, best of luck.
What a saga! Yes, insurance companies are the devil. Even if I had been able to replace my roof and fix everything, my premium was going to be $12,000 a year, so bye-bye house. Actually, I don't miss the stress. But then I am really really old, so there's that! Those plumbers were totally awesome, by the way. Thanks for sharing that story.
So the eclipse party at your house has been cancelled? Bummer. 😉
Ugh. Sounds awful.
The plumbers were awesome though. I had a similar experience with our rural water company when our water line burst. Rural people rock, they know the score.
While I'm sure the insurance company will probably direct most of the work, if you have any questions about the electrical side of things (if any of that got damaged or needs replacement) feel free to ask. Licensed and happy to answer questions the best I can over the net - though in person is better. I simply offer in case the contractor you get isn't as nice as the plumber.
Thank you for the offer, and I'll keep it in mind, but there doesn't seem be wrong with anything electrical, except for the furnace itself.
Fair. I wasn't sure how finished your basement is - if it has outlets or not. If it did that's a different story. If any electrical wiring or equipment is below the water line, push to have it replaced. Romex is not made to be wet - there's paper in the cable. If water gets in it, it won't get out, and will corrode the whole thing.
Well, see, I didn't know any of that. Thank you. There are outlets that got submerged, I think. Insurance is supposed to pay for all damages so I will push for that.
OK if I DM you with any questions or for more info?
Always.
Indeed. Old school former Navy electchicken here. Good advise.
The disaster cleanup team will be here in less than two hours. I'll be sure and press them about this. The insurance adjustor said he would do the same.
Huh. I didn't expect that last one, but I'll take it.
They're usually pretty good. I have a friend that just retired that was one, and another that double checked the claims afterwards. They're usually reasonable from the stories they told.
Well, good news. They got the paneling off and whoever installed the wiring put it at least a foot above the floor--the water was 5 inches deep tops--so none of it got wet.
I am glad to hear that you've got that horrible experience (mostly) handled! If you can also see the eclipse, enjoy it, and be prepared for traffic chaos as everyone leaves at once. It'll be worth it!
I hope it all goes well for you.
Love the account of your plumbers (fellow citizens) and all their good effort. It's things like that why I live in small town Upper Midwest. Sounds like your insurance company and city govt (once rattled awake) are doing right.
All the best.
Mid West nice sure comes in handy compared to other areas. This one's for the stories around the campfire in your retirement!
Enjoyed this! Please post re the eclipse! Especially if you detect signs of the prophecied handmaids tale coup 😎
I am sorry for the mess! I loathe messes. I am from Ohio where cleanliness is godliness. But you and your lovely wife handled it in a no nonsense Midwestern manner! 👏
Hope everything gets straightened out soon..good luck..
UPDATE: The hotel seems to have fixed its Wi-Fi. This hotel is an extended stay one, and does house some people on the edge of being down and out.
For the first time in years, it's filled up with better-heeled people, both for the eclipse and the NCAA Women's Final Four. There was quite a bit of yelling at the front desk, including from some calling the corporate office.
My best guess is that somebody at corporate decided to lift a data cap pronto. Amazing what a little yelling can do sometimes.
Glad things worked out and you experienced some "Midwestern Nice." You might be hogging it all on that side of the state. ;-) Happy Solar Eclipse Day!