Q. Bathroom sink pipe sprung a major leak, 15 minutes worth of tap water soaked hardwood flooring, plaster walls and ceilings and ran into some duct work...also we are concerned about the electrical wiring behind ceiling and walls, what are some good characteristics to look for in hiring a contractor who specializes in this type of work? Also, is it typical for the homeowner's insurance to cover the plumbing work? So far, the adjuster says only work to repair damage is covered but not the plumbing that caused the problem...sound right?

A. Your adjuster is correct. Your insurance policy owes for access to get to the plumbing leak and to repair it but NOT for the part itself. Start by making sure your house is dried out properly by a certified water damage restoration company (i.e. ServiceMaster). They will find out where the water damage starts and ends, take moisture reading of your flooring and walls & may place fans/dehumidifiers to dry out your home. After the place is dried out, then address rebuild. If you need paint, drywall, flooring or baseboards...ask your adjuster if they have a "preferred" general contractor that is on the company's preferred program. Go with one of them if they do. Good luck.

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Q. Buying a house, and the home inspection has uncovered some potential issues. It's been a real pain in the butt to get someone to go out and review the inspector's findings. I have posted the report with pictures on profiles.yahoo.com/chuckynjwvu The projectis very time-sensetive. I need to know if I should even bother buying that house. Thanks

A. Try the link below and start calling numbers, someone will know someone that can help you. Good luck. At the very least, the problems involved should save you enough money to put towards resolving the issues. If you don't feel comfortable, move on. Buying a home is a 30 year investment, and the market value will increase, unless it BURNS to the ground. I tried to look at your pictures but the files won't open. You may need to retry, or e-mail them to me, I'll take a look and give you an opinion. Background: In and around construction my whole life, 3 years working for Connectiv, 2 years in school studying electrical construction, 15 years flooring, commercial and residential, 2 years as production manager for a mold remediation, fire and water damage restoration company, currently the division manager of a large flooring distributor / contractor. Electric, plumbing, framing, concrete, damage that can result from fire and water, and poor workmanship. I can't fix it for you. But I'll give you an honest professional evaluation.

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Q. Had a house fire, hired a restoration company to clean and repair fire, smoke and water damage. Who is supposed to the the buliding permits?

A. The permits are the responsibility of the contractor. They have to be licensed to do the work and they are responsible for furnishing the details of the work as well as doing the work to code. Period

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Q. I own a condo/town home. I noticed water was puddling in my kitchen from under the baseboard of the wall that adjoins my neighbor. I called a plumber out to be sure it wasn't an issue in my unit. Couldn't find anything here. Noticed that the next door neighbor's patio area had a lot of collected water and also mold on the exterior siding. Also noticed what looked like water coming down the window from inside. Rang the doorbell and knocked w/ no answer. Noticed her car parked out front ( she only has one). Got worried and called condo association but couldn't reach anyone since it's Saturday. Got really worried after extensive knocking on neighbor's door and no answer. Called cops. Cops come out and enter home ( back door was unlocked). Cops find home empty but are flabergasted at the state of affairs inside. The entire upstairs bathroom floor had collapsed into the kitchen area with water pouring down walls-- entire dining room/kitchen area flooded. Cops also mention extensive mold on walls and rats and roaches running around!! Garbarge everywhere inside. A complete nightmare. The cops said the place needs to be condemned. Finally talk to property management company who seems to think that it's okay to wait until Monday to do anything. We have our plumber turn off the water outside. A few hours later a water and fire damage restoration company shows up stating they received a call from the unit owner ( landlord). The guy says the tenant has 'been out of town' and is supposed to be meeting him there. We inform him of what is going on inside. Tenant shows up in a cab and promptly tells us that she was unaware of any problem and has been out of town since Wednesday. She also mentioned that the landlord was aware of the issue before the condo association called him?? How did he know if she didn't know?? It's obvious by the extensive damage inside that this has been an ongoing problem. Not only that but what explains the filth, garbage, and rats?! I need some good advice on what my next steps should be. We are going to file a complaint at city hall and I will be contacting the owner and demanding that he pay for a full inspection of my unit as well as any necessary repairs. I am worried about the health hazard and the potential damage to my structure! Should I seek legal help? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

A. Sounds like you have your bases covered already. Except you didn't mention contacting a lawyer. This is the exact reason I am opposed to condos, but i do hope things work out for you.

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Q. How do I find out how many companies are there in the state of Georgia by category? Where would I find this information? I have been given the task to find out how many companies are there in Georgia of different markets. For example: Who many Fire and Water damage restoration companies, health maintenance organizations, animal hospitals, etc. I would appreciate any info anyone can share to help me. Thank you

A.

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Q. I recently learned from the neighbors that days before I moved in that a fire/smoke restoration team was brought in to clean up water damage. This information was not disclosed at closing. What are my options? I want the carpet replaced and a letter stating that the seller will be responsible for any future mold/mildew damage for the next ten years. This was a brand new home when I moved in.

A. You need to confirm the accuracy of the neighbor's story and validate they aren't just running off at the mouth. Probe the neighbor to find out the name of the team that performed the restoration - if so, contact the team and confirm with them that they actually performed work in the house. If possible request something in writing. Don't tell them you believe you've been deceived - keep it generic such as you're trying to make a file of the history of the house repairs in case you need it in the future. If you tell them you might sue the seller the restoration team might be leary of helping for fear of becoming locked into a legal battle. In Texas the consumer is protected under The Deceptive Trade Practices Act - I'm sure there's one in your area as well. If the seller intentionally withheld this information you can file suit deeming false, misleading or a deceptive sale and sue for damages. When you sue you are entitled to amounts up to three times the damage. Advise the realtor that represented you of your new information and have them contact the selling realtor to see if a suitable agreement can be reached. If the seller refuses to budge, express your desire to pursue legal action. At this point if it comes to this you must place in writing a notice to the seller telling them your findings and that you believe they have deceived you under the Deceptive Trade Act. Let the seller know in writing if they don't agree to your terms or make suitable amends you will sue and be entitled to damages of up to three times the amount. Typically once you write a letter expressing your intent to sue, deceptive sellers will try to make amends.

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Q. Im in the business of mold, fire, and water damage restoration, I work with Xactimate and insurance companies. I just got promoted, what should i be making after about a year in the Phoenix, az market?

A. About $45,000 a year.

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Q. I have several years in the field of water and fire restoration services. I know how thing are done and know what the affects are from damage to homes and comercial buldings. I have seen how Mold, water, fire and smoke does. I could provide benificail info and experience.

A. Most companies do require a 4 year degree. They don't care what it's in but you have to have it. However, for some positions they will allow experience instead of a college degree. For example, many auto physical damage appraisers were former body shop managers and owners. If you have experience in restoration, you probably have contacts in the insurance industry. Reach out to those contacts and see what they can tell you. You may also want to check with independent adjusting companies or companies that focus on "storm trooping". They may not be as strict on the college degree requirement. Good Luck.

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