What's a Gal to Do?

[Evolving]

Hello,

I appreciate any guidance that you can offer.

House was struck by lightening. Some damage to siding outside. Older aluminum siding. Damaged area couldn't be replaced - don't make my siding anymore. Insurance said get estimates for new siding. Found one person to give me estimate on new aluminum. No one else wants to touch it - everyone in my area does vinyl now. I called anyone and everyone.

Insurance company issued check, minus depreciation. Will receive that upon completion of work. Seems my aluminum installer doesn't really want to do aluminum - would rather do vinyl. Said insurance doesn't really care what I replace with, so long as I replace my siding. A good quality vinyl will be close in price. If I would have known this going in, I would have submitted an estimate for vinyl, instead. I probably could push the job based on my estimate - but that sounds like trouble coming. And, not sure I want to use something that is outdated.

If there were others lining up for the (aluminum) work, I'd just move on. My insurance company has been fair, and I'm grateful.

My letter from insurance company said they were paying for replacement of siding. No exact material specified.

I won't "pocket" any money. It will all be spent on residing the house. I'm going to upgrade a few spots, so I'll probably pay more than what I received from insurer, in the end. I'm just wondering if, when I submit proof of work done, they will take issue with vinyl being used.

I plan to call and discuss with them, but I want to be prepared before I call. So, am I free to use any material , or am I only allowed to replace the siding with the same material?

I greatly appreciate your input.

 

[moneymaker1]

What do you mean when you say you want to be prepared when you call them...prepared with what? The best thing for you to do is ask your agent how your policy language reads. None of us here can really answer your question without looking at your policy because each one can be a little different. Good luck.

 

[Guest]

The Insurance will pay you to replace with like make, quality etc. If you chose to upgrade at that point, then you need to pay the difference. They wont care what you replace with (within reason). The Ins company wont pay for the upgrade.

This seems to be what you are asking, correct?

 

[b61mack]

a few months ago my daughters neighborhood had some storm damage, a siding company was going around, telling homeowners he would get the insurance companies to pay for all new sideing on all the houses, i looked at my daughters home a few dents but not bad. i advised against it. told her don't even talk with the sider again. and some of her neighbor had them do it. like red blood said they don't pay for up grades. all the up grades cost them around 2500 for that free siding. it reminds me back a few years ago i owned a rental property, big victorian, three storie high mansford roof. i had it vinyl sided, the guy used, to short of a nail. it all blow off. the insurance company said they don't pay for poor workmanship. had to pay to get it done over again. it made me appreciate, a nice ranch.

 

[ECP]

Red Blooded American is correct. The insurance company does not care what you put back, that's up to you, but they owe for something similar to what you had as this is what you paid a premium for. As long as you completed the repairs you are good to go. Upgrades are your issues, not the insurance carriers.

 

[b61mack]

I would not use that siding company. He is using bait and switch.

 

[Evolving]

I don't like it when op's don't follow up, so . . . I greatly appreciate your replies. I called them, and they echoed your advice. Said they are compensating me for the damage, but it is still my house, and I have say over how it is finished. I have no idea why this makes me so nervous- the insurance adjustor is sort of aggressive, and I'm nervous to botch this up.

Anyway, the contractor I mentioned came out again, realized that half the house is brick, and said he'd have to give me a new estimate because brick is much harder to cover. Then, he said the brick isn't stable, and wanted me to knock it down. Or, he could for $2000.

I've had two more people here since then, who said while the brick was clearly done by a rookie, it isn't unstable at all. But, neither of these folks want to do aluminum.

So, vinyl it is.

One of the estimators spotted an issue, and lifting up the aluminum, we also found some serious foundation issues . . . and I never would have known if this whole ordeal hadn't happened. We weren't planning on siding for at least a few more years. I shudder to think of what could have happened.

Life works in mysterious ways, my friends.

Many blessings.