Location: Florida
Central Florida homeowner. Day 1 of install, workers ignored pending storm. They did NOT tarp the roof and there was ample warning that a storm was approaching. (We actually discussed this scenario during the interview process because it is, after all, Florida’s rain season. Company owner promised his teams were well versed in handling these situations.)
The storm was torrential and water poured into our house through vents, ceiling fans and lights causing significant damage to our home as well as our belongings. The water caused several electrical outages (specific rooms in the house went dark) and caused the main breaker to pop. Our brand new AC system was impacted – two boards were fried in the outside units – costing us $3500 to repair. We were without AC for 5 days – and with the extreme humidity here, that did us no favors in terms of drying out the inside of the house. There is visible damage to the ceilings – cracks, falling paint and discoloration. The hardest hit area (visibly) is the back bedroom where there is a literal sagging line across the ceiling. I’m very worried about the damage I CAN’T see – like mold.
I asked him if had a preferred company to assess damages (mold, etc.). He said no – his company would make all repairs. We’ve remained patient and have tried working with him. We’ve documented everything – and communicated via phone, text and email. He never responds to our texts or emails – other than to say “call me”. When we call, he promises to address the issues but never follows through. For example – when the AC was still down, I asked if he had dehumidifiers. He said he would send some over but never did. He also said he would send people to re-assess the ceiling damage, but he never did that either.
The roof is finally done after many delays – and he’s coming by today – he wants the final check. But we still have the interior damage to contend with – and he has ignored every email / text message we’ve sent about the damages (as well as some other items such as the gutters. He promised that his “team” would clear those out at the end of the job but they did not.)
I messaged him today and asked if he was brining someone along to assess the interior and he said ‘no. call me’. So my question is – how do I handle this? I’ve read horror stories – and I literally just want this over with – but I want my house fixed. Do I withhold the last check? Do I pay him and then attempt to sue him? All along he “promised” HE would fix everything and he has not lived up to his word. Please help! I desperately need advice here.