Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Water Leak Issue
A while ago there was a water leak that caused minor damage to an apartment. Following the new guidelines I called Plastridge and had the owner call one of the listed water remediation company. The rep came, outlined the service he would perform and the onwer agreed. She has now received a payment request but does not want to pay without an itemized bill. The company she engaged has requested that she pay or they will put a lien on the apartment and she has just gotten a letter from a collection agency but no itemized bill. Any suggestions or advice?
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Hi,
ReplyDeleteI can't help but ask a few questions.
1) If the damage was minor, as you note; why was Insurance involved?
2) Does the phrase "outlined the service he would perform" = a detailed statement of work to be performed?
3) Is the work finished and would a "reasonable person" conclude that it is satisfactory?
4) Has any payment been made by any insurance company or was the invoice below the deductible?
I can make no suggestions without a more complete recitation of the facts.
Dave Israel
1. Insurance wasalled just to verify what the association's responsibility would be, if any
ReplyDelete2. According to the owner-he verbally told her that hewould bring equipment to dry the areas that were wet from the leak
3. The work is finished and it is satisfactory.
4. The owner did receive money from her insurance company.
I told her to go to UCO and speak with Toni who may be able to give her advice on this matter. I don't know if she did.
Hi Gerry S,
ReplyDeleteJuly 1, 2010 7:13 AM,
Consulting toni is a good idea. She can help sort out such matters as to which policy covers what.
In this case, I still have questions regarding the extent of damage and if the building coverage was properely invoked; remembering, that homeowners coverage is also involved.
In general, it would seem to me that if the work is professional and acceptable, I would be loath to withold payment because I did not receive a detailed statement of work to be done.
While verbals are not good when dealing with contractors, that is something that should have been done up front; always obtain a detailed Scope of Work to be done.
Of course, if there was an emergency situation EG. water everywhere, sometimes things get overlooked.
This situation has been replicated in various style and degree in many apartments and the Insurance and Maintenance Committees are working to refine guidelines for all of our Associations to consider.
Thanks for your question and concern.
Dave Israel