I have not received very good answers today. The insurance agent said he talked to the insurance company's underwriter and yes, we do have $15,000 in fungus coverage, BUT, if they send an adjusterr out who determines that it was caused by builder neglect in keeping the crawlspace adequately ventilated during construction, they will deny the claim. Well, that is exactly why there is mold there, so it's more than likely going to get denied. Not to mention, if by chance we did get it approved, he also said then our insurance rates for homeowner's insurance are going to increase at least 20% going forward.
We do not know what to do. DH did end up having a long phone conversation with the builder about it. He explained what he means by "first we need to get it dried out down there". He does not mean the air/ground - he means the actual wood (floor joists and sheeting) itself and there is lots of moisture in all that wood. That has to get all dried in order for the mold to stop growing. Ok, that does make sense. But, as Dh told him, the small dehumidifier he put down there last week was only getting out about 1/2 a gallon of water a day. The insulation company owner said it is way too small. He was generous enough to bring his very big commercial dehumidifier with him today and set it up down there. He said it should draw out 5 to 10 gallons of water per day. He said he has this machine, for just that purpose, because when he builds houses he has to keep it all dry, so it doesn't develop a mold problem!
Then it appears our contractor will again have it all cleaned down there to remove the mold. We'll see, I guess. But, DH told him this all needs to be addressed now, not keep getting ignored day after day. At least the builder was very calm and not his usual defensive mode, where nothing is his fault. He seems to feel that once the wood is dried out (ie get the moisture out of there and heat it up) then he can get the rest of the mold removed.
I have a call into our banker lady, just to make sure she is aware of what is all going on and see what the bank thinks about it. Like my boss said, the bank should want to do something to facilitate it getting fixed, they have a vested interest in this property. Maybe she has some input for us, but I'm not holding my breath.
And I'm afraid if they know there is a mold problem your insurance will go up anyway. Runaway from the contractor, get a mold remediation guy and move on. The banking folks will require that if you get them involved. You cannot get blood from a stone. That is what the contractor is dragging his feet. He wants his money for this job--- and his doesnt have coverage or money to pay to get this fixed.
ReplyDelete*why the contractor is dragging this feet. Dont give him one dollar until he fixes it
ReplyDeleteit's all such a catch 22 situation. But, I am going to let the bank know. I don't need them coming back, down the road, if we end up suing the contractor, and then saying we never told them there was an issue.
DeleteI guess your builder isn't going to take the blame until he has no choice. I would think he would be more active in making sure the mold is cleared rather than spreading. I wish I could offer you some positive vibes.
ReplyDeleteHang in there:)
Monica
thanks Monica - all's we can do is hang in and keep working towards a resolution.
DeleteYour contractor sure seems to change his story a lot regarding what needs to be done to get rid of the mold. Given that this is not his area of expertise, I would take the opinion of the experts to make sure it is done right. At this point, you might want to consult with an attorney. :( There is no way you (or your insurance company) should be responsible for this problem. What a headache this has been.
ReplyDeleteyes, he does. I have a feeling he's trying to be cooperative now because he knows he's going to be liable
DeleteWishing you luck with this problem. I am hoping it will work out in your favor.
ReplyDeletethank you! I'm sure it will, but it's going to be a headache getting there.
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