Water Damage & Restoration Contract

[limolady]

i live in So. Carolina. i had a water leak which ruined flooring in numerous rooms. i called a fire/water restoration co. who arrived within hours. they removed the water & set up equipment to dry it all out. with my permission, they ripped out the laminate wood flooring and vinyl.

a few days later, the restoration co.'s adjuster came, took measurements and i signed a 2 page 'CONTRACT, WORK AUTHORIZATION & ASSIGNMENT OF PROCEEDS'.

next, my ins. co.'s adjuster came out. there was no disagreement from my ins. co. about the amount of the claim. i received a check from the ins. co. covering work already done & it was forwarded to the restoration co.

instead of replacing the laminate wood flooring, i'm going with vinyl throughout. it was agreed we’d submit the claim for the laminate then do a change order for the vinyl. we both agreed the vinyl would cost less to purchase & install & therefore, i'd save money.

here's the rub...the restoration co. is saying i'll save approx. $500 by using the vinyl but i've checked with local home improvement stores and if the product is purchased there & installed by them, i'd save closer to $2500. i have been unable to get a straight answer from the restoration co. about how much the flooring alone will cost and how much the installation alone will cost so i can compare apples with apples. instead they keep saying i'll have a credit of $500.

my question is, can i hire the home improvement store and save lots, or am i stuck using the restoration co.?

You have a contract with the restoration company that is why they had you sign a 2 page 'CONTRACT, WORK AUTHORIZATION & ASSIGNMENT OF PROCEEDS'.

Be glad you are getting the credit for $500.00 Restoration companies and home improvement stores work on different numbers.

Example the home-improvement store may not be figuring in the movement of furniture or cleaning, hauling off of debri... I have seen this happen between the big box stores and contractors who give a turn key quote, sometimes the box stores hit you with these cost later after they get the contractor out of the picture.

Right now a big box store is advertising they will install carpet in your entire house any size for $39.00
DO YOU really believe contractors will show up to install carpet in your entire house for $39.00 if so please send me their number... Even better tell the big box store you bought your carpet from here but you want them to install if for $39.00

sorry but I say you have a contract and your stuck...