DIY Plumbing Repairs - You Have Homeowners Insurance, Use It!
by: Ray Breitenbach
Since most home owners insurance policies don't cover the cost of repairs few people think to check with them when plumbing problems
occur. Although they may not cover the repair, they will usually cover the value of damaged property including cleaning up after the repair. The scope of this type of project is typically not a diy plumbing repair project so you will want to find any way you can to help pay for it.
A few years ago I had the misfortune of finding water seeping through a wall in my basement one spring. First this was blamed on a very wet season. Next, when dry weather came around and the leak was still there a basement waterproofing contractor was called in. It was no suprise when this contractor informed me that I had ground water and needed their expensive services. Since the company had a vested interest in me believing this they did not seem to feel the need to offer any other possible explanation. Based on the fact that the remaining 95% of the basement walls had no such problem a third opinion was in order.
Based on the proximity of the leak to the primary kitchen drain pipes a third contractor was called. After a short examination, the plumbing contractor was able to determine that the kitchen drain pipe was leaking (not where we could access it easily of course but behind a cinder block wall under a concrete slab).
The plumbing contractor then made an unexpected suggestion - call my insurance company before starting the repair. That was when he explained that the company would not pay for the repair, but they would pay for the cost of jack hammering up my living room, hall, and/or office floor to find the leak and cleaning up afterwards. He was also able to suggest an alternative solution that was cleaner and much less expensive and present it to the insurance company.
Two repair scenarios were proposed.
The first project would involved having the plumbing contractor find the leak under the living room slab, repair the drain pipe, and then replace the concrete and flooring to clean up after the project. As would be expected the estimate for this repair was on the high side ($4000+ by the time all the cleanup work would have been completed).
The second repair was considerably less intrusive - they would cap off the existing drain line (kitchen only) and re-route it through the joist's in the basement and re-connect it to the main line outside the house. The only "heavy" work in this proposal was cutting a 6 inch hole in the exterior wall and digging a trench to run the new pipe to be reconnected. The remainder of the work amounted to a fairly simple plumbing repair. The net cost for this repair was about half the first proposal
With both of these proposals on hand, the insurance company had no problem in justifying payment for the FULL SECOND OPTION (less deductable of course). The insurance company saved money, the home owner saved money, and the repair was accomplished within 2 days with a minimum of cleanup required.
This entire project demonstrated the value of a good plumbing contractor. They were able to quickly identify the problem, propose multiple solutions, and help justify the payment by the insurance company.
This repair also demonstrated the value of a insurance company. The insurance company was willing to accept and pay for an alternative solution as well as inform the home owner of all the expenses that should be recorded for reimbursement.
About The Author
Ray Breitenbach writes for Simple Home Repairs -
handyman@simplehomerepairs.com
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The Life Insurance Policy and What You Need to Know Before You Buy
The Life Insurance Policy and What You Need to Know Before You Buy
by: Don Adams
Are you looking to buy a life insurance policy?
Well, be careful. Life insurance can be difficult to understand and it's easy to be conned into buying something under false pretenses.
Recently a prominent life insurance company together with several of its agents paid a huge fine because it permitted the sale of a life insurance policy disguised as a retirement plan.
There was little attention given to what a life insurance policy is truly designed to provide.
Life insurance is not an investment for your benefit.
It's guaranteed income tax-free cash paid to someone you designate in the event of your death.
If you deeply care for someone and want to protect them, then buying a life insurance policy makes sense.
As primary bread winner in your family, your lost income could jeopardize the ability of those you love to...
The Life Insurance Policy and What You Need to Know Before You Buy
Insurance > The Life Insurance Policy and What You Need to Know Before You Buy
In Praise Of Whole Life Insurance
In Praise Of Whole Life Insurance
by: Donald Lusan
Whole life insurance even though it is not the least expensive life insurance policy you can buy can still fulfill the needs of some. Why some people have such an aversion to this policy I will never understand. Term insurance is also good insurance and can fit into more situations than whole life because of the low cost. More people can afford it. Both types of life insurance serve the same purposes, however, when you buy whole life insurance you get some additional benefits that term life insurance does not provide. Let us take a look at the whole life insurance policy and it's benefits.
Level Premium
Whole life insurance has a fixed level premium which never increases for as long as you own the policy. When you pay a whole life premium a portion goes to pay for the death benefit and a portion is applied to cash values. In the initial years a portion of the premium is also applied to...
In Praise Of Whole Life Insurance
Insurance > In Praise Of Whole Life Insurance
Buying Life Insurance Online ? Is It A Really Good Idea?
Buying Life Insurance Online ? Is It A Really Good Idea?
by: Michael Challiner
The advent of the internet has opened up the possibility of cheaper life insurance for all.
In years gone by, if you were considering life insurance you would probably have invited an insurance salesman from your favourite insurance company to meet you or alternatively gone to your local insurance broker. But rarely would you have been courageous enough to get competitive quotations. It just wasn?t done. You trusted the salesman to do the best for you and surely you thought, life insurance is somewhat technical and requires specialised knowledge. All very cosy. All very expensive. How life has changed!
People now realise that life insurance is not that complicated. If on a scale of 1 to 10, buying car insurance online rates 9, life insurance must be a 7 or 8. This has opened up the Internet as a prime arena for cut-price life insurance. That?s not to imply that...
Buying Life Insurance Online ? Is It A Really Good Idea?
Insurance > Buying Life Insurance Online ? Is It A Really Good Idea?
5 Top Things Baby Boomers Must Do Before Starting a Home Based Business
5 Top Things Baby Boomers Must Do Before Starting a Home Based Business
by: Patty Gale
Don't quit your day job just yet.If you are a baby boomer looking to start a home business, there are 5 essentials things you must do first.
Leaving the security of a job with an established 401(k) plan, health insurance or other benefits can create a real tug of war for baby boomers who want to pursue their dreams of owning their own business.
Analyze Your Exit Strategy
At the time of this writing, the youngest of the baby boomers are turning 42 and the oldest are turning 60.
No matter where you fall into this group, analyzing and preparing your exit strategy from your job will be crucial to your long-term success as a home business entrepreneur.
Do you have adequate savings?
If you're married, will you be able to participate in your spouse's health insurance?
Create a Financial Plan
How much is your salary...
5 Top Things Baby Boomers Must Do Before Starting a Home Based Business
Insurance > 5 Top Things Baby Boomers Must Do Before Starting a Home Based Business
Insurance And Ethics
Insurance And Ethics
by: Joseph Kenny
Insurance contracts are often seen as a form of gambling. That is because they appear as a type of wager that takes place over the lifetime of the policy. Basically the insurance company is willing to bet that you and your property will not suffer the loss insured against. In exchange for making this bet, and taking on the risk, the receive your premium. If they win the bet, they keep the premium, if they lose, they make the payout. In this sense, they are often compared to a type of long term financial casino.
The difference between your premium amount, and the amount the insurance company will have to pay out if the loss occurs, is simply the odds the insurance company is getting for taking on the bet. It?s just like going to the horse races and betting on a horse that pays out 10 to 1.
This view of insurance has led to a number of people and religious communities disapproving of insurance because...
Insurance And Ethics
Insurance > Insurance And Ethics
Top 10 Buying Tips for Buying a Car
Top 10 Buying Tips for Buying a Car
by: Danny Huang
1. Money: Make sure you know what is your budget. Never exceed the amount you can afford. For instance if your income is 50,000$ USD, you shouldn?t spend more than 25,000$ on the car because the car will may become a finical problem to you.
2. Personal need: Ask yourself what is the purpose of the car. Decide whether you want a 4 door sedan or a 6 people van. Look into what class and what kind car you want. If the purpose of the car is just purposely transportation, then don?t look into luxurious cars such as Benz or BMW.
Or whether the car is for
family purpose or personal love of car then you can decide whether you want a SUV or Sports Car.
3. Difference Brand: Once you decide what type of car you want. Look at different brands that has similar cars. For instance, if you are looking into the Lexus IS, also look into the Nissan G35, BMW 3 series, Acura TL, Cadillac...
Top 10 Buying Tips for Buying a Car
Insurance > Top 10 Buying Tips for Buying a Car
How Much Can You Save On Your Car Insurance?
How Much Can You Save On Your Car Insurance?
by: Derek Gardner
It costs a lot to get car insurance. No one would argue on that. Without one it would cost you more to drive if you had an accident. Still, you don't want to pay too much for it. So how can you save money on your car insurance premium?
Check several insurance companies. Don?t fall for the headline that says they got the best insurance deal in town. Find out for yourself by shopping around. It would be to your advantage to compare at least 3 quotes.
Find out how the prospective company is doing financially. Does the company have any complaints against them? What is their reputation for customer service? A good indicator of this could be seen on your initial visit. For example, did they take time to answer your questions or did they try to cut you off fast? Taking note of these things could save you some regrets later on.
Check insurance costs for the car you intend to buy....
How Much Can You Save On Your Car Insurance?
Insurance > How Much Can You Save On Your Car Insurance?
A HUD Reverse Mortage For Retirement?
A HUD Reverse Mortage For Retirement?
by: Charles Kirkendall
HUD reverse mortgages can be a great tool for Seniors that are looking for additional funds for retirement. Through a HUD reverse mortgage, seniors can tap into the equity from their homes without having to make repayments.
HUD Reverse Mortgage Eligibility
Homeowners must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible for a HUD reverse mortgage:
- Homeowner must be age 62 or older.
- The home must be owned free and clear or have a mortgage balance that can be paid from equity.
- The home must be a principal residence.
- The property must be a single-family home, a one-to-four unit dwelling with one unit occupied by the applicant, a manufactured home (mobile home), or a unit in condominiums or Planned Unit Developments.
- The property must meet minimum property standards.
Homeowners that qualify can receive payments in a lump sum, on a monthly...
A HUD Reverse Mortage For Retirement?
Insurance > A HUD Reverse Mortage For Retirement?
Insurance
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