Never had to deal with anything like this, but our cabin on the Rappahannock burned last friday and I am looking for advice.
My grandfather built the cabin in the 1930s, and both my dad and I took our first steps on the beach there. It has been an integral part of my life, a place that I could go to recharge my batteries or figure out a problem. The fire was started by a contractor I had brought in to repair an ailing boathouse, and he has some disability liability insurance. The contractor has been very transparent in all this and admits it was entirely his crews fault.
What I think I may need is to hire a public claims adjuster. Does anyone have any experience with a situation like this? The cabin is located in Lancaster County, Virginia.
Comments
No idea about the claims adjuster, but man, that sucks. Sounds like no one was hurt, so at least that is good. Hopefully you get things sorted out soon and rebuilt to you/your family's liking.
Correct, nobody was hurt... this is the most important thing and should have made my post.
It was an "all hands on deck" kind of thing for the responders. The cabin is on a peninsula and the trucks couldn't get close enough. They brought fire boats from Gloucester.
So sorry for your loss. Your insurance company is probably going to kill the Contractor.
Shew! I say this as a recent graduate of the volunteer fire academy, that's a real cooker there. Glad no one was hurt. Hopefully insurance makes you whole
So sorry you're having to go through with this. I have a family cabin up in the mountains near my home and it is such a huge part of my life, I can certainly see how big of a loss this is for you. As others have said I hope you get a quick resolution and can get things built back to the way you want them.
No advice other than know that it will certainly be more of a process than an event, and I wish you luck there. I'm sure others can provide some sound insight.
Close to home, man, and I join all in sending our best wishes for you. I am familiar with a lot of camps and cabins, and one thing I know is that there is always something needing done, but it is the age and old style of those types of dwellings that is impossible to recreate. Hopefully, you'll not only be made as whole as possible, but that you'll be happy with the rebuilding, if that's what you decide to do. Best of luck.
Also, that's quite a haul from Gloucester to up the Rapp. Lucky the neighborhood didn't go up as well.
My parent's house burned down about 10 years ago. Built like 100 years ago. They salvaged some of the old oak wood and made tables and bench's for the new house. Hopefully can salvage some stuff to pay tribute to the old house.
not sure there will be much to salvage.
hate to say it but you probably need a lawyer and a claims adjuster. if the contractor is saying its their fault then that needs to be documented and filed to protect you legally as much as you need it to satisfy an insurance claim. a good lawyer should also be able to arrange the correct adjuster as well. just costs money 💰
sucks man. sorry to hear that. hope it goes well.
Thanks, I have reached out to a family friend who also acts as our lawyer. I expect he can guide me.
This brings up a good point.
ALWAYS go with a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor.