Home Improvement Contractor - Licensed Contractors

I have hail damage on my home and the insurance estimate was more than the estimate from the contractor? ?

Can I have the contractor do some extra work to make up for the difference? Is this legal?

Public Comments

1. hell yeah!!!!
2. Have you been paid by the insurance yet? If not, just pay the contractor what is due at completion. It could go up...you never know. If you have already received payment, you could return the extra to the insurance company if you want, or even use it on a smaller repair around the house that you've been needing to do. We had a home claim and they just paid us out what they thought it would cost. I ended up doing a lot of work myself and they said i could just keep the $ for my time spent doing the work.
3. It really depends on the insurance company. If they are paying the contractor directly after they receive their invoice & want proof the work was done, then no. If they just worked up an estimate and cut you a check for that amount, then you can do with the money as you wish. Be careful though - sometimes things creep up during the job that are unexpected, so don't cut it too close as the insurance won't pay anything additional once the check is cashed.
4. All of the above a good answers. Here are some points to think about. How many estimates did you get for the repair and did you check references and the Better Business Bureau in your area (www.cityname.bbb.org)? Be certain the contractor you select will give you a comprehensive estimate and ask what it will cost if he finds rotted roof decking, etc. His price should include galvanized drip edge and new boots around the vents, etc., that extend through the roof. If all of the above is true and you are paying the contractor yourself after the insurance company gave you a check, take your wife/significant other out for a nice dinner.
5. Make certain you compare what insurance company is paying for is what your actually getting.When contractors work is completed and you have excess money throw a party,you got over. My Best