How predatory remodeling ruined my house in a matter of days after closing
I’m having a very hard time getting additional estimates from general contractors. All of them say that my house project is too risky for them.
Meanwhile, my upstairs shower still doesn’t work so I am forced to use the downstairs shower, even though the floor is open with exposed drain pipes.
I finally receive a third bid from a qualified general contractor. I was told I three written estimates were needed for me to begin my legal case. Most contractors have passed on the job, saying it was too risky to continue. They know that the more demolition is done, the more problems will be exposed. Based on what can be seen at the time, estimates range from $65K-$70K.
The doorbell isn’t working, but I figured it might be simple to fix, so I investigate. You can see that the flippers didn’t bother to take it off the wall, hastily painting around it. But more importantly, the doorbell wires are the wrong gauge, and no wire nuts were used. I decide to check the wire as it runs through the attic.
As I open the attic access, a powerful stench hits my nose. I discover that the attic has been infested with raccoons. They have been using it as a latrine. The amount of feces indicates that it was this way before I bought the house. Considering the ceiling work that was done in the main level living room, the flipper must have known about this.
A wildlife control specialist is brought in to deal with the raccoon infestation in the attic. ($241.03)
He lets me know that the raccoons have been climbing the outside of the dining room addition, clawing the cedar siding badly, and entering the attic through a loose eve covering.
He is able to secure the raccoon entry point and set a few traps, but removing the feces from the attic is our responsibility.
In my attic, I use a shovel and a shop vac to remove as much of the raccoon feces as possible. It fills a 55 gallon garbage can.
