Basement Update

[handslive]

Hmm, looking back I see that I never mentioned the state of the basement here.  This is old news for most everyone in my immediate area, but I feel like I want this post to have some context.


Our sewer backed up.  Sewer folks discovered some tree roots about 50' down the line, but managed to clear the line again (for now).  I called our insurance company and they sent out an adjuster to take a look at things.  They arranged for a cleaning service to come in, remove the carpet, and pressure wash the floor.  In the process of removing the carpet, they noticed cracks in the floor and places where the floor is heaving.  The insurance company also expressed concern about mold on the dry wall.

I've got a $5,000 estimate now to clean up the drywall (a condition of re-insuring the house) on one wall of the house.

I also called a basement specialist (recommended by the cleaning service) to come and look at the basement.  His rough estimate (external repairs to two or possibly three walls, installation of a sump, possible repairs to one interior wall) came to $19,000.  The insurance company has also asked for proof of these repairs as a condition of re-insuring the house.


This pushes the overall cost of repair beyond what seems, to my mind anyway, to be a reasonable investment in the house.  The property itself is still good, but the house doesn't seem to me to be worth it.  The obvious conclusion is that we should push it over and start from scratch.  In fact, it's probably a reasonable investment.  I've heard like 3rd hand that a house further down the street from ours went for around $390,000 recently (which is just insanely stupid if you ask me).  A new house admittedly.

So now I'm going to have to marshal my finances and purplejavatroll and I will be planning pretty seriously what comes next.  Renting some place that allows cats is going to be tricky just for one thing.

Comments

[puppytown.livejournal.com]

Oh my god. I didn't know it was so bad. I'm sorry.

[nlindq.livejournal.com]

Holy crap! Those are pretty mind boggling numbers. I had no idea--I thought the repairs, etc. were coming along nicely. :-(

[purplecthulhu.livejournal.com]

I'd heard some of this from talking to purplejavatroll but didn't realise the numbers had got so bad.

I hope the planning goes well and that what you decide on doesn't turn out too expensive or long-to-construct in the end!

[purpletigron.livejournal.com]

Oh, heck :-( Seriously scary research and thinking territory :-(

Has the insurance company been at all helpful e.g. in suggesting firms which can give second and third opinions, and rebuilding quotes?

Good luck!

[boubabe.livejournal.com]

One one hand, I'm shocked by the cost of the damage in your basement. I really didn't know just how extensive the damage was.

On the other hand, I'm excited for you guys at the prospect of having a brand, spanking new house built the way you want it!

I'm looking at buying a place (maybe) within the next few months, provided that I get another year long contract for next year. Might be too late for you guys to possibily temporarily move in but i've put the idea out there.

[greenjavatroll.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry this has happened to you. Housing prices in Edmonton are still insane right now, so $390000.00 for a new house in your area sounds quite likely. As far as rentable properties allowing pets go, there are actually quite a few, and apartment/condos as well. I know we're a long way out, (and have dodgy internet service) but if you come to need an interim place to stay, Hellspark and I could put you up until you find a place to rent that allows puddies.

[amerald.livejournal.com]

That certainly disproves the "no news is good news" idea doesn't it. I'm sorry that this has become such a monster for you. Good luck finding a liveable solution.

[(Anonymous)]

Holy Flipping Cow! Would the insurance company accept backfilling in the basement and nailing the door shut, never to be ventured into again? (kidding, but only just.) At least it hasn't been condemed because of all this.

Randi T.