Every homeowner who has ever experienced a burst pipe, leaking water heater, toilet failure or other malfunction that caused water damage knows what an expensive ordeal it is to get everything repaired or replaced.

Typically, a remediation company brings in water extraction equipment, fans and dehumifiers to remove the water. Even a few inches of water can ruin floors, drywall, cabinets, furniture and carpet. Mold can form rapidly.

In early November, Hy Lampe, 92, of suburban Boynton Beach, returned from a short visit to Connecticut to see a newborn great-grandchild, to find that his house had flooded following a washing machine hose failure.

His home’s flooring, carpets, drywall and kitchen and bathroom cabinets were ruined. He had to move out and stay with a friend. He didn’t know that he would be out of his house for five months.

He signed a contract with Insurance Repair Specialist of Pompano Beach, and the work was supposed to be completed in three months.

However, almost six months later, although drywall has been replaced and new flooring, carpet and cabinets have been installed, Lampe is left with a house that does not function properly.

The contractor sent workers who drywalled over his telephone jacks and cable outlets and ruined his security system. He is receiving phone service through a makeshift line coming through a window. Lampe has a list of 25 items that need to be completed, from replacing the blinds and wire closet shelves that workers threw out to finishing tile work and repairing holes.

For example, workers hired by the contractor had moved his refrigerator to the garage and had lost one of the handles. Lampe had to pay other workers $150 to move the refrigerator back into his kitchen.

Insurance Repair Specialist president Alan Perry Jr. did not return several calls from The Palm Beach Post. The company has a state license, and an A plus rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Although the contractor had been paid $95,000, the company refused to return to fix the problems unless it received further payment, Lampe said.

Lampe, who ran his own insurance agency in New York for 50 years, said he would not turn over another check for more than $20,000 from the insurance company until everything was completed.

“I am being held hostage,” Lampe said. “I cry myself to sleep at night over this.”

Lampe turned to several state agencies seeking help, but receiving none, he then contacted the Post. We visited the house on April 17. When we asked Lampe about what building inspectors had noted about the work, he said there had been no inspections. We checked to see if a permit had been pulled, but it had not.

Palm Beach County Building Official Doug Wise confirmed that no permit was taken out for the job.

Although DBPR officials had told Lampe earlier this month they could not help him because it had not been 90 days since the contractor had left the job, Wise said the 90-day rule does not apply because no permit was pulled.

We then contacted DBPR once again on Lampe’s behalf, and last Monday, Palm Beach County Building Department inspector Robert Dulessis and DBPR official Jeff Holland inspected the work at his house, talked with Lampe and took photographs. They told Lampe the contractor will be sent a letter telling him he must make things right or he could lose his license, Lampe said.

DBPR regional program administrator Eddie Garcia said he and other officials can neither confirm nor deny whether a formal complaint is being pursued.

DBPR spokeswoman Beth Frady said the severity of the penalty for not pulling a permit varies depending on a variety of factors such as the amount of harm to the customer and the length of time the licensee has practiced.

“Generally speaking, if a licensee proceeds on a job without obtaining building permits and/or inspections, the Department may issue a $100 citation or a notice of non-compliance. If the case is prosecuted, the Construction Industry Licensing Board may order administrative fines of $250 to $10,000 and probation, suspension or revocation,” Frady said.

What could Lampe have done differently? His insurance company, United Property & Casualty of St. Petersburg, gave him no guidance in hiring a contractor. He found the one he hired through a cabinet company.

It’s probably wise to get recommendations from other homeowners who have been in the same situation. Ask around. Then get written estimates from at least three contractors and have a detailed contract. A permit should be posted at the job site.

Although homeowners sometimes fear building inspectors, their job is to protect homeowners from shoddy, improper or incomplete work.

United adjuster “Betty Jo,” who did not give her last name, said customers are advised to hire a licensed and insured contractor. She said the company did not request a copy of a permit before issuing any checks. The company does not get involved in recommending contractors, because it does not want to be blamed if things do not turn out well.

The Five Top Causes of Interior Water Damage

1. Plumbing Supply System Failure

Warning signs include increased monthly water bill, banging pipes, rust stains, moisture in the walls or on the floor, wet soil around the foundation

Schedule a plumbing inspection and make repairs. Consider installing a leak detection system.

2. Toilet failure

A third of all toilet failures are caused by overflowing or clogged toilets.

In case of an overflow, turn off the supply valve. Inspect toilets components twice a year.

3. Water Heater Failure

Most water heaters begin to fail when they are around 12 years old.

Schedule an inspection every two years, then annually after the warrant expires. Perform regular maintenance such as flushing out sediments and inspecting the rods and valves.

4. Plumbing drain system failure

More than half of plumbing system failures are the result of sewer backups.

Have a plumber install a backflow prevention assembly. Plant trees away from drain lines. Never pour grease down the drain.

5. Washing machine failure

More than half of the claims in a recent study were linked to washing machine rubber hose failures. Life expectancy of rubber hoses is three to five years.

Inspect supply hoses annually and replace every five years with reinforced hoses. Avoid overloading the machine, and if leaving for an extended period of time, turn off the water supply to the machine.

Source: Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety

If your home or place of business has been affected by a Plano water leak then you know how unexpected and stressful of a situation this can be.  Let the experts at Go Go Green Roofing and Solar help you throughout the entire process of your Plano water restoration needs making it smooth process getting you back in business.

No need to struggle deciding which Plano water restoration services that you will need to make to your business – you have enough to think about. Your insurance will cover the cost of your Plano water restoration repair. We are the Plano water restoration company that knows the complete ins and outs of what needs to be done to completely take care of your Plano water restoration damage. At Go Go Green Roofing and Solar we will take care of the whole insurance process for you. Call us today at (682) 325-2682 for your free evaluation.