Mt. Scott Whole Home Insurance Restoration

In the winter of 2022, the owners of this Happy Valley home returned from vacation to discover that a sprinkler had failed, flooding all three floors. This project required a massive homeowners insurance claim to cover the cost of restoration and return the home to its pre-loss conditions.

What Were the Goals of This Project?

While it may sound simple in theory, anyone who has ever lived through an insurance restoration will tell you that a major project like this can present several challenges. The ultimate goal of any home restoration is to return the home to the same level of comfort and quality it held before the damage occurred.

Unfortunately, in this situation, that meant restoring nearly the entire home from bare studs. The fire sprinkler had burst at the top floor. As a result, this restoration touched every area of the home. Bedrooms, bathrooms, the kitchen, and even the basement had to be completely re-done.

What Were the Challenges of This Project?

With a project of this scope, the main challenge was getting the insurance company to agree to the total cost of repairs. Originally, the insurance company offered $230,000 to restore the entire home. 

However, it quickly became clear that the true cost of restoring this home to the original level of quality and comfort would be closer to $1 million. After presenting this estimate to the insurance company, the insurers were unwilling to agree to the project’s cost until the homeowners sought legal counsel. 

As part of the project, the homeowners also wanted to take the opportunity to make some upgrades to their home. Because insurance companies only cover the cost to restore the home to pre-loss condition, the homeowners were responsible for covering the difference in cost for these upgrades.

These added expenses created an additional level of complexity for the project, as our team had to carefully track which design elements were

covered by the insurance restoration, and which upgrades the homeowner would have to pay out of pocket.

How Did We Achieve These Goals?

Due to the nature of this project, the primary focus in selecting products and features for this home was to match the original design and condition of the home before the damage.

However, the homeowner chose to make some upgrades in the kitchen and bathroom. Specifically, they wanted to re-design the layout of their kitchen and add some more high-end features, such as panel-ready appliances and custom cabinetry. 

How Did We Achieve These Goals?

• Custom Cabinets by Knight Cabinetry: The homeowners chose a dual-tone cabinet design, with stained oak on the lower cabinets and white uppers. 
• Quartz Countertops by MSI Surfaces: Offering a strong balance between visual appeal and functionality, engineered quartz is a great choice for luxury kitchens.
• Chandelier By Visual Comfort & Co.: Selected for the entryway, this beautiful chandelier features a combination of glass pendants and polished metal.
• 59” Acrylic Tub by Signature Hardware: The primary bathroom features this extra large acrylic tub as a centerpiece.

How Has This Remodel Changed the Clients’ Lives?

After nearly three years out of their home, these homeowners are relieved to be back where they belong.

Although the insurance company presented some challenges that drew out the project longer than necessary, we are glad to see the homeowners once again able to enjoy their home and even enhance their lifestyle through carefully selected upgrades during the project.