Ceiling on one rented unit came down

[Carlos Gonzalez]

I bought my first fourplex in Phoenix AZ through FHA and I'm fixing and updating two units cosmetically before I move in so I can move in before the 60 days period, the other two units are being rented until the ceiling from one rented unit bedroom came down because of a water pipe that burst. The whole bedroom ceilings 20X20 came down and landed in the bedroom. Fortunately, there was nobody sleeping at the time. Water from the leakage poured down through the walls, the restroom ceiling is also wet but hasn't come down yet and part of the other unit restroom wall is also wet (that unit is not rented currently, I was in the process of updating it cosmetically) I have some questions here and a dilemma: I'm about to get an estimate from a restoration company to repair all the damaged property, they're saying it will be more than 7 grand for sure. I can open a claim through the insurance company so hopefully the cover the damaged parts of the property, I know they won't cover the tenants damaged goods. I can pay a friend of mine handy man who has worked in ceilings and sheet rock who I know to help me restore the ceilings and the walls and I'll pay the materials. The guy says he will charged for the parts and cheap labor, probably less than the deductible of the insurance 1500. What is the best course of action here? I need help.

[Mike McCarthy]

Drywall should be cheap and easy to replace. But before it's replaced, everything needs to be dried out. You don't want to trap any moisture in the walls, carpets, ceiling, etc.

I assume the restoration company will run fans for a few days, run some moisture tests, ensure there's no risk of mold before sealing it all back up. You need to consider those costs too.

I've never been through that with a restoration company, but make sure you don't cut corners. I think it's worth a call to your insurance company regardless. If it's under the deductible, it won't count as an insured loss. If it's more, then they'll cover it.