As it was we ended up having to chip in about five k of our own.  

Prior to the dotcom bust, I worked for a large tech company, not a dotcom company, but one that actually made silicon chips. 

The faucet is often in the way of grinding wheels and chisel, so in one case I had to remove the faucet, and really covered the sink so it doesn't get chipped and dented while I was cutting away. 

I either got paid off and nice return or ended up with property.. had both happen.One of my clients in Oregon is a car dealer and has a large finance component.. they do exactly what you do with the chips in the cars etc.  

Chipped paint, holes in the wall, floors are destroyed, all the bedrooms are painted ridiculous colors and the kitchen needs to be completely remodeled. 

Thanks to everyone who chipped in!

Having good credit is a really good bargaining chip.

@Chip WinstonWelcome to the site.

Problem solved, your bargaining chip gone.

@Chip Chorister That is the million dollar question.