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Homeowner endures extensive, costly repairs and prolonged suffering due to extensive water damage causing significant property destruction worth $80,000.

Family addition long-awaited by interior designer Jenny Warner becomes a costly nightmare due to persistent water leaks

Homeowner endured $80,000 worth of destruction, agony, and prolonged repairs due to water damage
Homeowner endured $80,000 worth of destruction, agony, and prolonged repairs due to water damage

Homeowner endures extensive, costly repairs and prolonged suffering due to extensive water damage causing significant property destruction worth $80,000.

Jenny Warner, a resident of Virginia Highland in Atlanta, GA, was in for an unexpected challenge when her bungalow underwent a 10-month expansion. The project, which included a primary bathroom, closet, hallway, full bathroom, small bedroom, craft room, and landing area, took a turn for the worse when a water leak was discovered.

The leak, a telltale sign of trouble, was caused by a hot water line that was improperly placed and bent, leading to a rupture and extensive flooding. The flooding resulted in water damage to the new addition and the original areas underneath, causing a costly $80,000 fix.

For Jenny and her family, the emotional toll of the extra work and unplanned loss was enormous. The damage affected the finished ceiling, 16 can lights, and four fans under the addition. The hardwood floors in the hallway, bedroom, craft room, and her daughters' bathroom floor had to be removed and replaced. Even more problematic was the foam insulation in the flooring of the second story, which had to be ripped out and replaced, causing disruption.

The remediation process was slow, tedious, and complicated. A plumber was called to shut off the water and set up dehumidifiers and fans. However, there was water trapped in the foam insulation, causing additional damage. To prevent future problems, Jenny suggests hiring a private inspector throughout the building process. A private engineering firm was also recommended to check all mechanics during the renovation process to prevent a cost explosion from unexpected problems.

Jenny's industry friend recommended a remediation service, which located the problem. Once the repairs began, the process was a stop-start one with daily physical reminders of the stress. The primary bedroom's bathroom, floor tile, heating elements, shower, and its floors, walls, and pan were all demolished and replaced. Jenny's closet door was in the bathroom, causing her to walk through damaged and demoed space every day to get to her clothes.

The flooding not only affected the new addition but also caused damage to the original areas underneath. The home addition, with its modern amenities, was now a reminder of the long and difficult repair process that Jenny and her family had to endure. Despite the challenges, Jenny's bungalow is now restored, and life is slowly returning to normal. However, the experience has left a lasting impression on Jenny and her family, serving as a reminder of the importance of thorough inspections and proper installation during renovations.

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