Thursday, June 22, 2017

2x4

Every Blade of Grass has a memory provoking post regarding the true current dimensions of 2x4s.


Washington State circa 1970s had Certified Public Adjusters, licensed and regulated by the state; that would represent insured vs. their insurer on claims, mainly fire loss.

During one of my unemployment stints in construction, I solicited claims for one of these adjusters on a commission basis.

A very old Masonic Hall was hit by arson and suffered a significant amount of damage. We were able to solicit the claim. The adjuster killed the insurance company. The building was built with real 2x4s, 4x4s, etc. That was what the insurance company insured, with no wavier for changes in dimensions, and that is what they had to pay to replace. The proposed settlement was in the high five figures. After the Certified Public Adjuster finished his work, the settlement was in the lower six figures.

My commission on his commission caught up a lot of bills and replenished the savings account.

A valuable lesson for me. In addition to the most welcome commission, the necessity to look below the surface and consider the history of a project saved my ass a few times in the years ahead.


As an example, check the county records to see who is the actual owner of a piece of land before building on it for someone else.

6 comments:

Momma Fargo said...

I know. Can you believe that stuff? Hurts my head. Unbelievable that a judge wouldn't just throw it out. Stupid ass people.

Well Seasoned Fool said...

Surprising a lawyer would take on the case. Even getting paid, the hit on their professional reputation should dissuade them.

Coffeypot said...

It's the new math they are forcing down the throats of the young. No one knows how to measure anymore. The Russians are forcing us to go metric.

Well Seasoned Fool said...

Too old, too slow. Can't "think" in metric.

Old NFO said...

Heh, yeah good luck finding a TRUE 2X4 or 4X4 today...

Well Seasoned Fool said...

It can be done but the expense!!!!

The Masonic Lodge cashed the insurance company check then rebuilt with what was available. Gave them a nice cash cushion against future rehabs.