Image Credit: Atlanta News First(Youtube)/AOL
The house, which she bought in 1970, suffered extensive damage to its chimney, roof, walls, deck and hardwood floors. After an investigation by Atlanta News First, the situation took an unexpected turn, with Standard eventually receiving $57,000 through a contractor settlement and an additional insurance payment. State Farm estimated the repairs at $250,722, covering the roof, chimney, deck, walls and hardwood floors affected by water. The July 14 report from Atlanta News First said the insurance estimate was intended to cover the broad rebuilding work required after the accident.
A massive tree falling through an Atlanta home turned a familiar living space into the starting point of a months-long repair dispute for homeowner Judy Standard. What followed was another problem. The contractor Standard hired was not licensed for residential work and left important repairs unresolved. The damage was extensive.
The estimated cost to rebuild it correctly was $35,000, creating one of the most serious unresolved problems in the project. The July investigation also reported that $14,000 had been allocated for hardwood floor repairs, but Standard said no boards had actually been replaced. The meeting eventually led to a proposed $45,000 settlement. The broadcaster reported on August 18 that someone at State Farm saw the story and the insurer subsequently reevaluated Standard’s claim.
The contractor initially disagreed with the claims and considered the matter closed, according to Atlanta News First. The July report said the contractor had agreed to that amount, although the payment had not yet been made at the time. A later inspection by another masonry company found the rebuilt chimney had been improperly constructed. However, after the investigation began asking questions, he agreed to meet Standard and her attorney. The outcome changed after Atlanta News First published its investigation.