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2022 Home Show

"The final day of this labyrinthian mission was capped with hugs among our Clients and the entire team."

INTRO

This mind-boggling project was weighted in complexity, challenge and, coincidentally, occurred during a formidable time in this country’s history…a Pandemic. With the miraculous survival of the homeowners, who lived through the adjoining Casita’s gas explosion, Fabu-WALL-ous Solutions was ultimately hired to take on the responsibility of this anomalous project which necessitated enduring multi-tasking skills, to include: empathic psychology; interminable insurance mediation; Captain & coordinator of an assembled team of specialized 3rd party experts; ability to think outside the box; demonstrated flexibility in rebuilding/remodeling issues; increased the energy efficiency of the residence; a relentless advocate for his Client’s insurance policy protection; an extraordinarily talented crew; a reliable budget predictor and dates for project completion.

Goals

To meticulously document & assess the home’s visible structural state & extent of damage (internal & external) with focus on forensic investigations, collaborating with civil & structural engineers.
  • To mitigate life safety and critical structural issues; eg. the damage to essential retaining walls.
  • Discuss with CID: special requirements and code issues.
  • Justifying the inordinate amount of value engineering required for negotiating costs, on behalf of our Clients, to accommodate the insurance coverage for code compliance and future CID habitation requirements.
  • To salvage: equipment; fixtures; structural components; windows; doors; HVAC, etc. and preserve at an off-site storage for exhibits sought by insurance and others, as needed. Clean up remaining debris field.
To establish a protective barrier for the home from adverse weather during the pending Monsoon season with potential for mold. (Due to prolonged negotiations with the Client’s insurance carrier, work was not allowed to commence until July 2020.)
  • A 70 x 100 FT waterproof, open spaced, frame tent with side walls (secured by posts installed around the home’s perimeter) was erected over 60% of the house.
  • Removed & rebuilt approximately 1700 sf of roof with new raised parapets to accommodate newly engineered BCI roof joists (code compliance).
  • Remove existing ceiling joists in 50% of whole house where ceiling structure was compromised. Replaced removed joists with engineered TJIs.
  • R & R wall framing & replacement of structurally damaged studs at numerous locations.
  • To allow for work to continue during the Winter season.
Working collaboratively with specialty sub-contractors (engineers, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas co., fireplace/chimney, windows/stained glass, well, septic system, state inspectors, client’s insurance adjuster) to obtain realistic pricing for required remediation work, despite ongoing forensic revelations. The extent of repairs was not easily determined.
Maintain exquisite, detailed communication with emotionally traumatized Clients regarding daily progress/changes and the continued work force efforts in achieving a realistic move-in date.
  • Accommodating several Client remodel requests: expand the entry hallway to the Master BDRM. Other Master BDRM changes: vanity space reconfigured to accommodate laundry relocation, closet enlarged & salvaged cabinets rebuilt and converting the original sunroom to a roofed/heated multi-use space.
  • Scheduling CID to certify the residence legally habitable and safe for our Clients to reoccupy their home.
  • The Clients chose not to rebuild the Casita at this time due to the raw memories of the gas explosion, PTSD and nostalgia.

Floor Plans

Obstacles &
Solutions

This project faced numerous challenges, from navigating extensive forensic work under tight deadlines and aggressive demands from the insurance adjuster to dealing with the unforeseen impact of COVID-19, which drove up material costs and led to labor shortages. Compounded by hidden conditions and unknown damage, establishing a clear Scope of Work was unpredictable and required ongoing forensic assessments. Additionally, the project had to accommodate shifting CID requirements and faced an eight-month delay due to prolonged negotiations with the insurance company. To overcome these obstacles, we implemented strategic solutions, including thorough documentation by third-party experts, adherence to strict COVID-19 protocols, creative work sequencing, and the installation of a protective tent structure to shield the site from weather. Throughout the process, open communication with all parties involved was key to maintaining progress and addressing the client's unique needs amid challenging circumstances.

1

Managing the extensive forensic work required under the pressure of time constraints exacerbated by the aggressive/unrelenting requests from the Client’s insurance adjuster.

Provide documented and irrefutable evidence of concealed damage observed during a methodical forensic process, supported by third-party assessments. This approach substantiates the necessity of the remediation work, helping to address the insurance adjuster’s aggressive demands. Professional third parties, such as structural engineers, contributed reports that outlined required remediation and provided realistic budget recommendations, which helped mitigate budget discrepancies between the client’s insurer and project needs.

Obstacle

2

The impact of COVID regarding rising material costs; labor & subcontractor shortages; increased delays with permitting, compounded by difficulties in arranging in- person reviews and discussions critical to the efficient management of numerous unique conditions inherent in to this project.

Implement strict COVID-19 safety protocols, including masking, social distancing, and hygiene practices, to maintain a safe work environment and reduce potential shutdowns. To counter delays, adapt by changing the normal work sequencing and maintaining a positive attitude. When in-person reviews were challenging, leverage creative scheduling and prioritize virtual discussions to ensure efficient project management and keep stakeholders aligned on progress and adjustments.

Obstacle

3

Plagued with the ‘unknowns’ and concealed conditions, establishing a clear and defined ‘Scope of Work’ was not predictable, but to document and work methodically, based on forensic assessments.

Approach the project with a flexible mindset, using forensic assessments as the basis for documenting and refining the Scope of Work. The methodical forensic process allowed the team to work systematically, adjusting the project scope as new conditions were discovered. Third-party expert reports provided validation for these adjustments, ensuring that all hidden conditions were accounted for in the project plan.

Obstacle

4

Accommodating the uncertain requirements of CID due to the hidden/unknown damage and the continual forensic work assessments.

Maintain ongoing communication with CID officials and provide thorough forensic documentation to accommodate any new requirements resulting from concealed damage. The involvement of third-party experts helped ensure that all work met necessary code compliance standards, as their detailed reports justified the necessary scope and adjustments to CID requirements throughout the project.

Obstacle

5

Due to interminable negotiations with the Client’s insurance adjuster, the commencement of actual work was delayed 8 months after the explosion.

During the 8-month delay, the team focused on gathering comprehensive evidence of the damages and preparing detailed reports and budgets with third-party validation. This allowed for a smooth transition to active work once negotiations concluded. The assembled tent structure protected the house during this time, allowing for a quick start on remediation efforts and mitigating further damage from weather, which positioned the team to begin work as soon as possible.

Obstacle

Conclusion

In the face of unprecedented challenges, from navigating a global pandemic and a devastating gas explosion to managing complex insurance negotiations and structural remediations, Fabu-WALL-ous Solutions meticulously restored and revitalized the homeowners' Main House, balancing empathy, expertise, and innovation to deliver a resilient, habitable sanctuary for their clients.

Testimonial

    We could not be happier with Bill Deuschle and his fabulous Fabu-WALL-ous team. My wife and I highly recommend Bill Deuschle without reservation to anyone needing any sort of work on their home or if searching for a fantastic professional builder and person.

    - James R. Buchanan, MD