Years ago we had a house fire. No hard wood floors to worry about, but I would think it could be a problem. Our insurance adjuster who came out to the house and went thru things with me, she said, "You don't need a lawyer, we can do this". So I didn't get a lawyer. Well, thinking back, I should have gotten a lawyer. It may or may not have made a difference, but I think it would have been the smart thing to do. So please, seriously think about getting a lawyer. I'll bet you would get those floors replaced or done!

Have you made your notebook? It was a suggestion from the owner of the company that did the cleaning. It really helps. Just a cheap binder with ruled notebook paper. Day and date with names, phone numbers, and notes of what was said. I just started on the first page and kept going. The front of the binder had a pocket that I tucked the business cards into. Do you have Nextdoor? Ask on there for recommendations for a lawyer. I'm sorry you have to get one, but it seems like a good idea. Don't trust Angie's List. There have been problems here with what was recommended. Seems the more the company pays, the higher the rating. We were very lucky. Not that bad and our insurance has been great so far. Don't try to look at the entire job. Make a list each day for what is the most important to do that day. Think baby steps. If you do one thing, that is one thing finished. I told our adjuster what happened to you and he said that was very common with older houses and that your son did great getting everyone out. He said that after our fire there was one in the older part of town that the lady that lived there did not survive. The firemen could not get her out. She was on the second floor.

I saw your other pictures and have some of that I took from the near by subdivision.. I can not believe this builder. I hope it is ok to repost... Half bearing wall and one bolt lally column. The "cantilever wall and column" system Another... With the make up air... Run out of joist? Stick a cardboard and tape it. -In my area in the at least one project they cut out all of the OSB in a I-Joistcenter to run ductwork in the middle of a span. -Same project they used a dimple membrane around the foundation (knock off Delta MS) - good, but did not appear to apply any damp proofing.

I would recommend you spend a few bucks to consult with an attorney in your area. Generally speaking, independent and company adjusters are both paid by the insurance company. If an insurance company is allowing a contractor to submit a claim on your behalf (something that is rather common) then that contractor is essentially an independent adjuster. Public adjusters are usually paid with a percentage of the claim. The problem being a public insurance adjuster is going to want 5% to 15% of the total claim. So how likely you are to benefit from the independent adjuster's report depends on the total amount recovered and the amount you have to pay the contractor. It is really difficult to give any definitive advice because we really don't know your alternatives for contracting the work and/or the quality of the work the contractors will do. We also don't really have specifics on your insurance company, your house, or your state. There are also various state laws that govern how contractors can accept money from insurance claims and so it is even more difficult to give advice. In many states the amount the insurance pays must be acceptable as payment in full by the contractor for the claim he makes. So he can't actually bill you more, however, the insurance company doesn't usually warranty the work even though they pay for it. So, again, I would seek legal counsel that doesn't work on commission to just get some general advice on the best path forward. I hope everything works out, good luck.