Getting it off my chest...

[Darsa]

The stress and frustration is going to make me I just know it.

My dad, whose house we live in and assist in bill-payments, has found out that the insurance company who handles his homeowner's insurance has told him that he has to REPLACE THE ROOF or they would cancel the insurance. He has been with this company since they first bought the house way back when, and now they are doing this; not because it's leaking or anything but because it apparently LOOKS like it's in need of repairs. So, in having an appraisal done, we find that a replacement would run about $7500, which amounts to almost 3/4 of my dad's yearly income via SSI. Since my mom passed away, he's only had the social security to live on, and is unable to work because he's handicapped; COPD, emphysema, extreme scoliosis and Degenerative Disc Disease.

We would LOVE to be able to pay for a roof ourselves, but my husband just recently graduated from school and was out of work completely for many months, putting us in a very precarious situation financially, and are only now starting to dig ourselves out.

We're looking for elderly assistance options for dad, and there's a program for repairs through the USDA, but apparently he's not eligible since we live there and apparently make all kinds of money. However! If we left, he wouldn't be eligible because he couldn't afford to continue to live there on his own. Talk about a rock and a hard place!!

And then things are complicated by the fact that alternate subsidized housing is available, if you have a year and a half to sit on a waiting list. We have 'til November 10.

Anyway, just looking to vent and try to relieve some of this stress; sorry to babble on so, and thank you for allowing me a place to crab.

 

[golfgal]

The insurance company is in their rights to request this. If you read your contract it says that the insured must keep the property in good repair. He won't be able to get coverage through any other company if he is dropped for this either.

I would call a local senior ombudsman though. There are programs out there to help in situations like this. I know when my Grandpa was having some flooding issues in his basement (some freak watertable thing that was happening all over his town) there was a program for senior citizens to help with damage. In his case his furnace was ruined and they paid for a new furnace and to mount it from the ceiling in the basement.

 

[KAMLEM]

What about trying to switch to another insurance company before they drop you? I don't know much about insurance, just a thought.

 

[golfgal]

What about trying to switch to another insurance company before they drop you? I don't know much about insurance, just a thought.

The next insurance company will come out and inspect the house and come to the same conclusion.

 

[Darsa]

Yeah, I know that the insurance company is within their rights to do this; it's just that it's at SUCH a bad time, none of us have two dimes to rub together...

I've got a call in to the ombudsman program in our state; I work with the Bar Assn in ME, so I had that info, and we're waiting for something from them as well as several other places. I'm afraid that our being there to help out is going to create roadblocks at every direction, though...

 

[golfgal]

Yeah, I know that the insurance company is within their rights to do this; it's just that it's at SUCH a bad time, none of us have two dimes to rub together...

I've got a call in to the ombudsman program in our state; I work with the Bar Assn in ME, so I had that info, and we're waiting for something from them as well as several other places. I'm afraid that our being there to help out is going to create roadblocks at every direction, though...

I also know several roofers that are doing payment plans now-anything to generate business.

 

[disneyhand]

Is there any way that through groups of family, friends, neighbors, church and or community this could become a do it yourself work party project?

I think that labor is usually the big expense in a roof replacement estimate. Under the circumstances you've mentioned I think this would be the best way to get help. Somewhere in these groups should be someone with experience.

Whenever I read your posts I think what a great Daughter, Mother, person you are. I believe that people who know you will want to help.

Good luck, please keep us posted!

 

[Hannathy]

The next insurance company will come out and inspect the house and come to the same conclusion.

And might actually find more things wrong! The will be checking things a lot more carefully and that crack in the porch that you feel is only cosmetic they may find dangerous. I wouldn't open that can of worms unless I knew everything was up to snuff.

Sorry about your situation. Is his house paid for? could he take out a reverse mortgage?

 

[wdwfan16]

The stress and frustration is going to make me I just know it.

My dad, whose house we live in and assist in bill-payments, has found out that the insurance company who handles his homeowner's insurance has told him that he has to REPLACE THE ROOF or they would cancel the insurance. He has been with this company since they first bought the house way back when, and now they are doing this; not because it's leaking or anything but because it apparently LOOKS like it's in need of repairs. So, in having an appraisal done, we find that a replacement would run about $7500, which amounts to almost 3/4 of my dad's yearly income via SSI. Since my mom passed away, he's only had the social security to live on, and is unable to work because he's handicapped; COPD, emphysema, extreme scoliosis and Degenerative Disc Disease.

We would LOVE to be able to pay for a roof ourselves, but my husband just recently graduated from school and was out of work completely for many months, putting us in a very precarious situation financially, and are only now starting to dig ourselves out.

We're looking for elderly assistance options for dad, and there's a program for repairs through the USDA, but apparently he's not eligible since we live there and apparently make all kinds of money. However! If we left, he wouldn't be eligible because he couldn't afford to continue to live there on his own. Talk about a rock and a hard place!!

And then things are complicated by the fact that alternate subsidized housing is available, if you have a year and a half to sit on a waiting list. We have 'til November 10.

Anyway, just looking to vent and try to relieve some of this stress; sorry to babble on so, and thank you for allowing me a place to crab.

Have him get a HEL on the home for the new roof and then you pay the payments as your rent. You really are getting a sweet deal with only helping pay the bills. It is time for you to step up or move out so you dad gets the roof he needs.

 

[golfgal]

And might actually find more things wrong! The will be checking things a lot more carefully and that crack in the porch that you feel is only cosmetic they may find dangerous. I wouldn't open that can of worms unless I knew everything was up to snuff.

Sorry about your situation. Is his house paid for? could he take out a reverse mortgage?

He wouldn't even need to do that, a home equity loan or line of credit would work just fine.

 

[snykymom]

He wouldn't even need to do that, a home equity loan or line of credit would work just fine.

Only if he (and you) qualify for the loan or the HELOC, and as we all know, requirements for those have tightened up. Of course, that doesn't mean you shouldn't try!

Best of luck to you and hoping some comes your way!

 

[Darsa]

It is time for you to step up or move out so you dad gets the roof he needs.

You obviously didn't read my original post well; we're only there because he needs our help, not because we're mooching off of him. And he can't get the roof fixed if we're not there as much as he can't get it WITH us there. He can't afford all of the monthly bills without our assistance. And ONLY the monthly bills also includes OUR monthly bills as well as paying on things that were piled up while my husband was unemployed.

But thanks a bunch for the guilt, looks lovely sitting on top of my stress and frustration.

In answer to the more politely given suggestions; he already has a reverse mortgage on the house, and all of the available equity was drained when my mom was sick and dad was traveling to and from hospitals, doctors, specialists etc for himself and mom.

 

[Hannathy]

Maybe it is time to sell it if he can't maintain it and move to an apartment, a regular apartment, or a senior housing apartment, or if he is that strapped possibly rooming with someone. It costs a lot to have a house and sometimes we can't all afford it.

 

[wdwfan16]

It looks like it is time for dad to sell the house. He can't afford to live there.

 

[ccgirl]

Don't let anyone make you feel guilty. Get many estimates on the roof. People are really looking for new business. What kind of house is it? $7500 seems high. Good luck!

 

[lynxstch]

[QUOTE It is time for you to step up or move out so you dad gets the roof he needs.[/QUOTE]

There's always someone who doesn't fully read or understand the original post..and makes a snarky comment..to the OP..that's when the IGNORE button works well

No advice for you, just good wishes being sent in the hopes that your Dad (and the roof problem) get some resolution soon!

 

[golfgal]

Don't let anyone make you feel guilty. Get many estimates on the roof. People are really looking for new business. What kind of house is it? $7500 seems high. Good luck!

I was thinking just the opposite-that is really low. It was over $10,000 to do our roof in 2006.

I don't think that moving to an apartment where he will have to pay rent makes any sense what so ever.

 

[Hannathy]

Don't let anyone make you feel guilty. Get many estimates on the roof. People are really looking for new business. What kind of house is it? $7500 seems high. Good luck!

Our roof was just damaged in a hail storm and it was estimated at over 12,000 and it is just a normal two story house, nothing special or big add ons. Roofs are very expensive.

 

[Hannathy]

I was thinking just the opposite-that is really low. It was over $10,000 to do our roof in 2006.

I don't think that moving to an apartment where he will have to pay rent makes any sense what so ever.

Rent is lower than maintaining a house and he would have whatever he made on the house. I don't understand your statement. If he can't afford the house where do you want him to live? That is where people who can't afford to own a house (or don't want one) live. Many of my parents friends did that as they got older to avoid the maintenance. If he is low income he can probably get into senior housing.

 

[bettymae1121]

I agree, get some more estimates. The idea of doing it yourself is a good one too. On a simple roof line it's actually not that hard, if you have a friend who's handy with that sort thing and a few strong guys to help, it should only cost a fraction of that.

Do you or your dad belong to a church? Maybe some church members would be willing to donate their time and maybe some funds for the materials.