We had a landscaping company deliver top soil to fill in our yard, but the driver parked too close to our garage and ended up damaging the wooden garage door and the framing. They've agreed to cover the repair costs, and we have a signed contract for that. However, our garage is old and there are drainage issues, especially since we're considering switching from a wooden door to aluminum. As we're gathering estimates, I'm wondering what's fair and how to navigate this situation effectively. Any advice?
4 Answers
Also, just because you're switching materials doesn’t mean it’s an upgrade. In fact, a good wooden door might cost more than aluminum, so keep that in mind when discussing costs with them. Stay firm that they provide a like-for-like replacement unless there's a code issue that forces you to change materials.
You should stick with the agreement they signed, which is to return your garage to its previous state. If you decide to make any upgrades on your own, like switching to aluminum or any other changes, that’s on you and not their responsibility. Just make sure you document everything and get separate quotes for the repairs needed due to their damage versus any upgrades you might want. This way, it's clear what they owe you and you avoid any complications.
It sounds like switching to aluminum could be a good idea for water exposure, but you really shouldn't be on the hook for covering any upgrades. Stick with what was there unless you have a solid reason to change the materials. Don't let them off the hook for what they originally broke—your garage should be fixed to its prior condition, and you deserve that. Just make sure you're getting accurate estimates and that they know the damage was their fault.
You definitely want to make sure the repairs you get are strictly for what they damaged. And remember, they should replace it with something that matches the quality of what you had, whether it’s wood or aluminum. If local codes have changed and that affects what's possible, they might have to cover some of that cost too. Just make sure you know your rights and keep everything documented. If things get sticky, you might need to consult a legal expert.
That’s true; if codes have changed and they’re pushing for something different, that could become a bigger issue.
Good point! It's smart to keep those costs defined separately; that way there's no confusion about what they're covering.