I recently bid a ob to replace an intercom system at a large estate that was struck by lightning. Today, the customers insurance company called me to discuss the estimate. During the coversation, the adjuster asked me what other types of work that my company did? I told him, whole house audio/video, theatres and so on. The guy got all excited, and asked me if I would be interested in doing work for their company. ie; replacing equipment damaged be lightning and so on... Have any of you ever done anything like this? Thanks..

BE CAREFUL. Companies I've dealt within the past have provided me B-Stock, Grey market and even used gear to instal in clients homes. THey will take your quote and shop it untilt he cows come home. THen they'll want more of a discount.

We do quite a bit of work for a GC that specializes in fire or other hazard restoration. In most cases it works out lioke a new construction project and we do very well with this. We bid it as a repair/remove/replace type deal and most of the time it is a remove old burned crap and replace like a new construction job. We always bid our own equipment and haven't had one come back. Money is good, payments have been on time too, which is most important. I wouldn't think about installing stuff sourced by the adjuster or insurance company, I would only do it if I prucured and installed.

Bottom line, it can be very lucrative if you work with the right companies.

This guy is contracted by the insurance company. This is a market that I had never given any thought too. rlustig, could you shoot me an email on how I would go about finding these companies so that I could contact them? or give me some insight as to how you got involved in it.. Thanks, Bobby...

Hi Bobby,

In our case we happened to personally know the owner of the GC and we just kind of fell into it. WE never thought to pursue it either. There are probably many contractors in your area that specialize in restoration work. I would try to just cold call them. Look in the YP to start. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

rlustig, so your saying, contact the companies that do the fire clean up?

That's the understatement of the year...

Insurance companies are notorious for scrutinizing every quote and every invoice to the nickel and trying to substitute what THEY consider to be comparable products, even though they don't have a clue about electronics.

In my limited experience, they are not afraid to try to renegotiate after the fact, even on contracts... Ask any remodeler.