This story sets off all sorts of warning bells for me. Ethical problems? Enough to get set in the starting blocks right now. Two other quotes that are too high? He's shopping for an answer. What's the problem with replacing the ADA components and making it work again, other than he wants an inexpensive touchpanel instead?

Something does seem fishy about this. Like crashing an Volkswagen, and wanting to make it a Volkswagen again with Kia parts.

Russound UNOTS2 retails at 1199.95

This looks like a great op for you to become an ADA dealer. Looks like your opening order will be taken care of too. Apples for apples. I understand your ethical delima. We get it all the time. Ask yourself this question. Are you proud of your work, do you sleep well at night, do you have a fear of a potential law suite? Do the rite thing. Work with the adjuster and provide him with the exact replacement cost of a comparable system today. Your home owner might need to come a little of the (jack) but why on earth would you cut corners in a 35K sq. ft home. If I ever walk into a nice dining establishment and witnessed filet on a paper plate, I know somthin aint rite.

I need a keypad

Matt, Take a look at SONOS. Might be a great alternativr\e.

Give ADA a call, they should be able to suggest a keypad that will work on that wiring scheme. You may have to buy it from an authorized dealer but at least you will have a part that will work according to the people that know the system best. As far as the insurance adjuster, quote what it will cost to replace the keypads with something with similar functions. Upgrading from a basic keypad to a touch screen at the insurance company’s expense is fraud. If the customer wants touch screens its up to him to cover the difference. Cover you’re a$$ on this one, do it T&M and work off a retainer. Got to love a guy with a 35,000 sqft. house that wants to nickel and dime everything LOL.

What a mine field.

The insurance adjuster is probably no idiot, and is used to people trying to get one up. Don't get caught.

Plus, this 35000 square foot cheapskate is trying to screw the insurance company; if he has the opportunity to screw you, will he?

Cover your ass!

The ADA system was probably 2-3k per zone. Their new dual gang keypads are 600-700 per keypad. and the Suite 16 (the new replacement of the millienium) is a great product, read: BULLETPROOF. I have had my fair share of issues with looking to be the good guy for a customer by providing them a seemingly chaep, but good alternative. This more than not turns out badly for my reputation, and that reads DEATH to any CI business. Are you sure the other companies overpriced because they were ignorant? Obviously this job requires more time and product than you have considered.
Word to the wise. Give Tom a call at ADA, discuss it with him. 800-hdaudio
Good luck

I'm assuming you are saying that the adjuster doesn't trust the previous installers. Their either bid for exact replacement, and know something you may not, or they overbid to get on the owners good side in an attempt to get the business. Sounds like a good opportunity to get stuck between a rock and hard place.


Ethical problems & insurance... Can you say Felony!


I'm assuming this "he" is the owner.

So you've got an owner that wants you to jack up the price for a repair, but give more functionality. You've got an adjuster that wants you to add no functionality unless you can do so for less than the price of a repair.

Sounds like only one way to handle this...

Give quotes on cost to repair/replace all items damaged with exact replacements. No extra functions. Once this number is known, be ready to do the work for this number and nothing more.

Share the number with the adjuster and homeowner. Tell the homeowner that you would be happy to put together a proposal for a system that meets his needs. Any payment by the insurance company for the system above could be applied to the upgraded system.

To me the owner sounds like a snake... be careful... you can never be sure who the snake will end up striking at!

Hi,
For all the ethical response's let me further explain. The insurance adjuster will accept the offer it is reasonable. The customer wants his replacement system to do certain features. So I need to find a system that will do that & be reasonable to the adjuster. And I will not lie or stretch the truth about what the replacement system should be. This customer has spent 1/2 million $ so far & we have another $250,000+ planned for the future w/out the insurance claim. It's a tough spot to be in. Thanx for all the responses, but none fit the bill yet.
Thanx,
Matt

suite 16 will do the trick its the direct replacement for the millenium....

just do it honestly insurance companies want it done properly so they dont have to pay again and again. youcan take some liberties to do this correct.... the insurance company is looking to you to be the expert...so be the expert

its kinda like replacement of a house that gets destroyed... does it ever look like the old one...never