07/14/2025
Hi everyone, Meagan here! Just wanted to update everyone as more work has been done and with that, more bills have been coming in related to the tree damage, removal, and repair at my parents' house. We also have more information from the insurance company regarding what they will and will not cover thus far.
My parents received three bids for the roof replacement and selected the lowest one of $14,500. That bid also includes repairing the damaged siding, soffit and eaves, gutters, a broken beam, and damage that happened to the corner of the garage.
They also received a bill for the tree removal - the total amount of which was $20,635.80. I have included a photo of the bill with this update. That covers all the labor and heavy machinery it required to move several tons of massive oak tree, which took two full days.
The insurance has so far decided to cover the entire cost of replacing the roof and the aforementioned repairs that will be done along with it - total cost $14,500. However due to the policy they carry, the insurance is only covering $5,500 of the tree removal bill (5% of the value of their house which is undervalued on the insurance plan for debris removal). So my parents have thus far received a check from the insurance for $19,000, which is the amount the insurance has decided to cover less my parents' deductible ($1,000).
As you can see, that still leaves a balance on the tree removal of $15,135.80. That check also doesn't cover the three broken windows, damage to the interior of the kitchen, damage to the back porch which needed to be propped back up, damage to the back stairs, or damage to the chimney, which still needs to be inspected by a professional. The check also doesn't include any damage to personal property, of which there was a lot. My dad said his barbecue grill was "crushed like a soda can" (picture included).
My dad will continue negotiations with the insurance to hopefully get a little more covered regarding the rest of the damage the massive oak tree caused. But right now he said he expects to be on the hook for at least $20,000 related to this incident. My parents are grateful the insurance will cover as much as they will regarding the roof replacement and related repairs. But unfortunately that is not where the work ends.
They are looking into getting a home equity loan to make up the difference. They are also hoping to remove a large pine tree on the neighbor's property line that is leaning toward their house to hopefully prevent this from happening again. That tree is displacing concrete slabs in the neighbor's driveway and could be catastrophic if it fell on my parents' house. They expect that tree removal will cost around $1,800 and they are not sure at this time if the neighbor will contribute to that bill.
All this to say, they are so grateful to everyone who has contributed to their GoFundMe so far. Every little bit helps toward paying off this massive, unexpected expense they are now responsible for. If you are not in a position to donate, sharing this fundraiser also helps a ton. Thank you everyone! I promise to keep you updated as more information becomes available.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-jim-and-candy-rebuild-after-a-tree-fell-on-their-house
