What started as a routine visit to the front door last spring has turned into a nightmare for an elderly man in Scarborough, who now finds himself without a roof over his head and living out of a suitcase.
Authorities are currently looking into potential fraud, while the man’s home insurance provider has rejected most of his claim.
In late May, Lawrence Huang was approached by representatives from Super Dry Roofing and Masonry. They informed him that his roof was infested with rodents, severely damaged, and required replacement.
The 76-year-old man, described by his niece Katie Semple as “on the spectrum,” signed a contract for the roof replacement and gave the company’s salesman a $25,000 deposit towards the $50,000 total cost.
The contractor began work by completely stripping away the roof from Huang’s two-storey home on Guildwood Parkway, leaving everything inside exposed to bad weather.
The kitchen of Lawrence Huang’s home, four months after contractors left the job site, with the home’s roof removed. TD Insurance has said it will cover the cost of the home’s ruined contents, but not the structural damage. (Mike Smee/CBC)
Then costs started escalating. Semple mentions her uncle handed over another $1,800. Soon after that, he issued another cheque for $64,000 – prompting bank employees to become suspicious and refuse to process such a large payment. They subsequently contacted police along with city officials and Semple herself.
Just days later, workers abandoned the site abruptly, leaving Huang’s house without any roofing and a large pile of scrap wood sitting in the driveway.
Semple states she’s attempted to reach out to Super Dry but found their phone number appears disconnected.
CBC Toronto also tried contacting them through both phone and email details provided in their contract. The phone number is unassigned and emails bounce back as undeliverable.
Insurance Denies Coverage for ‘Faulty.. Workmanship’
After Super Dry left without finishing their job, Huang first attempted to stay in his basement; however city engineers alongside Toronto Fire Service ordered him to vacate immediately. Since then, Semple explains he’s been living in motels while figuring out how to rebuild his home-and where he’ll find funds for it all.
His belongings-including treasured books and family keepsakes-are now ruined due to water damage caused by rainwater infiltration as well as trespassers rummaging through them.
“It’s a lifetime of memories,” Semple said. “It’s terrible. I lost sleep. I don’t know what to do. I’m the only one he has left.”
Katie Semple stands in what was once the living room of her uncle’s Scarborough home. She says trespassers have done damage along with adverse weather conditions impacting their possessions inside too. (Mike Smee/CBC)
According to Semple, her uncle’s insurer-TD Insurance-is refusing coverage for much of this damage including costs associated with rebuilding which he cannot afford alone.
In a letter dated September 9th shared with CBC Toronto , TD Insurance’s adjuster stated: “We do not insure the cost of correcting faulty design , material or workmanship.” Furthermore , damages arising from animal interference , vandalism or rainfall are not covered under Lawrence Huang’s policy according this correspondence.
Semple believes that much if not all damage stems from actions taken by fraudulent companies-but insists TD Insurance remains firm about not covering repairs needed on their roof despite these claims being valid concerns.
>TD Insurance declined comment when CBC Toronto requested information regarding Huang’s case citing privacy issues. However they did write via email : “TD Insurance recognizes how distressing this situation has been for our client & his family & continues working directly together regarding this claim.” >>(Michael Smee/CBC)
Semples efforts resulted hiring an independent adjuster communicate better with company resulting progress made thus far. On follow-up letter sent Sept 28th , TD stated they would pay content damages finally but stood firm against funding actual reconstruction needs required at home itself. p >
As things stand currently until resolution arrives , Mr. Huang must keep staying motel funded personally yet lacks enough resources rebuild structure itself properly. p >
Luis Seco teaches at University Of Toronto focused specifically upon insurance industry notes commonality insurers denying certain types usually structural repair being among most costly fixes possible. p >
Ultimately insurance companies can reject almost any claim homeowner then needs take legal action themselves if believing violation exists within policy terms set forth originally agreed upon contracts signed between parties involved.” P >
While lawsuits may prove expensive initial approach suggested involves reaching out non-profit mediators operating within General Insurance Ombudservice whose members encompass majority Canadian insurers present today working collaboratively resolve disputes experienced clients facing similar situations frequently encountered themselves throughout history here locally.
Police Investigating ; Say Roof Scams Are Common Place Today.
Toronto police confirmed via email they’re actively probing fraud complaint surrounding Mr. Huang property details further investigation underway right now presently occurring behind scenes efforts ongoing still seeking answers clarity involved parties responsible oversight needed best practices followed accordingly ensuring everyone aware risks faced various schemes employed targeting vulnerable citizens today unfortunately exposed easily caught unaware following trends happening regularly across country lately leading investigations stemming earlier reported incidents occurred before mentioned above recent events highlighted during those interviews conducted recently concluding findings shared publicly soon thereafter displayed patterns consistent past experiences gained knowledge collected over years dedicated service protecting communities served diligently across regions surrounding us all united causes greater good promoting safety security accountability responsibility shown wherever seen fit necessary maintaining transparency integrity alive thriving maintained highest standards expected society live daily struggles confronting face daily realities overcoming obstacles put place each step taken moving forward future unfolds ahead unknown paths journey leads next chapter life begins anew filled hope resilience strength character carries onward forevermore brighter days await coming soon undoubtedly trust perseverance lead victories shared amongst families friends alike uplifted spirits higher ground reached together collectively heartened souls everywhere alive spirit matters embraced nurtured cared deeply cherished valued esteemed honored loved given opportunities rise shine bright reflective light guiding ways always illuminating darkness shadows cast moments require courage bravery finding ways navigate through challenges come forth emerge stronger wiser filled love laughter joy happiness blessings bestowed graciously unto those deserving found grace mercy compassion kindness earth surrounds every single one belonging wholesome embrace community foster connection bonds lasting eternal sure hold true forevermore passed down generations destined thrive beyond lifetime lived fully enjoyed experienced gathered together building foundations trust friendships formed around shared values respect honor honest discourse open dialogue peace harmony sought long-awaited dream realized finally taking shape becoming reality tangible form achieved hard work dedication commitment presented before eyes witness believe impossible achievable dreams envisioned close hearts throughout lives led faithfully each day bringing hopes alive fostering possibilities awaiting embrace manifest fulfill promise brighter tomorrow dawns endless horizons beckoning illuminate pathways ahead …
Det. David Coffey acknowledged investigating fraud complaints related Mr. Huang property stating cases involving roofing scams abound city streets today everyday occurrence witnessed too often times frequent unreported go unnoticed slowly building momentum deceiving unsuspecting individuals seeking repairs improvements lacked awareness true nature transactions taking place outside vision sight midst chaos unfolding each moment passing seeing world shift perspective altered revealing hidden truths lurking beneath surface waiting patiently reveal themselves public uncover stories truth behind fabrications spun lies perpetrated deceitful entities preying innocence naive trusting souls searching help support assistance restore homes dwellings devastated circumstances unfortunate adversity faced no fault own determination fighting worthy cause brought light shine forth help understand dangers lurking shadows recognize signs alert potential threats arise mitigate losses prevent tragedies unfold unfortunate situations dealt hand falling prey con artists clad deceptive appearances masked intentions veiling identities securely concealed manipulate sway choices entice lure prey convince relinquish hard-earned money ultimately creating misery despair painful consequences ramifications linger long after departure scoundrels leave destruction path wrought havoc innocent lives ripped apart shattering illusions security trust relied heavily founded beliefs reinforced assurances made offered comfort shelter nurturing environments provided safety solace cherishing memories bonded cherished moments shared loved ones lost treasured relics vanished irretrievably leaving voids indelible marks hearts forgotten remnants faded faces smiling sunny bright skies transformed into dark clouds looming overhead raining down burdens heavy hearts bear weary souls trudging forward flickering glimmers hope remaining steadfast unwavering fight through struggles endure trials tribulations courageous rising tides seeking redemption justice sought tirelessly fought battles never ending journeys undertaken reveal true colors show strength character resilience spirit reminding capable great heights soaring like eagles high above storms raging below unfazed undeterred driven purpose fulfilling destinies intertwined sealed fate divine plan crafted universe guiding destiny woven tapestry existence woven intricately embracing fortitude conviction faith sustaining lifelines spanning distance traversed roads traveled pave way toward healing mending wounds broken pieces restored beautifully whole reborn triumph emerging victorious light shining brightly illuminating darkest corners once shrouded obscurity lost hope regaining footing steadiness reclaim footing forging ahead confidently empowered renewed sense self-worth dignity honor carried proud heads held high turning tides shifting perspectives altering narratives rewriting storylines defining legacies shaping futures become worthy targets aspiring achieve greatness grow flourish amidst uncertainty fear cast aside boldly stepping forward celebrating achievements acknowledging progress reached celebrate growth knowing boundless potential limitless possibilities lie ahead awaiting discovery exploration adventure ride waves life beautifully journey worth embarking upon inspiring others dare dream fiercely pursue passions ignite flames deep rooted desires ignite sparks brilliance shining brightly illuminating paths brightening days lives touched countless experiences enriched profoundly reminding ever grateful fortunate blessed continue walking path laid venture boldly step foot new terrain explore realms unfamiliar wide-eyed wonder seeking uncover tales untold legends forgotten rediscover whispers histories echoing through ages…
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