Location: South New Jersey
Was referred to by a contractor hired to clean water damage, claim approved by insurance adjustor, because they included they would need to tear down some walls suggested I get an environmentalist/hygienist to test for lead, asbestos, bacteria and mold as well as the house was built in 1969 and they don’t want to disturb the property if there’s harmful things in the wall.
Firstly the environmentalist and contractor seem to have known each other as they greeted each other since they were both in the home to do work on the same day which should’ve been my first red flag but hey we’re in a relatively small area they probably worked together on a few projects. No biggie
2nd red flag: no estimate given before starting work, was told the day before they would work with my insurance adjustor since I already had a water damage claim approved, remember this for later
3rd red flag: after work was done, had me sign and only the signature box shown, which I’m assuming I’m signing off that the work was completed, when the invoice was sent to me this was sent as me signing off the contract, after work was completed.
4th: the contract that I didn’t read bc only the signature box was presently shown to me also included waiver of cancellation rights, indemnification clauses, and a direction‑to‑pay authorization which again were never disclosed to me beforehand.
The invoice for this testing is a total of 5,358.29 which is outrageous for testing, the itemized invoice includes Asbestos Testing – $119.95 × 10 = $1,199.50
Lead XRF Testing – $799.99
Air Contamination Testing – $155.50 × 8 = $1,244.00
Surface Contamination Tests
$155 × 3 = $465
$249.95 × 3 = $749.85
Environmental Inspection Report – $899.95
Because I live in a fairly large home( 3820 sq ft) 6 br 4.5 ba and have an approved claim for water damage I think he’s trying to get off on me, and take advantage
Copilot suggests: 5,358.29 is high for residential testing.
A typical NJ homeowner with asbestos, lead, and mold/air testing usually pays:
$1,800–$3,200 total
I’ve informed my adjustor of this and contacted the company to dispute this invoice, has anyone ever had to dispute an invoice from illegal contractor practices in NJ and can share some insight. It’s making me question if I should go forward with the contractor who referred them as well. We’re working class Americans who are trying to make a living and it pisses me off when people try to get over. God bless and thank you for any replies made!