I'm in a tough position.

[Buoy]

I know I haven't been around much lately, but I also know when I'm questioning certain things, we can have a good discussion/debate/arguement(civil) on questionable topics.

I have a customer that called me, and wants me to remove an item from their home (a PERMANETLY installed item) because the home is being foreclosed, and they want to take it with them.
Ethically/Morally, I'm having a problem with this.
My argument is - this isn't a cheap item (~$1200-$5000+). And it is an add-on, non-essential item to the home.
In my opinion, this PERMANETLY installed item is now a part of the home. The owner spent $$ on this that they could have used to make the mortgage, instead of having the bank REPO now. I feel the item now is part of the home, and belongs to the bank now (at least ethically/morally).
I'm open for debate - or if anyone that wants discuss has further questions of the circumstances.

 

[insanity]

If it's removable, how is it permanently installed?

I would say best not to get involved, say you are too busy. I'm not one to usually side with the bank, but at the same time if these people shelled out the jack for whatever this thing is they want removed, then the money would have been better suited paying the mortgage.

If they want to strip the house before they leave it, tell them to do it themselves.

 

[Donskihp]

Iv'e seen local foreclosures where people and stripped out comodes,stoves, dishwashers,sinks, and even waterfountains in there front yard. It really sucks when you owe more on your house than its worth,however the bank did not ask you to buy that big house,or tell you how much to pay for it. People need to take responsibility for their own finances. Typically refergerators are not included in home purchases,but more expensive refergerator like sub-zeros which are built into a cabinet would become part of the house. Bottom line if you feel its wrong to remove the item it probably is!

 

[fund razor]

I see helping them strip the house as being a party to dropping the values all over town. I would also be too busy to help strip a house.

At the end of the day, what is the difference between taking that item and taking the windows?

I see that as the same as asking the plumber to come strip the copper pipes.

 

[Tony]

Lets back up a minute. Tim, what exactly is it that you do for a living? And what exactly is it that they want removed?

 

[fund razor]

He's a carpenter/contractor.

 

[Tony]

One who only does new installs.

 

[Wardey]

Once an item is attached to a structure, it becomes part of that structure and it legaly can not be removed. Just like if a customer does not pay for say a service upgrade, I can not go back into the home and rip the service off the wall. I have to do it by the courts. Sucks but that is the way it is.

 

[BBB725]

I would not get involved.

My guess, they want the central air removed

 

[Bobcat]

I'm thinking indoor swimming pool!:bump:

 

[fund razor]

High dollar chandelier. Or a hot tub.

 

[BUIZILLA]

If it's removable, how is it permanently installed?

I would say best not to get involved, say you are too busy. I'm not one to usually side with the bank, but at the same time if these people shelled out the jack for whatever this thing is they want removed, then the money would have been better suited paying the mortgage.

If they want to strip the house before they leave it, tell them to do it themselves.

can't argue with this logic.. :USA:

 

[drpete3]

My advise too would be to steer clear. But, lets say it is a chandelier. What if it was removed and a lower cost unit was installed? Then what would you do?

 

[Ratickle]

Only you can answer your own question.

If it is an item which is truly part of the structure, it stays if there is no sentimental value, (ie; Grandma's Chandelier). If it is something like a big, built in, large screen TV, it's theirs to take if they wish and do not destroy the home's value.

 

[Buoy]

If it's removable, how is it permanently installed?

There are parts that need to be destroyed to remove it. Think kind of like the fuel tank in my Pantera has No access through the floor, so if I wanted to replace it, I'm cutting open the cockpit floor.

Lets back up a minute. Tim, what exactly is it that you do for a living? And what exactly is it that they want removed?

I work for a Co. that custom builds and installs ornamental iron, biggest part of the biz is security doors that are very decorative. It's a big thing out here.
The doors are built for security (we recently had one come back for repair that the Police couldn't get through - it was beat to hell, but never breached).
The item in question is a custom built door that is mounted to the home with One-Way 6" lags. The only tool to remove them is a grinder.
Hope that clears up any questions.

 

[Bobcat]

Do they say MC Hammer on them?

 

[Donskihp]

You could say its safe to leave it in the house

 

[Buoy]

I guess the thing is, I work for the Co., so in the end I have to do what they want me to do.
But, I just started this discussion because if the Co. is telling me to do this, and I feel it is wrong/against my ethics - am I wrong for feeling this way?

Compare it to... If a boat is going to get repo'ed, and you start stripping it before repo...

I'm no Saint, but as I'm getting older, and I see the current state of our world and the way people treat each other, my outlook has changed in many ways.
It seems that in many ways the guy that is shaking your hand is also about to plunge a knife in your back. I've recently seen it happen amongst "friends".

In a biz transaction such as this, I feel it makes me the facilitator, I'm just the guy that is making the option available.

I have had this scenario pop up a few times now, and have always been uncomfortable with it.

 

[Buoy]

I guess to summarize...

I have a previous customer that is now phucking the bank on their mortgage.
They feel slighted, and feel like the bank is phucking them.
They are going to take whatever they can, and now the bank (that already owns the depressed property) is going to lose even more of the value of the house.
I'm not a big fan of banks, but I'm also not a big fan of the "Robin Hood" idea either.
I am a big man on keeping your word, and sucking it up if you phuck up.

 

[fund razor]

I don't know why I was thinking you were working with wood.