Problem
One summer storm was all it took to send a five-ton oak crashing through Erica and Nick’s house in Annapolis, Maryland. The tree crushed half of the structure, and the home quickly filled with water, glass, and debris. In a matter of minutes, the place they loved was unrecognizable.
The repair estimate? Nearly equal to the value of the home itself. Seven restoration companies turned the couple away, unwilling to take on a project of this magnitude and complexity. For Erica and Nick, the outlook felt grim.
Solution
That’s when a referral changed everything. A contractor told Erica, “I’d let Bob fix my house. And tell him I said hello.” It was the opening they needed.
RA Hyman stepped in not only as a builder but also as a steady hand during a challenging time. Displaced from their home and frustrated by a complicated insurance process, Erica says the RA Hyman team became a “light during dark times.”
Bob worked tirelessly: rewriting scopes of work, pushing back against the insurance company, and ensuring Erica and Nick understood every step to maximize their claim.
Erica says the rest of the team also left a lasting impression. “Anthony was incredibly knowledgeable in his trade. His attention to detail was unmatched, and he was always honest about what was possible and how long it would take. And Tralina has a heart of gold. She knew how to build a relationship even when she had to deliver tough news.“
“The shining light in all of it was working with Bob and his team. Bob truly cared about us and the outcome of the project. His goal was to get us back home – not just make a dollar.”
Outcome
In the end, the damage proved too extensive for insurance to cover in a way that would allow the home to be saved. Erica and Nick made the difficult decision to sell their property as a distressed sale. Even though the house couldn’t be saved, Erica and Nick say the experience with RA Hyman was unforgettable. The care, persistence, and character of RA Hyman turned a tragedy into a relationship they’ll never forget.
“Our case was unusual and ultimately unsuccessful, but the business conducted and the relationships developed were something we will not forget,” Erica says. “Bob and his team have the knowledge and the ability to connect with clients in times of tragedy, which says everything about their character as a company and as individuals.”
