HVAC installer left 2' crack in ceiling...what's fair to ask in compensation?

[vi edit]

About 2 weeks ago my HVAC completely shit the bed. It's a 22 year old system and it was completely dead. Coil was cracked, compressor was locked up, it's dead Jim!

Had quotes come in and went with one that fit my needs the best.

So last Wednesday the HVAC guys came in and installed the system. I've got two units, one in the basement and one in the attic. This was the attic system. They needed to run new set lines outside that required them to walk across the attic.

I didn't notice it the day of the install...or even several days since it was a guest bedroom that we hardly go into. My wife was doing cleaning this week and found this in the ceiling:

https://hen6qa.dm2302.livefilestore...uxJo2kgWfwA/IMG_20140730_204117516.jpg?psid=1

I'm guessing they missed the joist and put their foot right on the drywall. Not sure if they would have even noticed they did it.

Shit part is that it's not on joint. Can't just tape it, mud it and sand it easily. With the way it cracked it tore the paper coat in a very jagged fashion in the middle of a board. Can't sand that down or else you wear through the paper and leave a mess. More like cutting out that section and scabbing it in. Which is a pain in the ass.

So what say you peeps of ATOT...how should I approach this? I'm not sure I really want them sending in a contractor of their choice and doing something as cheap as possible. But not sure what is really realistic either.

As far as deflecting blame, we bought the place two months ago and had an inspection done. That would have definitely shown on the inspection and would be happy to provide that to them.

 

[NutBucket]

At least you didn't have to pay for it out of pocket, right?

 

[Ns1]

I see a skylight in your future.

 

[Markbnj]

This exact thing happened to us. The installer was a pretty large, reputable firm in the area. Guy put his foot down between the rafters and pop. They paid for the cost of repair and new paint, no questions asked.

Btw, I think they are insured against stuff like this, which is probably the main reason they were so good about it.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I'd get 2 or 3 quotes from vendors to fix the issue and then call the AC vendor and ask them to pay for it.

 

[Red Squirrel]

That should buff right out.

On serious note, I'd mention it to them nicely and ask if they can pay for it. Usually contractors are good about that.

The guy doing my weeping tiles accidentally hit my gutters with the excavator and dented part of it in, was not a HUGE dent but he actually got a company to come in and fix it and paid them in full. They even fixed some drip edge around the same area that was not related to the damage.

 

[imagoon]

Really simple to fix. If they want to have a pro do it no issue but pretty simple. Cut it out square, use a small 1 x 1 or 1 x 2 board cut to fit. Screw board in to existing dry all to make a "joist" screw patch to that mud trim fill sand, repeat as needed and paint.

 

[Greenman]

Very easy repair. I'd do it without removing the drywall, less mess that way.

 

[postmortemIA]

I hope you hired insured contractor.

 

[Drako]

I hope you hired insured contractor.

And bonded.