2025-01-29

Last Friday, I received a call from Tony Datillo at Costco, followed by a check from RXO for a little over $38,000. While I appreciate the gesture, it barely makes a dent compared to the $178,000 I have already paid out of pocket just to keep this project moving forward.

Phase 2 of mitigation concluded today, costing another $70,000 in addition to the $10,000 spent during Phase 1. Air-quality testing is scheduled for tomorrow to confirm the house is safe to re-enter. Work is set to resume on Monday, with the goal of moving back in within the next month. However, my family will still be without a functioning kitchen and sinks for at least two months, leaving us reliant on takeout and dining out — an inconvenience that adds up quickly.

In the next two weeks, I expect to spend another $120,000 to continue progress and make our home livable again. While I am fortunate enough to cover these costs temporarily, many families would not be in the same position. In those circumstances, customers may feel forced to accept far less than what is fair, simply to access enough funds to survive.

This experience highlights the urgent need for Costco and RXO to review their policies so that their members are not left to carry enormous out-of-pocket costs for damages caused during contracted installations. Customers should not have to choose between financial strain and accepting an inadequate settlement.