New home taking shape for Cecchinatos

NORTH CANAAN — A sage-green Cape Cod home is under construction on Lower Road. The pre-built house was dropped on a foundation last month and workers were busy putting on a roof before the predicted snow.

It is a strikingly handsome home that is worth so much more than its intrinsic value. It replaces the home John and Nancy Cecchinato lost April 21 when their water heater exploded in the basement.

The best thing that happened was John survived a very close call without a scratch.

Maybe the worst thing that happened was the home was not completely destroyed: The fire caused more smoke damage to the 150-year-old home than anything else (thanks to the quick response of volunteer firefighters).

The nightmare that followed was one of paperwork and insurance issues. Despite a great policy and agent, the Cecchinatos discovered how difficult starting over can be. The right decisions are difficult to determine when the options are unclear.

The couple finally made their own decision to take what the insurer offered for replacement coverage and not risk an "iffy" restoration. They purchased a modular home and expect to move in next April.

Foundation stones were rescued from the demolition. The new home is set back much farther from the road than the old. The stones will be used for a retaining wall in the front yard.

They also plan to write a book to help others deal with "the system." At a time when one needs support and guidance most, the system works in the opposite direction, they have said. They hope to also instigate changes in the way insurance benefits work.