A Florida family's dream kitchen upgrade turned into a costly nightmare after a botched Costco refrigerator delivery flooded their home. Bradley Byrd, who purchased a $3,500 fridge with installation in November 2024, now faces $700,000 in damages due to a faulty water line setup.
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The incident, caused by an uninsured third-party contractor, has left the Byrd family displaced and battling for compensation, as relayed by the Daily Mail.
On December 2, 2024, the contractor delivered and installed the refrigerator. Six hours later, Byrd's daughter called in a panic. "Dad, the house is underwater," she said via FaceTime, according to News4JAX. Water gushed from an improperly installed supply line, flooding the home. Byrd explained that the contractor failed to coil and secure the water line behind the fridge.
Instead, they left it under the appliance, where the refrigerator's wheels cracked the line, causing extensive flooding.
The water damaged furniture, electronics, and structural elements across the first floor. Video footage showed Byrd wading through ankle-deep water. "We had the Christmas tree up, presents wrapped," he said. "Then, days later, we had to leave."
Air quality tests revealed high moisture levels and mold, rendering the home unlivable. The family relocated, and their residence now resembles a construction site, lacking a functional kitchen or bathroom.
Florida Family's Costly Repairs
Byrd estimates repair costs at $700,000, including $360,000 for structural damage, $76,000 for ruined personal property, $78,000 for alternative housing, $117,000 for litigation and storage, and $72,000 for professional services. He has already spent $300,000 on mitigation, testing, and moving belongings to storage. Costco offered a $38,000 no-strings payment, which Byrd accepted, but he rejected their $175,000 settlement offer. "They dropped the ball and expect me to drain my life savings," Byrd said.
Neither Costco nor the contractor, hired through a third-party logistics firm, has fully covered the damages, Byrd claims.
He launched a website to document the ordeal, detailing expenses to restore the home to its pre-flood condition. "These are costs to make us whole, not a penny more," the site states, excluding any upgrades.
Ongoing Struggle and Resilience
The Byrds returned to their Florida home in March 2025, still grappling with an unfinished space. The family's ordeal highlights risks with third-party contractors and corporate accountability.
Costco has not issued a public statement, and the contractor's insurance status remains unclear. Byrd continues to pursue compensation while rebuilding his home and life.
