Contractor insurance?

[taylorjm]

What is the name of your state? Michigan

I'm going to have someone drywall our new single car garage, which is required because its attached to our home and needs a fire barrier. The question is, I know of, friends of friends that are handymen of sorts and could do the job just fine. I'm not looking for perfection, since it is a garage, so I really don't care who does it. But can they sue me if they get hurt doing the job? I assume they can, so how can I protect myself? Do they have to have insurance or can I just have a letter drawn up saying that I am not liable during the project and that they agree not to sue me. I would of course prefer the letter if it's at all possible. I hate to have to find a real live contractor to do something easy like this, I just don't have the time to do it myselfe right now.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

What is the name of your state? Michigan

I'm going to have someone drywall our new single car garage, which is required because its attached to our home and needs a fire barrier. The question is, I know of, friends of friends that are handymen of sorts and could do the job just fine. I'm not looking for perfection, since it is a garage, so I really don't care who does it. But can they sue me if they get hurt doing the job? I assume they can, so how can I protect myself? Do they have to have insurance or can I just have a letter drawn up saying that I am not liable during the project and that they agree not to sue me. I would of course prefer the letter if it's at all possible. I hate to have to find a real live contractor to do something easy like this, I just don't have the time to do it myselfe right now.

Thanks,
Jeff

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My response:

Jeff, take a look at your homeowner's policy. In it, you'll read that there is, or is not, an exclusion for Worker's Compensation. See if there's coverage for "seasonal" or "one-time" or "short term" employees.

If you have trouble understanding your policy, contact your agent.

IAAL

 

[HomeGuru]

I hope the writer hires a real live contractor rather than a real dead one.
The real live contractor would know the building codes with respect to the construction of a firewall, firedoor, safety reverse for the automatic garage door etc.

 

[taylorjm]

Let me clear up something.

Just to clear up something. The garage has already been built by a local contractor, it has all the electrical run and complies with all the building codes. The last step is to put drywall on the ceiling and walls to finish and get the final inspection. I originally told the contractor that I would do this myself, but just don't have the time anymore. So now I just need someone to finish it up so I can get the final inspection done.

Jeff

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

Re: Let me clear up something.

Just to clear up something. The garage has already been built by a local contractor, it has all the electrical run and complies with all the building codes. The last step is to put drywall on the ceiling and walls to finish and get the final inspection. I originally told the contractor that I would do this myself, but just don't have the time anymore. So now I just need someone to finish it up so I can get the final inspection done.

Jeff

My response:

Actually, Jeff, that's doesn't "clear up" anything. I understand what you're saying, and trying to do. You're trying to get the job done and, perhaps, save a little money in the bargain. However, the point was made that a mere "handyman" (that you're considering to hire), will NOT know the current fire and building codes or, even if he or she does know, may not have the expertise to be able to comply with those codes.

If the drywall and the fire retardant are not built and installed pursuant to your local code requirements, the whole thing might be required to be torn down and rebuilt by the housing inspector.

And, you know what that means.

IAAL

 

[taylorjm]

Ok, back to the question.

Ok, I think things have wandered off course a little. I guess I should have been more detailed in my original explaination. The drywall has already been purchased and left by the original contractor, and once it is put up on the walls and ceiling, it will conform to all the local building codes. I appreciate everyone's concerns about complying with the codes, since that is a very important part of any construction project, but I'm completely covered on that side of it, now I just need to know what I can do to protect myself from having a handyman sue me if I have him install the drywall, instead of someone that carries the full workmans comp and liability insurance.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

Re: Ok, back to the question.

"I just need to know what I can do to protect myself from having a handyman sue me if I have him install the drywall, instead of someone that carries the full workmans comp and liability insurance."

=====================================


My response:

I have already addressed this issue.

IAAL

 

[HomeGuru]

Writer, you take the risk of becoming the worker's employer.
Too much liability if you have no insurance coverage.