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June 2012 Newsletter

 
         

    Contractor vs. Do-It-Yourself (DIY)

In our newsletters we frequently suggest hiring a professional contractor to handle repairs and/or improvements. Why? Simply stated, risk management and claim prevention. These two items alone are reason enough to hire a licensed professional to handle all building maintenance needs. 

Hypothetical situation: The toilet needs to be replaced.
 
Scenario #1 - Injury
 
Contractor – The hired professional injures their back while replacing the toilet. The claim should be made against the hired professional’s worker compensation policy.
 
Volunteer – The church volunteer injures their back while replacing the toilet. A claim is made against the church’s liability policy.
 
Scenario #2 – Faulty Work
 
Contractor – The hired professional improperly installs the toilet, which then leaks and causes water damage. The claim should be filed under the contractor’s liability insurance.
 
Volunteer – The church volunteer improperly installs the toilet, which then leaks and causes water damage. The claim would be filed under the church’s property insurance.
 
Summary:
These are just two of many scenarios that highlight the difference between hiring a professional and DIY. A hired professional is more likely to absorb claim-related and workmanship issues rather than the insured. On the other hand, a volunteer DIY project may result in an expensive claim which may adversely affect the insured’s loss history and result in greater underwriting scrutiny. 
 
Tips for hiring a contractor:
  • Obtain multiple bids.
  • Obtain multiple referrals.
  • Check with the Better Business Bureau and Attorney General’s Office.
  • Obtain proof of liability, workers compensation coverage and appropriate licenses.
  • Obtain a concise and written contract signed by both parties.

 

 
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