Steps To Take If A Contractor Damages Your Property

When you engage someone to construct something in your house or make repairs, you expect the job to be of high quality and for that person to handle your property with care and respect.

On the other hand, a contractor can perform work that is below acceptable standards, which might result in immediate and long-term damage to your property. Accidents are possible at any time, even if you have hired a contractor who has a solid reputation.

In the event that a contractor causes damage to your property, what steps should you take next? Will they pay, is your homeowner's insurance going to cover the repairs, will you need to hire a lawyer, or will you have to pay for them out of your own pocket?

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Are you covered?

In most cases, the response is not yes. The majority of the time, accidental damage that occurs as a result of renovations, repairs, maintenance, restoration, disassembly, or remodelling is not covered by your buildings insurance or your possessions insurance.

Because of this, it is strongly advised that, prior to hiring someone to work on your house, you verify the following information:

Are they protected by liability insurance in the event that something does go wrong?

Are they are members of a recognized professional organization?

There are many websites that you can go to in order to get a recommended tradesperson. Reviews may be read to check if anyone in the past has had any issues with the company.

You also have the option of drafting a formal legal instrument, such as a contract for the work, and having the tradesperson sign it before the work commences. This will detail the scope of the job, your requirements, and what steps will be taken in the event that there are problems.

Who is going to pay?

In the event that your property sustains damage, your first step should be to get in touch with the contractor to discuss the problem with them and find out how they plan to make things right.

Assuming you worked with a licenced contractor, that person is legally required to have insurance on their business. If the damage is significant enough, a reputable contractor would either pay for it themselves or offer to submit a claim with their insurance carrier. Because of this, you will not have to worry about any more costs coming up.

If they refuse to remedy the matter, you may have no choice but to file a claim for damages in the local court.  

Talk to them

When you engage a professional contractor to undertake work in your house, you anticipate receiving work of a high calibre in return. Obviously, if there is damage, it can be a difficult circumstance to deal with. Because of this, it is essential to maintain your composure and discuss the matter with your contractor.

However, first conduct an investigation to discover whether or not the work performed by the contractor was responsible for the harm.

It is preferable to steer clear of terminology that is accusing. Instead, you should inquire about an explanation. Provide them with the opportunity to explain what transpired. It is likely that your contractor will have the same goals as you do regarding a speedy and amicable resolution to the issue.

In most cases, they will express regret and provide an opportunity to rectify the situation at no cost. The reputation of a contractor is important to their ability to make a living. If this is the case, they will be anxious to put things right and make amends with you if they are found to be at fault.

When they are found to be at fault, a respected and professional contractor should take responsibility for their errors and regard their reputation highly.