using non-ins GCs, what can go wrong? - Posted by BigV
Posted by BigV on September 26, 2007 at 06:43:00:
I seriously don’t know if I’m overthinking or over -worrying about my situation, but here is the deal.
I would like to build an audition to my house. I see my neighbors doing it and they are all using cheap labor paying no more than 75K -100K (1000 sf addition to a ranch style house).
Now, when I get the cost from a builder, they are giving me 140K-160K estimates.
So, here is my question, If I hire a contractor that does not have any insurance (no liability and no workman’s comp) what can possibly go wrong?
My homeowners policy should be able to cover any disasters that happened during the construction (it will cost me about $16/mo extra during the construction period, as I technically could be doing all of the work myself).
However, what else could go wrong? if a worker injures themselves on the job (and I sure hope it never happens) and they sue me, I understand that they can only win if THEY prove their injuries are somehow the result of my negligence, correct?
So, I should be covered by having all contractors and their subs sign a waver, acknowledging that they understand the risks of the construction project, etc…
What do you think? Are there some actual cases where workers sued the owners and won?
We are talking 1000 sf addition, not some big commercial development.
Thanks.