We Buy Houses In Baldwin Pennsylvania. As reputable homebuyers in Pennsylvania, we pay cash for houses in Baldwin to home sellers who need to sell their property as-is and fast. You’ve wanted to renovate your cramped, outdated kitchen for ages. And now – finally – you have the funds and the opportunity to do it. So you ask around among your friends and co-workers to find a contractor and then hire the one they recommend – even though you’re not aware that you need to or even how to make sure your contractor is insured in Baldwin PA. But with a huge helping of good luck, the renovation goes smoothly, and you are delighted with the results.
But it could have been different – appallingly different – if your contractor wasn’t insured and luck hadn’t been on your side. That’s why you see so many television shows now that depict the making right of botched jobs by shady contractors. You can avoid such a situation, however, by making sure your contractor is reputable and fully insured.
Difference Between Bonding And Insurance In Baldwin PA
When contractors advertise themselves as “bonded and insured,” it signifies specific protections for you as the homeowner. Let’s break down what each term means:
A surety bond provides you with coverage and financial protection in case the contractor fails to complete the project or delivers subpar and unsatisfactory work. If such circumstances arise, the surety bond ensures that you won’t have to rely on your own funds or homeowner’s insurance to cover the associated costs.
Contractor’s insurance safeguards you against potential damages and lawsuits. If any damage occurs to your home during the renovation project, you (or your insurer) will not be responsible for covering the repair expenses. Furthermore, if an employee of the contractor sustains an injury while working on your project, you will not be held liable for any related claims or expenses.
In summary, being bonded and insured offers you valuable protection and peace of mind throughout the contractor hiring process and the duration of the project.
What Kind/How Much Insurance In Pennsylvania?
Taking steps to make sure your contractor is insured in Baldwin PA is just the beginning. You also need to make sure the contractor has adequate coverage and the right types of insurance. First, would the contractor’s insurance cover major damage to your home? If, say, you live in a $1.5 million home, and your contractor’s insurance would cover only $500,000 in damages, then you probably need to keep looking. Your contractor should carry general contractor liability insurance comprising the following types/levels of coverage:
- Liability insurance – covers injury to you or your family and protects you from lawsuits.
- Workman’s Comp – protection for the contractor’s employees in the event of injury (not required in all states for smaller contractors, so you’ll need to ask).
- Property damage – covers damages to your home during the course of the project.
Steps You Need To Take In Baldwin Pennsylvania
But how, precisely, can you make sure your contractor is insured in Baldwin PA? There are several steps you can take to mitigate your risk and make sure you’ve chosen a reputable, fully insured contractor in Pennsylvania.
- Check out the contractor with the Better Business Bureau
- Check references and talk to former customers
- Have a formal in-depth meeting with the contractor before signing any contract in Baldwin PA.
- Ask to see insurance and bonding documents
- Get everything in writing – all aspects of work to be done, work milestones and payment schedule, completion date, contingency clauses, and so on.
How Does Your PA Contractor Deal With Subcontractors?
Let’s consider a scenario where you’re undertaking a remodel project that involves adding a room to your home. In such cases, the general contractor will typically hire subcontractors to handle specific tasks like framing and bricklaying. However, it’s essential to inquire about the insurance coverage of these subcontractors.
Sometimes subcontractors are brought in on a cash basis, without proper documentation of their employment by the general contractor. As a result, they may not be covered by the contractor’s insurance or bonding in case of any issues or incidents. To protect yourself, it’s crucial not only to investigate your contractor’s insurance status but also to determine how they handle subcontractors.
Make sure to ask your contractor about the insurance coverage of their subcontractors. It’s important that they have proper insurance in place to protect against potential damages, liabilities, or accidents caused by subcontractors during the project. By ensuring both the contractor and subcontractors are adequately insured, you can minimize potential risks and safeguard yourself throughout the remodeling process.
Sell My House In Baldwin PA
Knowing how to make sure your contractor is insured in Baldwin PA is crucial for any major work done in or on your home. Your local and professional Pennsylvania home buyers can also be a good resource when you’re checking out contractors or if you are looking to sell your house in Pittsburgh.