You’re assessing the bids for your carport project, and one of the companies seems to offer an excellent deal. They’re willing to build your carport for a price significantly lower than the rest. Be wary of them.
Carport builders offering cheaper services are likely to have fewer protections. If an accident happens on your property during construction, you may lose more money than you saved by hiring them.
Learn why you need an insured builder for your carport from our Sunshine Coast builder.
The Risks of Hiring Uninsured Carport Builders
Property Damage
Regardless of how careful a contractor is during construction, there’s always a chance a builder can slip up and cause property damage.
Your carport builder’s property damage policy will financially cover most accidents. However, if your builder doesn’t have one, you might have to pay for the repairs, even though you didn’t cause the damage.
Your home insurance may cover the damage, but this differs between plans. Either way, you don’t want to be held responsible for something you didn’t cause.
Work-Related Injuries
Your carport contractor should have insurance coverage for work-related injuries. If they don’t, you may be held liable as the incident occurred on your property. Depending on the severity of the injury, their medical expenses could cost you thousands.
Fortunately for you and construction workers, the frequency of serious injuries in the industry is declining. Still, it’s better not to take the risk.
What Insurances Should Carport Builders Have?
Workers Compensation
All companies are required to have workers’ compensation insurance. It provides employees with payments to cover their medical bills and lost wages should they get sick or injured during work.
Public Liability Insurance
Public liability insurance protects both you and your contractor. If their negligence injures you or damages your property, this insurance will cover the costs. It also covers accidental damage caused by a third party.
Verifying Your Carport Builder’s Insurance
Your contractor should have a certificate of insurance from their insurance broker. Ask to see it and ensure the following:
- Your contractor’s insurance is listed under the company’s name, not the owner’s.
- The certificate was issued after you asked for it. Otherwise, you can’t be sure it’s still valid.
- They have suitable types of insurance coverage for every project.
Other Considerations
Cheaper Bids Often Mean Fewer Protections
Cheap contractor bids usually come from companies without the necessary insurance coverage. After all, they have less to pay for, so they can offer their services at lower prices. However, hiring them can end up costing you more.
There’s a good chance an uninsured contractor won’t have the proper safety equipment and training. Insurance companies don’t accept just any company to work with. They screen their clients and often incentivise them to take more safety precautions. Hiring an uninsured contractor presents a higher risk of accidents occurring.
Does Your Contractor Hire Subcontractors?
Your contractor should also ensure their subcontractor, if any, is also insured. Otherwise, you may be held financially liable for an accident that happens to a subcontractor, even if your contractor is fully insured. Require them to provide a certificate as well.
Hire an Insured Carport Builder in Sunshine Coast
You’ll get a fully-insured team working on your project by hiring Just Patios. We provide high-quality, custom carport designs and builds on the Sunshine Coast.
Get a free quote by calling us at 1300 284 531 or filling out our contact form.