The plumber made a costly mistake that resulted in significant damage, and they’re taking full responsibility for it. Now, I’m faced with the task of arranging repairs.
During some work on my sewer line, the plumber excavated too much, causing extensive damage that’s beyond their repair capabilities. They’ve acknowledged their fault and signed a document to confirm it. Additionally, they’ve submitted a claim to their insurance.
To get this fixed, I’ll need to hire a general contractor, a concrete specialist, an engineer, and others. My main concern is how to set up the contracts moving forward. While we’ve agreed that I can choose the contractors, the question is who will be billed for their services. If they bill me directly, I’ll maintain some control, but I’ll also need to pay upfront and then seek reimbursement from the plumbing company. On the other hand, if the contractors bill the plumbing company directly, I might lose some oversight since they wouldn’t technically be working for me.
It sounds like you’re in a tricky situation, but it’s great that the plumber is taking responsibility. Here are a few options you could consider when structuring the contracts with the contractors:
Direct Billing to the Plumbing Company: You can have the contractors bill the plumbing company directly. In this case, you’ll want to ensure that the plumbing company understands this arrangement and is on board. It gives you less control over the process, but it does mean you won’t have to front the costs. To maintain some oversight, you could request that the plumbing company keeps you updated on costs and progress.
Reimbursement Agreement: You could allow the contractors to bill you initially, but draft a formal reimbursement agreement with the plumbing company. This could stipulate that they will reimburse you for the costs once you pay the contractors. While this gives you control, it also means you carry the initial financial burden.
Liaison Role: You could arrange for the plumbing company to appoint a liaison (another contractor or manager) who will oversee the work of the contractors you hire. This way, you can select the contractors while keeping the plumbing company informed and involved, allowing for some shared control.
Joint Contracts: You might also consider drafting a contract that states the plumbing company is responsible for the cost but gives you the right to choose the contractors. This could possibly encourage them to be more involved in the process while still protecting your interests.
Ultimately, the best approach depends on the specifics of your arrangement with the plumbing company and the level of trust and communication you have with them. It might also be a good idea to consult a lawyer specializing in construction or contract law to ensure all agreements are clearly laid out and protect your interests.