All Forum Posts by: Rob C.

Thanks for all the responses everyone. Really helpful feedback. I think I agree now with the sentiment that it’s better to use insured contractors on high risk jobs, and okay to use uninsured for low risk jobs. When I think of high risk I think of electrical, roofing or anything else involving heights (e.g. gutter cleaning on a two story home). Anyone else have opinions on what else ought to be included in the high risk category?

@Pamela Sandberg, Thanks for raising that subtopic. My understanding is that homeowner’s insurance will typically cover *most* damages by contractors. This article summarizes my understanding: https://www.allstate.com/tr/home-insurance/contractor-damaged-home.aspx. And although it may or may not be fruitful, I suppose you could also bring a lawsuit against the contractor as a backup option if insurance doesn’t payout. Please correct me if I’m mistaken. 

From what I've read in the forums it seems that conventional wisdom here is it's best to hire only contractors & handymen that are insured. I adopted this perspective when I started as a landlord as I tend to trust the biggerpockets community at large. Now though I'm starting to question that perspective. Many of the arguments for hiring insured contractors suggest that you'll want to place a claim on their insurance rather than yours when something happens (e.g. they get injured on your property). However, isn't that part of the reason I'm paying my insurance premiums- to protect me in an unexpected event? I understand not wanting to place a claim on your own insurance and risk higher premiums, but is it really worth paying extra for an insured handyman each time just to prevent that rare situation? It seems equivalent to paying for rental car insurance even though your auto insurance will offer coverage if you get in a collision. I'm interested to hear what others here think about this counter perspective. I'm still trying to make up my mind on this matter, and feedback always helps. For what it's worth, I'm thinking about all this with regard to miscellaneous maintenance & small jobs on a rental property rather than a full rehab. Although I'm not sure that should even make a difference- does it?

Thanks @Ivan Figueiredo. Just sent you a PM

Thanks for the reply @Curt Smith. I’ll look into Gareia. I actually have a few properties in different parts of the metro area, but the primary area I’m having trouble finding a handyman in is in the City of Atlanta in Fulton County (i.e. 30318 and 30310 zipcodes). I’ll PM you also. Thanks again! 

Is anyone here able to recommend a trustworthy and reasonably priced handyman in Atlanta that is capable of minor plumbing and electrical work? Preferably one with liability insurance and workman’s comp. I’ve been having a hard time finding one that fits the bill so any references will be greatly appreciated. thanks very much in advance!

Hi @Paul Winka, did you ever get an answer on the validity of such waiver?

Ah, got it. thanks @Adrian Smude

Thanks @Adrian Smude for getting back to me and letting me know. Would you recommend any of the professionals you used? 

Thanks @Michael Plaks for the recommendation.

@Adrian Smude, did you end up going forward with this advisor? I just recently started to search for an asset protection attorney/advisor. I have one quote so far, but the offer you describe beats it by a large margin. If you recommend them, would you mind passing their contact information along to me? thanks, Rob

Thank you very much @Katie L.. The sale in my case would be to an unrelated party. Good to know I can expect half of the property tax assessed value to remain the same for my share. thanks again