Damage to Your Property During Renovation & Liability

Home renovations, while exciting, can sometimes lead to unforeseen damage to your property. Whether its accidental damage caused by contractors or unforeseen structural issues, understanding liability and taking appropriate steps is crucial. Generally, contractors are liable for damage caused by their negligence or the negligence of their employees. This includes damage to your property, neighboring properties, or personal belongings. Subcontractors hired by the general contractor are also liable for the damage they cause. In some cases, property owners may be liable for damage caused by unforeseen circumstances, such as hidden structural issues or natural disasters. If there is any damage that occurs, make sure that you take photos/videos of the damage, note the date and time of the damage (although if you are using your phone to document, this will be on there) and document any conversations you have with the contractor and/or the subcontractors involved. If the contractor is willing to accept fault and take care of the damage, then you should have no problem. However, if there are concerns as to who is at fault, you may want to contact your insurance company or you may need to pursue legal action. Consult with an attorney to understand your options. The likelihood that this situation would arise is very unlikely, but it is nice to know what you should do if you ever encounter a problem like this.