I’m working on finishing my attic into living space and hired an architect to create construction drawings that are needed for the permitting process. She recommended we hire a structural engineer to inspect the current framing and determine if we need to add any additional support. During the site walk, the three of us went into the attic to inspect the floor joists. The SE was trying to see where the floor joists ended and couldn’t easily see because of the insulation so he tried to walk across the joists to get better look and misstepped resulting in him falling though my ceiling. Thankfully he caught himself with his arms but it still created a 5ftx3ft hole which I immediately patched up with some spare drywall to keep the insulation and heat from entering my conditioned space. It was an accident and he apologized, but when we followed up with our architect, she said he doesn’t feel like he should be liable to pay for the fix and it’s not good “team building” for us to expect him to pay for the fix. He said it could cost more than his fees to fix and could potentially pull out of the project. I’m getting an estimate from a drywaller I’ve worked with in the past and planning to submit his invoice but seems odd that he wouldn’t feel somewhat accountable for the damage. I imagine it will cost $500 for the drywall fix and his fees are supposed to be $1000 to stamp the drawings. Is it unreasonable to expect a discount on his fees?
NTA. He put a 5ft hole in your ceiling while on the job and his response is that fixing it might cost too much and he might pull out, that’s avoiding accountability. Check if he carries professional liability insurance, because that’s exactly what it’s for.
Thanks for the feedback, it didn’t seem like a crazy ask but the response from my architect made me think I was in the wrong.
I would find a new architect if that was her response to be honest.
NTA, did you find these people on the back of a menu? Team building, they aren’t your coworkers, you’re paying them, there is no team building.
That’s exactly what I said!
What an odd answer, they can build the team on their dime!
I have to say this though, you might want to show some grace here. And here’s why, a worker fell through my shop ceiling and fortunately he was above the mezzanine and not the ground floor. We spent the next 48 hrs hoping he stayed injury free. Thankfully he did. So with that in mind we paid for the plaster to repair. Someone else’s injury on your property can really mess you up.
That’s a good perceptive. I watched it happen and he basically just scraped his back. He walked out of the house without any visible injuries. I’m thinking about just finding a new SE, I’m afraid he will just increase his cost by the cost of the drywall. I guess in the grand scheme it’s minor, but still glad he’s not hurt.
NTA. He owes you the correction of the accident. He should have insurance. You may need to take this to small claims court, but it is his fault and his responsibility.
Is this not public liability insurance that all contractors should have? This sounds very sketch
Check what your homeowner’s insurance says about this. Or a sub of people who work in that industry who can tell you what’s typical.
NTA. “Not good team building”?!? What? Less team building, more ceiling building, please!
What a bizarre excuse not to pay for repairs. Surely they’re insured for this sort of accident? You’re absolutely entitled to have it repaired, and they should be responsible for the costs.
This man should assume responsibility for his mistake. He put his foot through the ceiling; he needs to pay. If he doesn’t I would tell everyone I know not to use him because he doesn’t take responsibility for the damage he causes doing an inspection.
Shouldn’t the structural engineer be insured for his professional activities?
Shouldnt your home owners insurance cover it?