Start by understanding what WSIB and General Liability Insurance Are
Homeowners should always check references and past work history before hiring a contractor or painter. No one wants to end up with a bad renovation. However, many fail to verify if a contractor is insured and covered by WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board or Workers Compensation). That mistake could end up costing you WAY more than a bad renovation.
Is it Important Your Painter has (WSIB) and General Liability Insurance Coverage?
Injury and insurance coverage might seem like an afterthought, but ponder these statistics and you’ll quickly learn it’s much more of a problem than you might think.
- In Ontario alone, 2 out of 3 painting contractors ARE NOT insured by Workers Compensation (WSIB)
- 39% of General Contractors in Canada DO NOT have General Liability Insurance Coverage
- The last year in Ontario, there were 22,000 injuries, with 12 resulting in death
Statistics also show that the smaller the Toronto painting contractor the more likelihood of a claim. Contractors with annual revenues of under $1 million averaged five claims per year.
So how could that end up costing you? If a worker suffers an injury on your property and the painting contractor doesn’t have coverage by WSIB, the cost could come out of your own pocket.
- Uninsured homeowners could PERSONALLY be responsible for a worker’s injuries that occur while they are working on their property.
- In the absence of proper coverage, the homeowner’s insurance policy becomes the primary insurance. It will cover ALL medical, lost wages and injury expenses.
- If the homeowner knowingly hired an unlicensed contractor, their insurance company has the right to deny the claim putting any medical and personal injury bills on the homeowner.
Along with injuries, if a painting contractor has General Liability Insurance it also covers you from any property damage (your property and your neighbours) that occurs during a renovation. Again if the contractor lacks insurance, the financial burden of any damage will fall on YOU. That is why it is fundamental to follow and share these painting contractor tips with anyone who is looking to do a home renovation.
The Hybrid Balance of Safety and Accountability
A reputable painting contractor will maintain a harmonious balance between rigorous safety protocols and comprehensive insurance coverage. It’s about more than just fulfilling a legal requirement; it’s a demonstration of professionalism and a commitment to client welfare.
When soliciting bids for your project, a painting contractor’s insurance credentials should be as much a comparative factor as pricing and portfolio quality. It’s advisable to request proof of insurance and to possibly consult with your legal advisor or insurance agent to validate the adequacy of the contractor’s policies. This due diligence fosters a disciplined hiring process and ensures a calculated approach toward risk management.
Trade-offs and Considerations
As clients navigate hiring painter decisions, there may be a temptation to prioritize cost savings over insured contractors. It’s essential to recognize the potential pitfalls of this approach. A marginally lower bid from an uninsured contractor can be eclipsed in no time by the cost and liability associated with an accident on-site. Investing in a contractor with full insurance coverage is a preemptive measure toward a controlled and secure painting project.
Painting Contractor Tips You Can Control
Now the insurance of a paint company is ultimately out of your control. But do not fret. Here are some painting contractor tips that you can use to your advantage, which are totally free of cost!
- Be upfront with your projections. The amount of prep needed is a large factor in determining the cost. You must be completely honest with your contractor and what your desired outcome is.
- Google online reviews of the painting contractor. This will help you gauge the legitimacy of the company you may hire.
- Take advantage of getting a free estimate. Almost all contractors should give potential clients a free estimate; use this to your benefit when comparing prices.
- Account for longevity. One of many pro painting contractor tips is to look at the history of your potential contractor. The longer they have been around, the more legitimate they usually are.
The Most Essential Painting Contractor Tip
Saving the best for last, the most important tip to consider is to take into consideration the timing of the job and the square footage of your house. These two factors will always differ for each painting contractor, one may charge more for a larger house than the other. Some contractors can get the job done faster with no premium charge, while others will charge you extra.
In Conclusion
Selecting a painting contractor with both workers’ compensation and general liability insurance is not an area to compromise. It’s a reflection of quality and integrity, safeguarding all parties from the inherent risks of the job. By choosing wisely, your project will not only boast the desired visual appeal but will also be underscored by a foundation of safety and liability awareness—a paramount construction trifecta of functionality, aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness.
In your pursuit of painting perfection, allow the presence of comprehensive insurance coverage to colour your decision with confidence and professionalism.
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Here at Home Painters Toronto we have over 36 years of experience and have dealt with countless unique individuals and their homes. Did this help inform your decision as to who you should hire when looking for a painting company? There is so much to think about in terms of finding the right painting contractors for the work you need to be completed. Let our professional house painters handle everything! Call 416.494.9095 or email Brian@HomePaintersToronto.com for a FREE quote. And don’t forget to visit us on social media (below) as well!
