Legal Question in Construction Law in California

Re: General Liabilty Insurance

A contractor's policy usually only covers resulting damage. For example, if the roof was installed improperly and rain detroyed your drywall ceiling and carpet, there would be coverage. If he installed ceramic tile terribly . . . but if it caused no damage to anything else . . . there would probably be no coverage.

Coverage is a very tricky issue. You should retain an attorney - or at least consult with one before doing anything.

Re: General Liabilty Insurance

General liability policy only covers resulting damage, not bad workmanship. For example, if you contract for a new roof and it leaks, the insurance covers the water damage caused by the leaky roof but not repairs to the roof itself. However... if the contractor is licensed, he should have a $12,500 bond posted with the california contractor's board which may be liable for faulty workmanship, etc. Talk to a construction attorney. Best of luck.

E. Leonard Fruchter

Re: General Liabilty Insurance

If he has insurance that covers workmanship issues, then yes. However, contractors seldom have sufficient insurance or assets. Before spending a lot of money on a lawsuit, you need to check out the likelihood of collection. Feel free to contact me if serious about getting legal help in this.