Attic Fan Installation

I'm trying to get a rough idea of how much I should expect to pay to have an attic fan installed. I will be doing the wiring myself, I simply need someone to cut a hole in the roof and mount it. Thanks.

 

Other than cost, what other things do I need to be cognizant of when hiring someone to do the work? For example, do I need to ensure that the contractor is insured? That way if he gets injured (falls off roof) I am not liable? Should he have proof of insurance with him when he comes to give me an estimate?

 

Any roofer, carpenter or skilled handyman could prob do it for about $100 and take less than an hour (unless you are right outside DC). Hard part will be finding someone that wants a single job like that unless they just do it as a side job. And any side jobs wouldn't likely be covered by insurance or WC.

I also doubt unless your roof is extremely high or has a wicked pitch that anyone will set up any safety lines, so you might want to check with your insurance.

 

I am about 20 miles south of DC (why does that matter?) and the roof pitch is about 45 degrees. I would do it myself, but last time I got up there I started to slip so I gave up. Quotes I have received so far are $390 and $300, both of which are more than I'm willing to pay at this point. Couldn't I draft up a quick waiver and have them sign it stating that if they get hurt I am not liable?

 

As a general rule...the closer you are to a big city...the more expensive most any job becomes...at least until you are so far away people have to drive 20 miles just to reach your house. And as we know...nothing around DC is very cheap. Fredericksburg would be one thing maybe, but any closer (like Woodbridge) would be pricy.

That is a heck of a pitch! I wouldn't like getting up there either.

Personally...that sounds excessive on the cost, but as I said...they don't want to mess with small jobs and even if it only takes an hour, thats 1/2 a day shot unless they have something else in the area to do.

I dunno about the liability thing. If it was serious enough a lawyer could probably break just about anything you write out. Normally it won't be an issue, but I'd still call your insurance agent for a better explanation of coverage in a case like this.

 

I know I'm covered, but that doesn't mean I would be ok with a claim on my insurance because someone got hurt. I am waiting to hear back from my provider.

 

I doubt anything you have someone sign would release you from liability.

 

Why is that exactly? What about the waivers you sign when you do certain activities (bungee jumping, sky diving, rafting, etc.)? You're saying they're worthless? What's the point then?

 

Yep, pretty much worthless - they're to make you think the other party is not liable.

 

They aren't that worthless. I'm sure there some circumstances that would make the waiver unenforceable like criminal negligence. I think it would be harder to get someone to sign it in the first place. If they have their own insurance, I see no reason why they would try to make claim through yours and I wonder if they would be able to.