We have a winner in our latest contractor dilemma contest!

In our last ‘What would you do?’ contractor dilemma, GC Jeremy McGuire was faced with potentially costly delays completing a new house for clients Doug and Betsy Higgins all due to Scott, an electrician whose work had failed an ESA inspection. Problem was, Scott was Betsy Higgin’s brother, and had been hired directly by the Higgins’ as a family favour.

Hindsight is 20/20
Many thought Jeremy should have either refused outright to use Scott, or included a contract clause for self- protection.  Most respondents also agreed that a special meeting with the Higgins’ was necessary to discuss the situation, and that they must bear any resultant costs for delays. It was a tricky situation requiring delicacy; reputations and relationships were at risk.

Our winning answer from Mark Bernier of Mapletop Enterprises in Minden Ontario, however, included the important suggestion that Jeremy prepare for this meeting by accurately quantifying the many extra costs involved, whether Scott the electrician continued and corrected his work or was replaced by another electrician. Mark also suggested leaving the final decision with the Higgins, pointing out that “this would put the onus of both responsibility and of the decision on the clients.”

Mark wins our prize of a DeWalt Combo Kit consisting of a DeWalt 20V MAX XRR drill (DCD791) and impact driver (DCF887). Congratulations!

Many thanks to all who responded! It is always difficult picking one winning entry, and I appreciate the time and effort everyone invested in their proposed resolutions.

There will be a new dilemma and a new contest coming in the next few weeks!
Stay tuned!

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