What are contractors responsible for damage-wise?

We're finally wrapping up our dormer - thank god!

One thing we had to ask them to pay for is Ryan's dresser. It was in our LR and one of the guys damaged it accidentally with his tool belt we guess - but it looks crappy. They said they'd buy us a new one (or reimburse us for the new one).

Another problem is the ceilings on the first floor. When they removed the roof and pulled the second floor apart we got a lot of holes in the ceiling. They came in and spackled it all up, but that's it. Now my DH will have to repaint the ceiling.

I'm wondering if we should demand they do this. We don't want to be pains to them b/c they've been good to deal with and have thrown in upgrades here and there (llittle things like shutters or better closet doors).

WWYD??

Also, anyone ever hear of a punch list? What is this?

Re: What are contractors responsible for damage-wise?

Punch list is a list of items that need to be finished up to completely close out the job - it's usually small things, or repair work. Generally, you don't want to pay them in full until punch list items are complete, or you'll have a very tough time getting them to come back to finish them.

About painting the ceiling, I do think they are responsible for it, since they caused the damages. However, if I didn't mind that much and just wanted them to finish up and get out, I might forget about it and do it myself later. Also, it's not a paint job, it's a repair, so you may not be able to choose what type of paint/color whatever just to cover up the spackling they did.

Re: What are contractors responsible for damage-wise?

If they really damaged the dresser, then I guess you can ask them to replace it.

But if they damaged it, i'd question why it was there in the first place. Were they working in the room with the dresser? If they were working i am surprised they didn't want the room emptied out.

As far as the roof goes, i would expect some damage here and there if you were doing a full dormer. They should spackle and touch up paint it. I wouldn't expect them to paint the entire ceiling.

Re: What are contractors responsible for damage-wise?

Re: What are contractors responsible for damage-wise?

Dresser without a doubt.
Spackling to fix the damage Yes

Painting I would probably just do it myself. Like you said they have given you freebies and have been good to work with, why be such a stickler for something that will take an hour or 2 to fix. JMHO.

If they are already going to be painting in other areas, then I might ask them if they minded doing that area though.

Re: What are contractors responsible for damage-wise?

I would ask them for everything, worst thing they can do is say NO. They can always have the painter paint the ceiling downstairs when he paints upstairs.

Re: What are contractors responsible for damage-wise?

If the ceiling has been painted recently then they should at least do a touch up. If it was done a while ago and the touch up will look poor, then I'm kind of torn as to who should do it. Maybe tally up all the 'free' stuff they threw in? See how much they are actually giving you and go from there?

A punch list after any job of that scale is normal and there should be nothing major on it.