Why The Decision Between Subcontractors and Employees Really Matters
When you hire a dedicated window and door company, you might not think much about who is doing the work. After all, you shook hands with Larry and he seems like a standup guy. Other company employees are doing the installation, right?
In some cases, you could be wrong.
The company you hire for your windows and doors is important because some companies hire employees to perform the work while others hire subcontractors.
As long as the work gets done, you might be thinking what does it matter? That’s what any company who hires subcontractors wants you to think.
We’re going to cover a few reasons why you should find out exactly who is doing the work and why it matters to you.
SUBCONTRACTORS VS EMPLOYEES
First, let’s discuss the difference between subcontractors and employees. There are actually many differences that could definitely have an impact on the end result.
Let’s explore…
Security
You wouldn’t let just anyone into your home. So why would you hire a company that isn’t vetting their employees?
Now, there are reputable companies out there who do vet their subcontractors, but this isn’t usually part of the standard protocol. Because the nature of subcontracting is temporary, a company will typically skip the expensive and time-consuming background checks they'd do with an employee.
Fault and Liability
Interestingly enough, you may be responsible if a subcontractor gets hurt while doing work in your home. This is a bit of a gray area, but the company who hired the subcontractor isn’t always the one responsible for compensating the injured party. On the other hand, if the person who is hurt is an employee of the company, the injured party will receive workman’s compensation without involving you.
Slip and Fall Lawsuits
This is a problem that’s not often discussed, but slip-and-fall lawsuits happen as a result of this type of home improvement work. Again, you might assume that the company you hired is liable for their workers. But liability comes down to two things:
- Whether the workers are employees or subcontractors
- Whether the workers have worker’s comp insurance
Most states require that employers with two or more employees purchase worker’s compensation insurance. So if you hire a company that only uses employees to perform the work in your home, and there are more than two, you can bet they are covered under worker’s compensation insurance (but it doesn’t hurt to ask for proof of insurance).
Here’s a loophole you should be aware of…
A company can have worker’s compensation insurance for their employees yet hire subcontractors to work on your home. In this case, each subcontractor is working as a sole proprietor and is not required to have worker’s compensation insurance.
And here’s the danger…
You could be responsible for any injuries that an uninsured worker sustains on your property.
Always ask for proof of insurance and make sure the insurance covers whoever will be working on your property.
Quality Standards
When you met with Larry during your window and door appointment, you probably got the sense that he cares about his work. After all, you hired him. But if the company Larry works for is hiring subcontractors, there’s only so much control over their workers.
Subcontractors come and go, and it’s difficult to monitor the performance of so many workers over various jobs.
On the other hand, if Larry’s company has all employees, the company will constantly be evaluating their employee’s performance, provide feedback, and monitor for quality installation.
The employee will also have experience working with the specific brands you’ve purchased, so they’ll be well-versed in installing those windows and doors according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
WHY HIRE A DEDICATED WINDOWS AND DOORS COMPANY
When it comes to choosing who will install your windows and doors, you have quite a few options. For one, you could buy the supplies online and hire subcontractors yourself. But we’ve already explored a few reasons why that would be a bad idea. And it would be even worse for someone without industry experience to hire subcontractors because you don’t know how to direct the work.
Another option would be to hire a general contractor, but still, there are reasons why a dedicated windows and doors store is a better choice.
Let’s explore further…
Industry expertise
Subcontractors are likely to have the least amount of knowledge about windows and doors because they likely perform all types of contracting work. General contractors will have some knowledge about the windows and doors industry, but they’re also highly likely to hire subcontractors with a mixed bag of experience.
On the other hand…
When you choose a dedicated windows and doors company, you’ll be dealing with experts on every level. The sales consultant can help educate you through the buying process, so you make the best decisions. And the installation crew will likely consist of company employees who have experience with the brands and models they’re installing.
PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION
You can always expect a more professional installation from a company that works with employees over subcontractors.
Whenever you hire a dedicated windows and doors company, always check reviews. You’ll want to know how the company operates, and the best way to do this is by hearing other people’s experiences.
AAMA Certified Installers
The American Architectural Manufacturer’s Association (AAMA) certifies qualified window installation professionals, so you don’t have to guess whether someone knows what they’re doing.
Find out whether the company you’re interviewing uses AAMA certified installers. These are people who have gone through rigorous training and have a complete understanding of current standards and installation techniques.
When all is said and done, you want the best possible job with the least amount of risk, and the best way to get there is by hiring a dedicated windows and doors company that uses employees instead of subcontractors.
If you’re looking for an affordable and highly professional window and door company in the San Diego or Orange County areas, consider Newman Windows and Doors.
All installers are not only employees, but they are also InstallationMasters™ certified. Newman Windows and Doors has been a BBB Accredited Business since 1994 and currently have an A+ Rating.
Give us a call today to schedule a no obligation discovery session with one of our window and door experts. Explore all of the possibilities you may never have thought of.