The Risks of Hiring a Side Jobber
As a professionally run business, it’s easy to question the value of employees doing side jobs. One concern is that side jobbers take work away from established companies and their teams. Another is that, without the overhead costs of a legitimate business, they often create unrealistic pricing expectations for customers. However, beyond these business concerns lies a much bigger issue, risk to the homeowner. When you hire a tradesperson on the side, you are not getting the full protection you might assume comes with professional service.
Lack of Insurance and Legal Risks
Side jobbers typically do not operate under a formal business structure, which means they often lack proper insurance coverage. If they are injured while working in your home, they have the legal right to sue you.
Why Worker’s Compensation Matters
These claims are not limited to medical expenses. They can include lost wages and even compensation for long-term injuries, potentially reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars. Licensed contractors, on the other hand, are required to carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance. This protects homeowners from being held financially responsible if a worker is injured on their property.
Property Damage Without Protection
Another major concern is property damage. Side jobbers generally do not carry General Liability Insurance. If something goes wrong, such as a fire or a water leak, you may refuse to pay them, but that won’t cover the cost of repairs. Professional contractors carry liability insurance specifically to protect your home and investment. In the rare event something does go wrong, you are not left paying out of pocket.
The Biggest Risk: Safety
Safety is the most serious concern of all. While most side jobbers may have good intentions, they often lack accountability. They don’t have a company reputation to uphold and may not return to fix issues if something goes wrong. They may also be overworked or rushed, increasing the chances of making a dangerous mistake, one that could put your family at risk.
A Real-Life Incident in Skokie
Earlier this winter, an apartment building owner in Skokie hired a side jobber to inspect a furnace in one of the units. That same evening, six people became seriously ill. Three were hospitalized, and a two-year-old child nearly died due to a carbon monoxide leak. The situation could have ended in tragedy. It was only by chance that one family member stayed awake late, noticed something was wrong, and called emergency services.
Who Is Responsible?
Although no lives were lost, the consequences for the building owner may be severe. The affected family may pursue legal action, and while the owner can point to the side jobber, the lack of insurance leaves her exposed. There is also a possibility that her own insurance company may deny coverage, citing failure to hire a licensed and insured contractor. This could result in devastating financial losses, potentially even the loss of the property itself.
Is Saving Money Worth the Risk?
In this case, the homeowner may have saved only a small amount of money upfront, perhaps a few hundred dollars. But the potential financial and legal consequences could reach into the hundreds of thousands. The reality is simple: the money saved today by choosing a cheaper, unlicensed option can cost significantly more in the future. And in the process, you may also be compromising the safety and well-being of those in your home.