Walls and Ceilings - Hiring somebody - should I check insurance?

I'm going to hire somebody I found off craigslist, paying hourly for him to help me drywall a tall ceiling.

I've never hired somebody before but since it involves ladders & is potentially dangerous, should I have him sign a waiver first or something proving that he has health insurance so I don't get sued? Typically what do I have to look out for?

Your best bet is to ask your insurance agent. If this person does it for a living, he should have his own coverage. Signing a waiver may mean nothing at all legally...no lawyer, so I can't be sure.

He should be licensed and bonded with your State, and carry his own accident insurance. He may not have to have insurance on himself, just his employees. Sign a cost plus contract or an hourly contract with everything spelled out: work days, hours, lunch break time, tool useage or rental, materials, etc. If not licensed, he (or his family) could be living in your house after he dies or is totaly disabled.
Be safe, Gary

I'm hiring subs directly (the guys who will be doing the work). What kind of insurance do they need so that I won't get sued? Personal medical insurance won't cover them if they are injured on my property?

Hi red, it can vary state by state. In my state you request a certificate of insurance from his insurance company. They will send it to you directly so you know it is real. Check the minimums. Workers comp, liability, and medical coverage. I would then follow up by presenting that information to my own insurance company, since they are proficient in reading the language. As a further precaution, and I know I'm repeating other posters, have your own contract. Never pay with cash, receipts, never in advance, and watch out for mechanics liens.

You probably have a state insurance board and they probably have a web site with the does and don'ts. It doesn't matter how nice he is, it will most likely be his family facing total disaster if they can't get you to pay. As soon as you hear "you can just pay me cash and save on the price" turn and run, he is not insured and wants you to take all of the risk. Try suing someone you were paying under the table and see who gets stung:).

Being the general contractor means the ultimate responsibility lands in your lap, so know your codes and while you are talking to your insurance co, ask about some extra coverage for you and your project, like who covers the delivery guy bringing materials to your subs?

Bud

And PS, there is no insurance that can prevent you from getting sued, only coverage that you hope will protect you when it happens.