Hello Mac, I can understand not wanting to get involved in some people's problems, but electricians, plumbers and other tradespeople make a good living fixing people's problems. I have examined, tested and repaired PV systems for over 25 years. Sometimes I work with subcontractors or partner up with other experts on some jobs. I have never been sued by a client or a subcontractor because I make it a point to avoid problem people.
Almost all my problem-solving work comes from phone inquiries, but some come by email. I telephone interview the prospect to determine the problem and to get a feel for how they will be as a client. I will not work for or with disturbed people or trouble-makers. I always ask who did the work and why he or she is not fixing it. The prospect's answers tell a lot about how the prospect will be as a client. If I can not do the work and know someone good who can do the work, I make a courtesy referral. If I can do what the caller wants or needs, I will tell the caller what I will do and how much I will charge. If they agree, I go to the site. If I do not feel good about the prospect or the place, I tell them I can not help them and leave. If the prospect is reasonable and I can do the work, I examine what needs to be done, show and tell the prospect what I will do, how much it will cost and the payment terms. If the client agrees, then in writing I specify the problem, my solution, list pre-existing conditions and exclusions for which I am not responsible. I also indemnify myself from any and all unspecified and undiscovered pre-existing conditions. Then I get the client to agree in writing that I will not be held responsible for the listed and undiscovered pre-existing conditions and exclusions. Then I do the work. Upon completion of the work, I show and tell the client what I did and get their acknowledgement that I performed the work that they expected to their complete satisfaction. If there are any unfinished issues, I finish them to their complete satisfaction. Then in writing, I list the work performed, reiterate the exclusions, have them sign off that the work is completed to their complete satisfaction and give them the invoice. I am thankful that many customers have become references and friends. Happy Thanksgiving. Joel Davidson ----- Original Message ----- From: mac Lewis To: RE-wrenches Sent: Wednesday, November 23, 2011 8:43 AM Subject: [RE-wrenches] Liability Hey wrenches, Wanted to see what everyone does in a case like I just encountered. I got a call from a tenant for an off-grid system installed by the landlord (supposedly an electrician). I went up there to look at the site and it was a mess. System lacked OCPDs, there were gouges in the insulation of the wires, loose terminals, nothing ran in conduit, etc... I was called up there to see why the generator was not auto starting. I got the auto start working, expressed my concern to the tenant about the workmanship and left. Now I'm wondering whether I should have touched the system at all. What would you do? Is there liability here? Thanks -- Mac Lewis "Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
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