Hello dear forum,
I need your advice on the following matter:
Last year, I had a house built through a general contractor. The contract did not include a canopy above the front door. Therefore, this year I arranged for a local craftsman to install a canopy, which I had configured and ordered through an online retailer. The installation by the craftsman was agreed upon separately.
When the craftsman was about to start the installation, I pointed out that there were cables in the area where the canopy would be mounted. I showed him a photo of the exterior wall before the plastering, after which the craftsman proposed a slightly higher position for the canopy compared to the original plan. I then said, "OK, let's do it that way." Unfortunately, it later turned out that a cable was still drilled into.
The craftsman’s position:
He claims no fault on his part, since I instructed him to install the canopy at that position. He could not have known that a cable was also located there. He places the responsibility on me as the client.
My position:
I am a layperson and have no knowledge of the exact methods for canopy installation or the usual rules for routing electrical wiring. Therefore, I am not able to assess a sensible mounting position. I saw the craftsman’s suggestion as expert advice, which I accepted. If something goes wrong, then he is the one responsible.
Since this might involve significant costs, I would be grateful for advice, possibly including references to legal principles.
I need your advice on the following matter:
Last year, I had a house built through a general contractor. The contract did not include a canopy above the front door. Therefore, this year I arranged for a local craftsman to install a canopy, which I had configured and ordered through an online retailer. The installation by the craftsman was agreed upon separately.
When the craftsman was about to start the installation, I pointed out that there were cables in the area where the canopy would be mounted. I showed him a photo of the exterior wall before the plastering, after which the craftsman proposed a slightly higher position for the canopy compared to the original plan. I then said, "OK, let's do it that way." Unfortunately, it later turned out that a cable was still drilled into.
The craftsman’s position:
He claims no fault on his part, since I instructed him to install the canopy at that position. He could not have known that a cable was also located there. He places the responsibility on me as the client.
My position:
I am a layperson and have no knowledge of the exact methods for canopy installation or the usual rules for routing electrical wiring. Therefore, I am not able to assess a sensible mounting position. I saw the craftsman’s suggestion as expert advice, which I accepted. If something goes wrong, then he is the one responsible.
Since this might involve significant costs, I would be grateful for advice, possibly including references to legal principles.
Schimi17913 Sep 2021 09:57What can we learn from this?
Especially in new construction and the renovation/refurbishment of existing buildings, photos with marked points (scale) of the wiring are essential. This is how we proceeded during the installation of the motorized blinds and more recently with the work on the facade.
Especially in new construction and the renovation/refurbishment of existing buildings, photos with marked points (scale) of the wiring are essential. This is how we proceeded during the installation of the motorized blinds and more recently with the work on the facade.
Apart from the question of who might be liable in what way, I would feel uneasy if there was a conversation where I, as the client, said “That’s fine as is.”
The material has already been selected and ordered. I assume that means there are fixed installation points. It would have been sensible to check the conditions already at the time of ordering.
The material has already been selected and ordered. I assume that means there are fixed installation points. It would have been sensible to check the conditions already at the time of ordering.
Hi everyone,
I’m actually surprised that there is no clear experience with this here. Something like this must happen multiple times a day...
Nevertheless, thanks for the feedback so far.
- This is an official assignment, not a voluntary service.
- The cable was not visible because it was installed under insulation.
- The position was not fixed but varied in height.
I’m actually surprised that there is no clear experience with this here. Something like this must happen multiple times a day...
Nevertheless, thanks for the feedback so far.
S
Strahleman3 Sep 2021 10:39drno1234 schrieb:
Something like this probably happens several times a day... I can only speak about our neighbors. During the kitchen installation, a cable inside the wall was drilled into. The kitchen supplier came, dismantled the cabinet, and the electricians removed the plaster and repaired the cable. The kitchen supplier paid for it since it was their fault.
However, they also made the mistake of drilling directly above a socket located near the ceiling, so it’s not exactly the same case as yours.
Was there any "notification of concerns" from the installer after seeing the pictures of the cable and before drilling the holes?
Strahleman schrieb:
Was there a "notice of concern" from the installer after seeing the pictures of the cable and before drilling the holes? Yes, that’s why the drilling was carried out slightly offset.
As the client, I have to inquire in advance. In case of "emergency," final plans should be requested from the general contractor/tradesperson. Only then can one choose a suitable canopy, always taking the fixing points into account.
Bardamu schrieb:
You could verify it with a cable detector. They cost around 20 euros. Are those good enough, or should I invest a bit more and get something better/more accurate? I’m probably planning to get one.
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