Tree Service, ask for insurance before job?

Question

Have a huge oak tree which has roots pressing against the foundation. Want to cut it down before it causes any real problems. I did have it trimmed, and they dropped large logs onto the roof, which put a small 2 inch hole into the roof and caused a leak 8 months later once enough twigs and leaves caused the roof to allow water to pool when it rained. I had to book a flight, car rental and hotel to get down there myself and take care of the leak and a couple other issues. It was probably cheaper than hiring a roofing company, for some reason every time I try to outsource some work, no matter how small they give me insane estimates (Sarasota, FL). To install 2 security lights an electrician wanted $600, obviously cutting down a tree costs an insane amount of money, redoing the duct work for the central hvac is like $4.5k, flooring, installing a door or window or anything is just ridiculous.

Anyways, I requested a few quotes. Some came back over $5k, but I did get one at $3k, which I am considering, since it is a very large tree and they will take everything away...

Should I ask for a copy of their insurance policy before the job starts? I don't want to end up on the roof again fixing holes or shingles sticking up with debris under them...

Anyways, I requested a few quotes. Some came back over $5k, but I did get one at $3k, which I am considering, since it is a very large tree and they will take everything away...

Should I ask for a copy of their insurance policy before the job starts? I don't want to end up on the roof again fixing holes or shingles sticking up with debris under them...

Andy Luick · Answer

With tree guys, call the insurance provided to make certain it is paid & in force.  Also have them add you as an additional insured.  With trees, I would go a step further and get signed waivers from anyone working on the site.  The waivers might not be effective in FL but it will deter anyone who does get hurt on the job from suing you directly.  Don't just get pictures of the completed work.....ask for a video....almost every idiot has a smart phone with video so let them send a video of the completed work.  Just makes sense to me.

I have some property interests in that area and my ex brother-in-law runs a small handyman business in sarasota if you need someone reasonable and honest.  The problem with FL is that it's expensive for licensed contractors to do business there so the only deals will be with those operating illegally.  Just is what it is......luck!

Gregory Attaway · Answer

It's always recommended that you request a copy of the tree company’s proof of insurance prior to signing a contract. It’s best to ask specifically for a certificate of insurance with the company’s name on it; that way, you can verify that the policy is currently valid and coming directly from the insurance company. Fake insurance statements are on the rise, so this step is crucial.

Greg

Benjamin Pekarek · Answer

Also @Martin S.,

Tim Jewell is an excellent maintenance man - one of the many I use 941 237 8014 - two security lights would be in the $250-$400 land - not $600.

-Ben

Benjamin Pekarek · Answer

@Martin,

ALWAYS get a licensed and insured contractor, and ALWAYS have your landscaper pull a permit! I use three different landscapers, but for tree removal and stump grinding, I use Rick Walker and his son Adam. R.A.W. Tree Service (Rick) is 941 302 0830, and Adam's Stump Grinding is 941 993 9967. If you use my name, you'll get the discounted price, and no, I do not get a kick back.

Grind the stump out, and leave the roots alone - don't screw up your foundation with a fire - contrary to popular belief, cutting your nose off will not enhance the overall beauty of your face!

Good luck!

-Ben

Colleen F. · Answer

A permit for cutting a tree?  It isn't required here  but maybe is in your area.  In any case what is the advantage to you of getting a permit for this activity?  I am having trouble seeing what would be the purpose aside form denying the cutting.

Here they grind stumps down not burn them, is the grinding of the stump possible.

Rachel H. · Answer

Yes, you should especially if it's a big job. Good luck!

Mike Reynolds · Answer

Oh and I wouldn't try and burn it that close to your concrete. It may cause your slab to crack as it wont be able to withstand the high heat. Once saw a slab on a house that the GCs helper built a fire inside the house on the slab to stay warm. It wasn't a pretty site. (pun intended)

Mike Reynolds · Answer

My brother in law has done tree service his whole life. He is very good at it and has been lucky because he has never carried insurance. Even though I know how good he is he doesn't do my work because he is not insured. All it would take is one accident and my insurance  policy decides not to pay and I get the shaft for not hiring one with insurance.

As an aside, he doesn't charge that much less than an insured one.

Martin S. · Answer

I was planning on making a fire (with a concrete block foundry/furnace thingy) on the stump to burn it out.

One of the tree guys, who quoted me over $5000 told me that its better not to apply for permits because they may deny it and then you are really stuck with the tree. Such a high quote and he never planned on getting a permit... I don't really care, the neighbors want the tree gone too.

Wayne Brooks · Answer

As always, you want an insurance certificate, directly from the insurance agency, not a copy of a policy/certificate.  The decomposing roots will be fine, you may eventually get a small depression where the stump is, 10-20 years, or not.

Tree Service, ask for insurance before job?

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