Owner Builder Permit Liability

[Austin N.]

Hello BP! I am in the process of getting my plans approved for an ADU in Los Angeles County. I am considering subbing out the project myself and pulling permits as owner builder. The property already has 2 units on it with a normal landlord rental policy.

Should I pull any additional insurance going this route such as workers comp or anything else? Anything else to consider pulling permits as owner builder?

Thanks!

Austin

[Will Barnard]

Austin, I have done many, many construction projects on properties I owned as owner builder prior to getting my GC license. In Los Angeles, the owner builder disclosure forms from LADBS specifically ask you to check off and acknowledge that any and ALL persons working for you on your project will have workers comp or that you will hire only licensed contractors who provide workers comp insurance.

If you sub it out yourself, you can pull owner builder but certain items like electrical panel upgrades will require a licensed electrical contractor to pull certain tasks like this.

The advice above to speak with your insurance broker/carrier on your plans moving forward is a good one and I concur. You should certainly take a trip down to LADBS office and ask for the owner builder permit app and forms. You can then read through and see what you will HAVE to agree to in writing and what your options are for owner builder situation on your ADU.