Who to set up a handyman business as the general contractor?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Who to set up a handyman business as the general contractor?

I offer handyman services but don’t have an actual company. I want to get subcontractors to completely take care of my clients’ jobs. I want the subcontractors to be completely reliable for the job. I would basically be a middle man. I want to give the impression to the clients that I will be assisting with the job, even though that’s not necessarily the case. If client requires something in writing, what can I give them that would appear that I’m responsible and not show that a subcontractor is actually liable for the job?or that there is even a subcontractor involved? Also, what contract do I give to my subcontractors to make them liable and prevent them from stealing the jobs?

Asked on August 19, 2013 under Business Law, Georgia

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 10 years ago | Contributor

What you propose is fraud--consummer fraud; you are proposing to lie to customers about who is responsible for the job. That sort of material (or important) misrepresentation (or lie) is fraud and can result in considerable liability. Do NOT lie to your customers about who will do work or is responsible for it.

You can have your subcontractors sign "nonsolicitation" and/or "noncompetition" agreements, under which they agree to not take your customers or do work for them other than through you. You can also have them sign indemnification agreements under which they will agree to reimburse you for any costs or loses/liability you incur due to their actions. You  can and should require them to have insurance; prove they have insurance; and name you as an "additional insurered," or someone else covered by their policy.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption