Should HVAC company pay to repair drywall?

13 years ago

I am having a new heat pump installed in my house. Part of the job requires new wires to be ran into the electical panel. This panel is located in my laundry room with finished, painted drywall. The HVAC guys say they will try their best to snake the wires through the wall. They say it is really tight, and it doesn't look like they will have much choice. They say they may be forced to cut into the drywall so they can do this.

If they DO cut through the drywall, would it be their responsibility to repair this? Or should I expect them to reimburse me for having to pay someone else to fix it? What is the normal policy regarding this?

Also, I told them if they had any scrap copper from removing the old system, that I wanted to keep it so I could take it to the scrap yard and get the money for it. They still took some of it anyway. Do I confront them on this, or do I leave it alone? On one hand, not only did they go against my wishes, but that is also theft. On the other hand, if I confront them, then there is more chance they will do crappy work.

Any suggestions?

Thank you in advance

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Comments (7)

paul52446m
13 years ago
f you said you wanted the copper then they should have left it there. BUT all these things should have been talked over before the job was agreed on. I always tell the customer about getting wires in that box ahead of time. So until we can educate builders and home owners to leave a removable panel above and below the electric panels, we will have a problem.
Maybe some day they will start thinking and leave us a take off panel. Paul
dapoppa
13 years ago
Sheet rock repair was always something I worked out with the homeowner before making any cuts. As far as the copper, even with scrap prices being fairly high, unless they took more than 15 or 20 pounds it's not worth the argument.
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EagleEnergy
13 years ago
Hi cas66ragtop,

Rule of contracts...if it's not documented (written down in the contract) it never happened or was never understood. Communication error!?

If the installing company can't run the electric to your satisfication, call an electrician to give you an estimate, sometimes they can get it there cleaner, if not then you will know how it has to be. Maybe for an additional cost the HVAC company can also repair the drywall. It may not be the best job though...they're mechanics.

Ask the HVAC company to discount their job to compensate for the electrician doing the electric run. Each will have a different cost so don't expect the HVAC guy to discount to the level of the electrician. At least you sill have what you want (no holes in your wall)

To you Health, Comfort & Energy Savings
fsq4cw
13 years ago
This should have been discussed in detail before hand by the installer. Installers are not in the dry wall business. If you expect them to repair the dry wall, they would build it into the price along with some profit. Guess who pays? It's always cheaper if you take care of it yourself.

The fine print of the contract probably absolves the installer of any responsibility in such cases.

SR
baymee
13 years ago
Copper was $3.50 a pound for #1 this week. You can estimate if it's worth your while to take it for scrap.
cas66ragtop
Original Author
13 years ago
Good news - they did manage to snake the wires through the wall w/o damage. I am very happy. The little contract we drew up did not mention anything about drywall repair, or any other repair for that matter. I have never done this sort of thing before, and never realized something like this SHOULD be in the contract. It was always my belief that when a worker comes into your home to do repairs, they are always expected to leave things in the same condition as they were when they found them.

As for the copper....I know it was worth around $3 per pound. Someone else said as long as they didn't take 20 pounds (or $60), not to worry about it. To me, stealing is stealing....doesnt matter what dollar ammount it equates to, it still is unacceptable. I do know its better to "ignore" it happened. Had I said something, they probably would have done a horrible install. I know one little perk to being a plumber, electrician or HVAC guy means you have access to scrap copper. But if the homeowner specifies they want it, then it is not yours to take.

Thanks for the help guys. Hope you all have a great day.
brickeyee
13 years ago
"It was always my belief that when a worker comes into your home to do repairs, they are always expected to leave things in the same condition as they were when they found them."

Unless it is in writing that they will make surface repairs (and even themn it IS going to increase the costs) there are MANY repairs that result in wall or ceiling damage that a plumber or electrician is NOT going to repair.

If you want it repaired get it in writing ahead of time, and expect an additional charge.

Plumbers and electricians earn significantly more than drywall mechanics, so they are going to sub the repair out and make a profit on the subs cost.

Should HVAC company pay to repair drywall?

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Should HVAC company pay to repair drywall?

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paul52446m

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