Hey guys, so do any of you have EVERY client sign a waiver before performing any work? For example whether your doing a CCU job where there will be a lot of scraping/debris on the window,or whether your doing just a normal residential or store front weekly clean where your useing just a scrubber/ squeegee do you get a scratch waiver and a pre existing scratch or damage waiver signed? Do any of you do this? I feel like this would be a good way to really reduce liability.
For example we all know razor blades won’t scratch glass and we know a scrubber and squeegee won’t eaither. Let’s say you go to a store front and wet the glass, buff it a little with bronze wool, and than squeegee it all off and than leave. Nothing you did caused any scratches but 3 days or a week later the owner calls you and say he noticed scratches. Now your liable for something you didn’t do one of the hundreds of customers that shop at the store who come in contact with the glass could have scratched it, the glass could have been scratched for years and he’s just noticing it now. However because you touched it last your liable.
If you had a waiver signed basically saying your free for all and any possible damage than you wouldn’t be liable do any of you do this? it is it possible? Meaning would customers actually sign it.
For residential i have the customer sign the terms and conditions before starting and then sign when the work is complete that they are happy with it. No problem so far.
I only do the waiver if I’m going to take a blade to the glass. Before that happens though, I let the customer look at what I’m looking at that might need a razor (paint, stucco, etc.). Then I give them the choice to have me scrape it off after collecting their signature on a scratch waiver, or just leave it and keep moving. Most times they say just don’t worry about it.
If someone is going to blame you for an old scratch, they will have to be prepared to PROVE it was you or else your insurance ain’t gonna pay them squat.
I generally don’t waste my time with it on every job. I generally work around it. If I had employees I probably would have a general information clause in my estimates where they sign to accept the work and agree to the terms which would include a scratch waiver.
What are your terms and conditions? What do you advise them of? And as far as the two different types of scratches looking different, where can I learn more about that/ see pictures as I’m a beginner and don’t have much experience on scratched glass.
Well this isn’t totally correct.
in 2015 the GANA and IWCA both released statements that razor blades were not longer an approved method of removing debris from tempered glass as they are highly likely to damage the surface, so if you are disregarding manufacturers care and cleaning instructions no matter what kind of waiver you have it will lose in court…
There is still a high percentage of window cleaners who feel this doesn’t apply to them coz they have been doing it this way since… who cares lol it doesn’t matter
At the end of the day if your waiver contravenes the manufacturers instructions then you have no leg to stand on legally.
Along with cleaning instructions the manufacturers also have care instructions the builders are the ones who need the educating as he care instructions clearly state that the class should be covered during construction to prevent debris that required aggressive cleaning methods.
If you have those them you need to use chemicals that break the bonds of the debris so that they are easier to remove with steel wool and scrubby pads, it does take about 5 times longer so you need to charge accordingly and educate he builder that if they want to lower the price hey need to cover the glass.
And no @Phileepoo… the BLADE cannot be used on temped glass no matter if you stick it in between you squeegee… you are contravening the manufacturers instructions if using on tempered glass.
