Workers Comp Certificate...

AirPro

I have been in the managerial aspect of my field for over 8 years...even before I started my business, and I have NEVER been asked to provide anything more than proof of WC or exemption from a GC, even when I was running a company with 18-20 techs/installers. I have a NEW GC that is requesting certs on my employees AFTER the job is 80% done (I submitted a bill for second 40%). I wouldn't have a problem with this except for the fact that I use a payroll co. for my WC and their office is closed until after new year and I was never provided with certs!
My question is aimed at GC's... I faxed him my liability and MY exemption, is it normal for any of you to request anything further? I am thinking he is just stalling me on the payment knowing everyone shuts down for the holiday, and I can't get the certs.

Mike Finley

My sub-contractor agreement outlines exactly what a sub-contractor must provide in regard to insurance and WC documentation and lien releases before he gets final payment.

What does yours say with him?

Gordo

I will only accept certs mailed or faxed FROM the AGENT.

Just in case someone wants to do the ol' white out trick.

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Looks like some pros were here.

Double-A

Same with us Gordo. We only accept from agent. We only pay up to 40% if we don't have the certificate on file in the office. After that, we stop writing checks until the sub is in compliance with the contract.

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"My clients’ wishes are the center of my attention." -- David Guido, a contractor in Woodstock, N.Y.
New York Times, July 20, 2006

thom

We get an annual WC audit. If we don't have the standard cert, from the agency, we pay. And boy do we pay. Without the proper cert we pay WC on the entire project, not just the labor component. I got dinged on this once big time. My block contractor was without insurance for one month, the month he was putting up a building for me. I paid WC on the materials, labor, profit, overhead.

dougchips

Almost the same as Thom. If I cut someone a check and their comp cert is not valid before the check was cut, I pay the comp. If any of my subs are not current with ins+wc, they will not recieve any work. I keep all certs on file if they are needed for a job.

SMI-GenContr

I've never asked for separate certificates on my subs employees. We require one certificate faxed, emailed or snail mailed from the agent and that's it. Sounds to me one of two things have happened. The GC is trying to hold on to their cash to make their year end balance sheet look a little better. More cash in the bank always looks better. Or they are preparing for a GL/WC audit and possibly don't have or can't find the certificate you gave them.

Hopefully you were able to get this problem taken care of between Wed and today.

AirPro

No, still not fixed. He has MY WC exemption cert,my company liability cert, and all my license info.. but is demanding additional individual wc certs for my installer and helper, I have never had such a request. Of course the insurance co. is not going to help until they are back from their vacation.
This is why I was very hesitant about doing work for GC's.....most don't pay when you hand them an invoice.....but rather when it suits them. No offense to any of you guys, just how it is in my neck of the woods.

SMI-GenContr

I've never heard of a supplying certificates on individual employees. Are the installer and helper third tier subs or are they your employees? Maybe the GC is assuming they are subs.



In defense of GC's I would like to put in my 2 cents. Just because this particular GC isn't paying you as you thought he should doesn't mean all GC's are that way. I pay subs in a variety of ways. Some are as soon as the work is done, others within a few days of the invoice being delivered, others are pay when paid, except for materials which are 10th of the month. The pay when paid clause is written into the subs contract so this is no surprise to them.

I'm sure you'll get everything straightened out come Tuesday. Keep a level head and don't get angry, trust me it will get you no where; it might even delay your check a little longer.