CONNEAUT NEWS AND ARTICLE ARCHIVE... READ UP ON CONNEAUT
TIPS to keep YOU safe during your next Construction Project.
Contributed by Emanuel Schwartz
Ex Amish Construction, LLC
The snow is melting and the income tax refunds are coming in.... If you are considering replacing your roof, adding a deck or renovating your home - Here are 3 must know tips for residents of Conneaut, to protect yourself during your next construction/renovation project.....
TIP # 1 - NO PERMIT = LARGE FINES
If you are planning to work with
a local contractor to complete your
next project - ask your contractor if a permit is needed. According to the City of Conneaut the best rule to follow is call before you build... From installing a pool to building a pole barn - permits, zoning and other costly fines could occur if you do not obtain prior approval from the city.
In addition, If a permit is needed - make sure to ask your contractor if they are planning on obtaining the permit for you or if you need to obtain it yourself. Often,
permits are not included in estimates and there is a fee acquired with receiving permits. For your next project, play it safe...You can reach the City of Conneaut Building Department at 440-593-7406.
TIP # 2 - INSURANCE IS IMPORTANT
I cannot stress this simple fact enough.
Your renovation project could cost you thousands of dollars in costly repairs and attorney fees if something goes wrong on the job and your contractor does not have insurance. Protect yourself and ask your contractor for a copy of their insurance(s).
Any reputable contractor will be glad to provide you with this infomation - as they pay for this service to protect their business and their clients.
TIP # 3 - GUARANTEE IS THE WORD.
Every contractor will tell you that they stand behind their workmanship, but what does that mean if you have a problem down the road and they are nowhere to be found.
Research local companies, ask for insurance, ask for their guarantee, see if they have a website, check their references or testimonials from previous jobs they have completed.
A true professional will be glad to provide you with both references and additional information on their business, expertise, manufacturer guarantees, etc...
Remember - you pay for what you get.
A reputable contractor may come in with
a higher bid, but in the end ... it cost save you thousands of dollars.
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Domestic Workers & Coverage Gaps
Contributed by Chuck Hanson
Anchor Insurance Group
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that there are 1.5 million domestic workers across the country. But a definitive count is nearly impossible since many of these workers are in the country illegally, and many collect income that goes unreported on taxes. Thus, this number may be on the low end. There are many insurance implications for homeowners in the hiring of domestic workers. So what are the chief homeowners coverage gaps associated with this exposure for the homeowner/employer?
Standard homeowners policies typically exclude bodily injury losses under the personal liability and medical payments sections to any persons eligible to receive any benefits voluntarily provided, or required to be provided, by an "insured" under the Workers Compensation Act. State workers compensation laws can vary on this requirement. In many states, domestic employees are not covered by the Act. However, in a number of states, employers of domestic employees are subject to the Act if they employ these workers for more than a specified number of hours per week or if the employee is paid more than a specified sum over a certain period of time. In two states -- New Hampshire and New Jersey -- not only are domestic employees covered under the Act, regardless of the pay or the number of hours worked, but all homeowners policies must provide workers compensation coverage for these workers. Every time you’re in a hurry, remember just how expensive accidents and speeding tickets can be. Your coverage could even be canceled for certain kinds of tickets. Be careful to not over-control the car. You don’t always have to “slam” on the brakes or “yank” the car back onto the road. Careful application of steering, braking, and accelerator give you better control for reacting to situations as they arise. Driving is serious business. Focus on it. Don’t allow the passengers in your car to disrupt your focus. Imagine the results if an airline pilot had to land a plane with passengers screaming in the seat behind him. Always lock your car, whether you’re in it or not in it. You minimize theft and keep yourself and your passengers safer. If you have collision and comprehensive coverage, consider a higher deductible. It has two effects: 1 - it reduces your insurance costs 2 - since you share in a greater portion of a loss, you think twice prior to doing anything that would increase your chances of a loss. As your car ages, consider dropping collision (and maybe comprehensive) coverage altogether.The potential value of your older car may no longer be worth insuring.
Insurers and agents need to be aware of these laws for their clients who are apt to hire domestic workers. For example, assume John and Mary Wilson, residents of the wealthy suburb of Chevy Chase, Maryland, directly employ a domestic worker who works 8 hours every Monday at $12 per hour. The worker, who has no health insurance, suffers a serious head injury when she falls from a ladder she is using to clean the top shelf of a bookcase at the Wilsons' home.
Assume further that the Wilsons have a homeowners policy but no workers compensation policy for this worker. Maryland law stipulates that domestic workers who earn less than $1,000 per quarter are excluded from the Act but the worker in this loss scenario earns about $1,200 per quarter. Thus, the Wilsons are required by law to procure workers compensation for this worker. The Wilsons' homeowners policy, however, excludes bodily injury to domestic employees if the insured is required to procure workers compensation (which is the case in this example). As a result of this serious injury, the domestic worker's husband files a lawsuit against the Wilsons. Unfortunately, the Wilsons are now looking at a huge coverage gap.
So the best advice is to be aware of the workers compensation laws concerning domestics in your state.
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DO's & DONT's of Driving
Contributed by Chuck Hanson
Anchor Insurance Group
Our experience has shown that a significant percentage of losses occur at the hands of friends operating your car.
Need we tell you; never, ever, ever drink and drive. A sunny day is much prettier to look at than the lid of a casket (to you ….. or those you put there).
If you are involved in an accident:
Don't move your car unless instructed by law enforcement.
Take pictures of the accident scene with your cell phone if you have one.
Never admit guilt or negligence (whether you're negligent in the accident or not).
Don't lose your temper at anyone. It only makes the situation worse.
Accounting Firm - JJ Eaton, CPA
Law Firm - Iarocci Law Firm
Auto Service Center - Lake Erie Automotive
Collision Center - Conneaut Collision
Bank/Credit Union - Conneaut Savings
Bar/Tavern - Biscottis Restaurant
Salon - Blade's Salon
Caterer - Crazy Dave's Sugar Bowl
NEW Car Dealership - Greg Sweet Chevrolet
USED Car Dealership - Jim Evans Used Cars
Civic/Social Club - American Legion
Convenience Store - Circle K
Dessert - Dairy Queen
Construction Company - Ex Amish Construction
Dentist - Duane Cole, DDS
Fine Dining - Biscotti's Restaurant
Excavating Contractor - JP Construction
Overhead Doors - Plycraft
Electrician - DJ Electric
Gym - Snap Fitness
Florist - Morris Flowers & Gifts
Furnaces/Heating - Burdick Plumbing & Heating
Grocery Store - Golden Dawn
Residential Contractor - Paul Cole Remodling
Insurance Agency - Hanson Insurance
Landscaping Company - Penniman Brothers
Local Attraction - Conneaut's Beach
Local News Personality - Pat Williams
Lodging - Days Inn and Evergreen Lake Park
Lunch - Beef and Beer
News Source -Conneaut Courier
Optometrist - Albert Hoffman
Painter - Paint the Town
Pest Control Services - Orkin
Pet Grooming - Best Friends Dog Salon
Pharmacy - Gerdes Pharmacy
Pizza - Pizzi Cafe
Plumbing Contractor - Burdick Plumbing
Real Estate - Nova Star Real Estate
Fast Food Restaurant - McDonalds
Family Restaurant - Crazy Dave's Sugar Bowl
Roofing Contractor - Puffer Roofing
Siding Contractor - Ex Amish Construction
Storage Facility - Campbell Storage
Stump Removal - Borpst Tree & Stump Service
Tattoo Parlor - TNT Tattoo Parlor
Tanning Salon - Dark by Design
Veterinarian - Western Reserve Animal Clinic
Winery - Tarsitanos
Chicken Wings - JD's Pizza
Fishing Charter - Hynoon Charters
Congratulations to all of the winners!
