A homeowner files a claim for a severely cracked garage floor that one of your subcontractors installed six months ago. Who is liable for the claim?

In this scenario, the contractor holds liability for the claim regarding the cracked garage floor. When a homeowner hires a contractor for a project, the contractor is responsible for ensuring that the work meets quality standards and adheres to all applicable building codes and regulations. This responsibility includes the work performed by subcontractors engaged by the contractor.

In this case, even though the subcontractor was the one who physically installed the garage floor, it is the contractor who is ultimately accountable for any issues arising from that work, such as defects or failures within a certain warranty period. This liability exists because the contractor has a contractual relationship with the homeowner and has assumed responsibility for the overall project management, including oversight of subcontractors.

Should the homeowner file a claim, it is the contractor's duty to rectify any issues (which may include addressing the claim with the subcontractor) or to compensate the homeowner if necessary. The building inspector plays a role in inspecting the work but does not hold liability for construction defects, while the homeowner's liability typically does not extend to work that they did not perform or cause.

Therefore, the contractor is the appropriate party to be liable for the claim in this situation.