This Hold Harmless Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by Patricia & Glenn Mercer (the "Homeowner") and Dale Hartman ("Contractor") in connection with the general maintenance and repair work — including interior painting, drywall patching, and minor fixes — performed at the Homeowner's property (the "Work"). The parties agree to the terms below.
The Contractor performs the Work as an independent contractor, not as an employee or agent of the Homeowner. The Contractor controls the means and methods of the Work and is responsible for their own tools, supplies, and any helpers they engage.
The Contractor understands that repair work carries inherent risks — including ladder and fall hazards, cuts and tool injuries, dust and fumes from paint and patching compounds, electrical contact, and slips on the property — and accepts responsibility for working safely and using appropriate protective equipment.
The Contractor agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Homeowner from any claim, loss, damage, or expense arising out of the Contractor's performance of the Work, including injury to the Contractor or their helpers and damage to the property caused by the Contractor's negligence. The Homeowner is not responsible for the Contractor's safety, supervision, or workers' compensation coverage.
To the extent permitted, the Contractor releases the Homeowner from liability for injury, illness, or property loss arising out of the Work, except for harm caused by the Homeowner's own gross negligence or by an undisclosed hazardous condition known to the Homeowner and not reasonably visible to the Contractor.
The Homeowner grants the Contractor reasonable access to the property to perform the Work, including the agreed provisions below. The Contractor will secure the property when leaving and is responsible for any keys or access codes provided.
Access window: 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. A spare key will be provided for the duration of the Work and returned on completion. The Contractor may work unaccompanied ("solo") and may enter after hours only with the Homeowner's advance approval. Emergency contact during the Work: Patricia Mercer, (919) 555-0142.
Each party has read and understands this entire Agreement, including the hold harmless and release terms above, and signs it freely and voluntarily, intending it to be binding on themselves and their successors.