Path-Q Solar

How should a small business compare installers when one can coordinate with its landlord and the other requires the business to manage building approvals?

Answer

Treat landlord coordination as a meaningful scope difference, not merely a convenience. Compare the installers on exactly which approvals they obtain, what they guarantee, what remains the business's responsibility, and whether the added coordination cost reduces delay and contract risk.

Key points

  • Require a written responsibility matrix covering landlord consent, structural review, roof access, insurance, permits, utility applications, and restoration.
  • Confirm whether the installer communicates directly with the landlord or only supplies documents for the business to submit.
  • Compare schedule assumptions, approval contingencies, change-order treatment, and consequences if approval is denied.
  • The installer handling coordination should identify the person responsible and provide copies of submissions and approvals.

What it depends on

  • Lease requirements and landlord approval process
  • Building ownership and authority structure
  • Scope of permits, engineering, and utility approvals
  • Installer experience with similar leased properties
  • Contract allocation of delay and approval risk

Risks and trade-offs

  • A coordination service may be priced into the quote or limited by exclusions.
  • If responsibilities are unclear, the business may face delays, duplicate work, or landlord disputes.
  • The installer cannot guarantee an approval controlled by the landlord or authority unless the contract clearly states the relevant contingency.

Information you may need

  • Lease and landlord approval provisions
  • Detailed scope and exclusions from each installer
  • Approval timeline and deliverables
  • References for projects on leased buildings
  • Change-order and cancellation terms

Your next step

What to do next

Ask both installers to complete the same written approval-responsibility matrix and obtain the landlord's confirmation of the required process before comparing final prices.

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