[Publius Valerius]

I think the clear trend in America is to award it to the homeowner since the contractor was simply an agent of the homeowner.

You raise an interesting argument about agency that I hadn't considered. Good point. I'm not sure I'm totally on board with what you're saying, but I'm beginning to second-guess.

[KJC1]

It seems like the lesson is, to be on the safe side, if someone finds a “treasure” on your property to simply say, “So THAT’S where it’s been! I thought I’d never find it!” LOL.