One of the most critical components of a successful home remodeling or renovation project is having a clear, detailed contract with your general contractor. It can mean the difference between completing a job that you’ll be happy with for years to come and one that ends up being a costly nightmare. As you draft your agreement, keep the following points in mind as it will safeguard you, your finances, and your property:
Licensing
Make that your contractor has all necessary permits to carry out specialist work, such as electrical or plumbing, as well as any permits needed to comply with your city’s regulations. Request that your contract contains the license numbers and details.
Insurance
You can ask that the contractor’s insurance information be included in the contract even though the proof of insurance paperwork may not be annexed to the contract itself. To ensure that any contractor you choose has the right level of liability insurance for your region, find out what that amount is.
Scheduling
On a home remodeling project, haphazard scheduling is one of the most frequent sources of issues. You should still have a timeline stated in your contract even though minor delays are almost expected to happen and delays caused by weather or a lack of materials may not be avoided. The planned completion date and significant checkpoints along the road are crucial dates to add.
Work scope
You can better manage time and money by defining the scope of the work that needs to be done. The task specifics list may be brief or large, depending on what your project comprises. Compared to the extent of work required for a simpler activity, like having new flooring placed, the work for a room expansion that calls for numerous different subcontractors will be far more in-depth. Make sure everything is documented before you start any project, regardless of its type. Specifications for the materials, finishes’ types and colors, cleanup standards for the site, descriptions of who is in charge of getting the various permits and licenses, and much more could be included in the details.
Payments
Your contractor and you will agree on the due dates for payments if you have a written payment schedule, which will take care of any billing issues. Payments ought to be based on reached benchmarks, percentages of completion, or the delivery of goods like new windows or carpeting. You should never pay in full for an unfinished project, regardless of how you decide your timeframe.
Warranties
All trustworthy tradespeople who perform work for clients typically provide a warranty. Make that the warranty provided by your contractor outlines what is and is not covered, as well as the duration of the various coverages before you sign a contract.
Choose a pre-qualified contractor to provide you peace of mind
Because it can take so long to compare the credentials of different contractors, many homeowners just hire the first contractor they speak to instead of going through the complete process. Sadly, this can leave you defenseless in the face of dishonest builders or subpar construction. We’ve completed every step of the verification process at Elizabeth Remodeling Company for your peace of mind. Every contractor in our network has had their experience, licensure, insurance, and qualifications confirmed, so you can be sure you’re working with a reputable provider. Entering your ZIP code above will connect you with a competent contractor who can provide you with a free, no-obligation quote for your home remodeling job.
