If you are thinking about hiring a contractor, then you should check out the ten tips listed in this Houzz article: What to Look for in a Contractor’s Contract (written by Kenny Grono of Buckminster Green). The tips are just a starting point, but they will get you thinking about the important issues before the contractor starts working on your house.
10 Things to Look for in a Contractor’s Contract
- The contract
You’ll regret not having a contract if one of you forgets parts of your conversation - A physical address
Ask to drop off the deposit at the physical location listed on the contract - License
Check to see the contractor has the license required for the work being done - Insurance
Check with your locality for the proper amount of liability insurance - Scope of work
There are many details to get right in a renovation, so write everything down before work starts - Duration of work
Having a timeline will help calm your nerves if progress hits a slow spot - Exclusions
A good contract should include a list of exclusions - EPA lead safety certification
Contractors working on homes in the U.S. built before 1978 should be certified in lead-safe practices by the EPA - Payment schedule
Payments tied to milestones in the project are better than those tied to percentages of completion - Warranty
The standard warranty for work is one year from substantial completion
