What Makes A Good
Remodeling Contract?
A good contract is one which covers all the bases and makes an
attempt to be clear and fair to all parties involved.
Clear and fair is particularly important when contracting with a
property owner. In the event a contractor is sued, or faced with
arbitration or some disciplinary action, others will be judging
the contract as part of their determination. Will they see a
written contract that is vague, less than complete, confusing or
so one-sided that the contractor has an obvious unfair
advantage?
Not only are there legal, ethical and the moral reasons to
strive for a professionally excellent written contract, in the
end, it just makes sense to be clear and fair with the homeowner.
Who needs the hassle and grief that will come about from a
confused, disgruntled homeowner?
The contractor's name, mailing address, telephone number and
license number has to appear along with the name and address of
the legal owner. There should also be the legal description of
the property.
Then, the contractor should include a general description of the
work to be done. This can be as general or as detailed as
contractor and/or homeowner prefer. If pages of detail are
outlined they should each be signed or initialed by the homeowner
and attached to the final, formal contract. The contractor should
note that plans, if any, are also attached. If the contractor
prepared the plans or drawings, the homeowner should also initial
such plans.
There should be an indication of items which are specifically
excluded from the contractor's responsibility and are to be
provided by the homeowner.
There should be a provision for allowances showing approximately
how much is being allocated for appliances, light fixtures, bath
accessories, floor covering, hardware finish and
"other" and a brief definition of what that
means.
