One of the most crucial parts of a successful home remodeling or renovation project is having a clear, detailed contract with your general contractor. It can mean the difference between a project you’ll be proud of for years to come and one that becomes a costly hassle. A contract protects you, your budget, and your property, so keep the following points in mind when you construct your agreement:
Licensing
Make ensuring that your contractor has the necessary licensing to meet your city’s regulations, as well as any special licenses, such as electrical or plumbing. Insist on including license numbers and details in your contract.
Insurance
While the contractor’s proof of insurance paperwork may not be linked to the contract, you can request that the facts of his or her insurance be included in the contract. Determine the appropriate amount of liability insurance for your area, and ensure that any contractor you hire has it.
Scheduling
One of the most prevalent causes of issues on a home remodeling project is haphazard scheduling. While delays caused by material availability or weather are unavoidable, and minor delays are almost unavoidable, you should still have timetable details outlined in your contract. The planned completion date and key milestones along the route are critical dates to add.
Job description
Detailing the extent of work to be completed can assist you in maintaining control over both timing and expenses. Work specifics may be a brief or big list depending on the scope of your project. The scope of work for a room addition that requires multiple subcontractors will be far more comprehensive than the scope of work required for a more basic activity, such as installing new flooring. Whatever type of project you are working on, make sure everything is in writing before you begin. Details could include material specifications, finish kinds and colors, site care and cleanup standards, definitions of who is responsible for certain permits and approvals, and much more.
Payments
Having a written payment plan implies that you and your contractor agree on when payments are due, which reduces billing headaches. Payments should be tied to specific milestones, completion percentages, or the delivery of things like new windows or carpeting. Payment for an unfinished project should never be provided in full, regardless of how you set your timeframe.
Warranties
Most reputable contractors in all trades provide a warranty on their work. Before you sign a contract, ensure that your contractor’s warranty explicitly states what is and is not covered, as well as the duration of various coverages.
With a pre-qualified contractor, you can rest easy
Because vetting the qualifications of prospective contractors can take so long, many homeowners skip the process entirely and select the first contractor they call. Unfortunately, this can leave you vulnerable to unscrupulous contractors or subpar craftsmanship. Hackensack Contractor Service has completed all of the necessary settings for your peace of mind. Every contractor in our network has had their experience, licensure, insurance, and qualifications confirmed, so you can be confident that you’ll be working with a reputable contractor. Simply enter your ZIP code above for a free, no-obligation estimate on your home remodeling project, and a qualified contractor will contact you shortly.
