Perhaps the most important thing to know is what differentiates legitimate contractors with unscrupulous ones.  Legitimate contractors are certified, insured and/or bonded by the state and/or town where you live. What’s more, they offer written estimates for you to inspect before you sign a contract, and a written contract that will be signed by both of you before work commences.

Contract “Do”s

1. Written contracts – Always insist on a written contract for the work to be performed, with all guarantees, warranties and promises spelled out, particularly the terms of any unforseen changes that may need to be made.  Do not accept a handwritten contract.
2. Change Orders – Before signing the contract, make sure it includes a procedure for change orders, which are mini-contracts containing a work description and a fixed price, for anything that gets added to the job in progress. The extra work, whether it’s related to unforeseen building issues or homeowner whims, can proceed only after the change order is signed by both homeowner and contractor.
3. Inspectors – It is always a good idea to add to your contractor’s contract that if the two of you cannot agree on anything regarding the project, you both agree to abide by the decision of a third party “code certified” inspector you both agree to before the project begins.
4. Guarantees and Warranties - Make sure you fully understand the contractor’s guarantee/warranty.  Remember, if the company goes out of business, so does your guarantee!
5. Start and Completion Dates - Agree on start and completion dates and make sure they’re written into the contract.
6. Exit Clause - Be sure to know exactly what your exit clause is in your contract with the contractor.  Push come to shove, you need to know what your options are to terminate the contract.
7. Payment Terms – It is prudent to set payment terms in conjunction with completed stages of the job.
8. Legal Review - Depending on the size, complexity and cost of your job, it is always a good idea to have an attorney review your contract.  But remember, even a perfect contract does not guarantee the quality of contractor’s work or that the contractor is honorable.

Contract “Don’t”s

1. Don’t allow anyone to pressure you into signing any document.
2. Don’t let your conversation with a contractor serve as a valid or binding agreement for the service he/she is to provide. Some of them are the best manipulators.  Everything must be in writing.  Oral agreements mean it’s your word against theirs!
3. Don’t sign any document you haven’t read or any document that has blank spaces to be filled in after you sign.
4. Don’t leave blank sections on your contract – Charges that are not clearly stated and understood in your contract allow for additional charges to be fraudulently added in.
5. Never sign a contract with a service professional who makes promises that are too good to be true. Chances are this service professional needs to create these incentives to attract customers; if that’s the case, the service professional’s record can’t speak for itself.

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