Your Contract

Here’s a checklist of the various things that should be included in your written contract.

Your Contract Check List (download the pdf)

1. Is the written contract typed, not hand written and signed?
2. Does the contract include:
   1. Contractor’s full name
   2. Business address: (this is a physical address not a PO Box)
   3. Business phone
   4. Cell phone
   5. Contractor’s license number
3. Does your contract include a guarantee or warranty on materials and workmanship?
4. Is there a procedure for written change orders and approval including details to reflect how the plans changes and the costs for the changes?
5. Is there a clause that states that if you and the contractor cannot agree on anything regarding the project, that you both agree to abide by the decision of a third party “code certified” inspector?
6. Is there a start and completion date?
7. Is there a penalty clause included if the completion date, after legitimate extensions, is not met?
8. Is there an exit clause in case you need to terminate the contract or the project?
9. Does it include total costs including a breakdown of labor and supplies?
10. Is there a payment plan based on various stages of completion?
11. Does the contract include clean-up responsibilities?
12. Is there a right to cancel within 3 business days clause included?
13. Are there any blank spaces on the contract that could be filled in later? There shouldn’t be!

Read and understand every word of a contract before signing it. If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification. Avoid signing a contract that has not been completed fully or that you don’t completely understand.

Know Your Contract: Your Contract “Do”s and “Don’t”s January 8th, 2012 - 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.  [Read More]

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