One of the most crucial elements of a successful home renovation or remodeling project is having a clear, detailed contract with your general contractor. It can mean the difference between a project you’ll enjoy for years to come and one that ends up being a costly nightmare. Consider the following as you construct your agreement because a contract will safeguard you, your finances, and your property:
Licensing
Make sure your contractor is fully licensed to perform general construction work in your city as well as any specialist work, such as electrical or plumbing if that is required. Request that the license numbers and information be included in your contract.
Insurance
You can request that the contractor’s insurance information be included in the contract even if the contractor’s proof of insurance paperwork isn’t actually attached to the contract. Find out how much liability insurance is necessary for your region, and make sure any contractor you engage is covered by that amount.
Scheduling
One of the main causes of issues when remodeling a home is haphazard scheduling. Even though minor delays are almost expected to happen and delays caused by weather or a lack of materials may not be preventable, your contract should nonetheless include timetable information. Important dates to mention are the anticipated completion date and significant checkpoints along the road.
Work’s Range
You may maintain control over both timing and expense by describing the scope of the job to be done. Work details may be a brief or extensive list, depending on what your project comprises. The scope of work required for a more complex activity, like installing new flooring, such as a room extension that involves several separate subcontractors, will be significantly more extensive. Before starting any project, make sure everything is in writing, regardless of the kind. Specifications for the materials, finish kinds and colors, cleanup and maintenance standards for the site, definitions of who is in charge of obtaining various permits and approvals, and many other things could be included in the details.
Payments
It will be easier to manage the bill when you and your contractor have a written payment plan that specifies when payments are due. Payments should be linked to specific completion benchmarks, percentages of work completed, or the delivery of goods like new windows or carpeting. No matter how you decide on your schedule, you should never pay in full for a project that isn’t finished.
Warranties
All trustworthy tradespeople give warranties for their work. Check your contractor’s warranty before you sign a contract to be sure it specifies what is and is not covered, as well as the duration of various coverages.
Pre-Qualified Contractors Can Give You Peace of Mind
Many homeowners skip the procedure entirely and just hire the first contractor they call because it might take so long to investigate the credentials of several contractors. Unfortunately, this may leave you defenseless in the face of dishonest builders or subpar construction. We’ve completed all the necessary vetting at DV Los Angeles Contractor Services for your peace of mind. You can trust the contractor you hire because every member of our network had their expertise, licensure, insurance, and credentials confirmed. Simply enter your ZIP code above and a certified contractor will contact you shortly if you’d like a free, no-obligation estimate on your home remodeling job.
