Your Contract With A Contractor
Alastair Lydeard
It's time to bring your dream home to life. You've hired a contractor to take care of those renovations you've been wishing for. Before the hammer starts swinging, make sure you've got a firm home improvement contract in place.
It seems that everyone is thinking about home improvements. Some jobs are relatively small, like a little landscaping or a new kitchen floor. Others, like swimming pool installations, are more extravagant. Large or small, if your job requires the services of a hired professional, then you need to have a home improvement contract.
So, what should you know before signing the dotted line?
Shop Around
Don't just agree to sign a contract with the first home improvement professional you meet. Ask around for referrals from people you know and trust. Once you've compiled a list of contractor names, get their professional license numbers. This will allow you to perform a background check using services available to you, such as the Better Business Bureau or your state or provincial Consumer Affairs' business licensing division.
Search names and numbers, and follow up on any complaints that may have been issued against the contractors. Be as thorough as you would while checking references for a new employee.
Treat Terms with Care
After establishing all of the required background information and choosing your contractor, it's time to sign the home improvement contract. Experts suggest compiling a list of concise information, and making sure that it's reflected in your written home improvement contract.
First and foremost, look for the full information of the contractor or company, including the professional license number. Your home improvement contract should also include every detail of the project, start and finish dates and financial details including material costs, labor fees and payment arrangements.
One of the most important points to cover on your contract is a 'right to cancel' agreement that gives you the opportunity to change your mind about the contract that you have signed. This clause will generally allow three days' grace, during which time you are free to cancel. Make sure that the contract also protects you in the event that an unforeseen circumstance occurs after the project is underway.
Be sure to list the small items on your contract as well. Don't overlook the simple fact that contractors working on your property will need to use certain facilities. If you're not comfortable with them using your washroom and telephone, spell it out in your contract. The building contractor will need time to make alternate arrangements.
Protect Your Assets
A copy of the home improvement contract, signed by you and the contractor, must be filed in a safe place even after the project has been completed. Any and all guarantees must be clearly noted on the contract to give you legal recourse if there is a problem with materials or workmanship. Pay no more than the minimum guaranteed down payment, and wait until the project has been completely finished and all of the debris has been cleared away before you pay the remainder of the agreed price.
As a homeowner, it's your responsibility to protect both your property, and your own best interests. If your home improvement contract is not completely filled in, don't sign it. Read the contract in its entirety and don't be afraid to ask questions if any of the terms confuse you. The home improvement contract should provide all of the protection you need. After all, your home is your castle.
Freelancer Alastair Lydeard is an essayist for several popular web sites, on http://biduv.com/ home improvement and http://zyod.com/ American family themes. This article is available as a http://www.uberarticles.com/?id=37102&b=79 unique content article with free reprint rights.
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