What Should Be in a Home Renovation Contract

Are you planning on renovating your home? It’s an exciting project, but before you start swinging hammers and tearing down walls, you need to have a solid contract in place with your contractors. A home renovation contract is crucial for protecting both you and your contractors and ensuring that everyone is on the same page throughout the entire renovation process. Here are some things that should be included in your home renovation contract.

1. Scope of Work: Your contract should clearly outline every detail of the renovation work that will be completed. This includes the materials that will be used, the timeline of the project, and the specific tasks that will be performed.

2. Payment Terms: Your contract should also clearly state the amount due and the payment schedule. This includes the total cost of the project, the deposit required up front, any progress payments, and the final payment due upon completion.

3. Change Order Policy: A change order is a written agreement to change the scope of work, materials, or timeline. Your contract should have a change order policy that outlines the process for making changes to the original agreement, including the cost of the changes.

4. Warranty and Guarantees: Your renovation contract should include any warranties or guarantees that the contractor offers for their work. This should include any manufacturer’s warranties for materials used in the renovation.

5. Insurance and Liability: Your contract should outline the contractor’s insurance coverage and liability in case of accidents or damage to your property during the renovation process.

6. Dispute Resolution: It’s important to have a dispute resolution process in place in case any issues arise during the renovation project. This can include mediation, arbitration, or small claims court.

7. Termination Clause: Your contract should outline the process for terminating the agreement if necessary, including any termination fees or penalties.

A home renovation contract protects you, your property, and your contractors. Make sure that you carefully review and understand all of the terms in your contract before signing. By doing so, both parties can have peace of mind and a successful renovation project.