Signing a Contract with a Contractor
Before signing a contract for a remodeling project, the professionals at NARI (National Assn. of Remodeling Industry) suggest some key areas that homeowners should look for:

- Be sure the contract includes the contractor's name, address, telephone; and license number (if applicable).

- Details of what the contractor will and will not do should be outlined - such as protection of personal property surrounding the job site and clean-up procedures during and after the job is completed.

- All materials should be specified. The contractor should detail a list of the materials including size, color, model, brand name, and product.

- The contract should include the approximate start date and substantial completion dates.

- All required plans should be studied carefully and be approved by the contractor. Conditions to obtain the homeowner's approval should be identified in the written contract before the work begins.

- Federal law requires a contractor to give the homeowners written notice of their right to, without penalty, cancel a contract within 3 business days of signing it, provided it was solicited at some place other than the contractor's place of business or appropriate trade premises, the homeowner's residence, for instance.

- Understand the financial terms. The total price, payment schedule, and any cancellation penalty should be clear.

- The contract should include procedures for handling change orders during the course of the project.

- A warranty covering materials and workmanship for a minimum of one year should be written into the contract. The warranty must be identified as either "full" or "limited." If it is a "full warranty," all faulty products must be repaired or replaced, or the homeowner's money returned. A "lmited warranty" indicates that all replacements and refunds of damaged products are limited in some regard. The name and address of the party who will honor the warranty (contractor, distributor or manufacturer) must be identified. Make sure the time period for which the warranty is offered is clearly specified.

- A binding arbitration clause is also a good inclusion in the event a disagreement occurs.

- Request a contractor's Affidavit of Final Release be provided to you at the time of final payment.

Written by the editors of HouseNet
Copyright HouseNet, Inc.

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