It’s a common problem for property owners to lose a legal battle with a contractor who duped them into working without a renovation contract.
Many homeowners are unaware of the importance of having such an agreement before any work begins. This can lead to disastrous consequences, as seen in builders taking advantage of their clients and leaving with unfinished or shoddy work.
This guide will teach you everything you need to know about renovation contracts, including what should be included and how to protect yourself from contractor scams.
What Is a Renovation Contract
A renovation contract is a legal agreement between a property owner and a renovation company, which outlines the renovation project that will be carried out. The building company agrees to carry out the renovation project, while the property owner agrees to pay.
Elements a Renovation Contract Should Include
A renovation contract should be detailed and comprised of elements to avoid missing out on essential details. The following are some of the critical components that should be included in a renovation contract:
Parties involved in the contract
A renovation contract should include the personal details of all the parties involved. It should have everyone’s full name, address, contact number, and other information. After agreeing to the terms, they will also need to sign the renovation contract.
Scope of the job
A renovation contract should also include the contractor’s job and responsibilities. For example, it should indicate who would supply the materials. Is it you or the contractor?
It also needs to lay out what needs to be done, the project’s description, detailed information about the products used (including the brand), and the contractor’s responsibilities.
Timeline
The renovation contract should also state the project’s start and expected completion date. The contract should state the milestones in the timeline to avoid confusion or delay.
For example, the renovation contract may state that the demolition of the old structure will begin on August 1st and be completed by August 10th.
This will help both parties understand what needs to be done and when it should be finished. It will also help avoid any dispute that may arise due to a delay in the renovation project.
Payment terms
The renovation contract should also include the payment terms. It should state how much the renovation will cost, the schedule of payment, and the type of payment accepted.
It should include detailed lists of expenses and fees, including services, labour, materials, and even waste disposal.
Remove and dispose
The contract should also state an agreement on removing debris after the renovation if it is the contractor or property owner. Sometimes property owner prefers to remove debris to save money. But if it is the contractor, the contract should indicate where they’ll dispose of the waste and what they’ll dispose of.
Contractor’s insurance and warranty
The renovation contract should also state that the contractor has valid insurance. This is important if something goes wrong and the property owner needs to file a claim.
In addition, the renovation contract should also include a warranty from the contractor. It should state that they will fix any defects in the work done for a certain period after the renovation project is completed.
Other elements that are related to your project
Other elements included in a renovation contract are building permits, change orders, and other agreements between the contractor and property owner specifically related to your renovation project.
Why Should I Hire a Reliable Contractor
You need to hire a reliable contractor to ensure that you’ll sign a renovation contract that provides a win-win situation for both parties. Here are some of the reasons why:
They’re experienced.
A reliable contractor will have years of experience in the renovation industry. They would’ve handled different projects, big or small. As a result, they know how to deal with challenges that may arise during a renovation. They have the confidence to offer insurance and warranties to their clients.
They have a good reputation.
A reliable contractor will also have a good reputation in the industry. You know that they won’t dupe you into getting into a contract that is not in your best interest, as they have a reputation to protect.
They’re transparent.
A reliable contractor will be transparent with their pricing, as they will give you a detailed list of all the expenses included in the renovation contract. You won’t be surprised by any hidden costs.
So, what renovation project are you working on? Do you need the help of a reliable contractor to ensure that your renovation project goes as smoothly and successfully as possible? Contact us at MKJ Projects today. Let’s talk about it!
