5 Important Things Every Remodeling Contract Must Have

Protect yourself and your project with a contract.

Before undertaking any home remodeling, it’s vital to be well-informed. Merely conceptualizing your desires and engaging a contractor won’t suffice. A meticulously drafted contract, which outlines the entirety of the project and assigns responsibilities, is imperative. Such a document ensures harmonious collaboration and mutual understanding throughout the process.

What's a Remodeling Contract?

When seeking a contractor’s help for your home remodeling project, it’s recommended you secure a remodeling contract. This contract is a formal agreement between you, the homeowner, and the contractor you choose to hire. The contract may include the following: the terms and conditions, cost of the project, timeline for completion, and more. Having a contract in place helps avoid misunderstandings or disputes later on.

The 5 things to look for in a remodeling contract are:

• The cost of the project
• The timeline for the project
• Which party is responsible for which aspects of the project?
• What happens if something unexpected occurs?
• The signatures of both parties

Cost of the Project

As a homeowner, it’s natural and important that you know upfront how much your home remodeling project is going to cost. Therefore, the contractor should provide a detailed estimate of the cost, and the numbers should be reflected in the contract. If there are any additional costs that may come up during the project, those should be written down as well. 

Timeline for the Project

Depending on the remodeling project, you may or may not have access to the room being remodeled, which can be an inconvenience. To make sure that the project is completed on time, the timeline for the completion of the project should be included in the contract. Set realistic expectations for how long the project will take and specify who or what is responsible for delays caused by factors such as bad weather or unexpected problems. 

The Responsibilities of Both Parties

The contract should also outline the responsibilities of both the homeowner and the contractor. This can include things like who is responsible for obtaining permits, the one responsible for any damage that may occur, who’s responsible for cleanup, and more.

What About Unexpected Occurrences?

No one can predict the future and sometimes things just happen that are beyond our control. That’s why it’s important to have a backup plan in place in case something unexpected occurs. The contract should also state what will happen if the project is delayed or if there are any changes to the original plan.

Both Parties Should Sign the Contract

The final step is to have both the homeowner and the contractor sign the contract. Signing the contract means that they both have read and agreed to all of the terms and conditions written down. Having a signed contract is important in case there are any misunderstandings or disagreements that will crop up down the road.

Before Signing a Contract

When you’re ready to sign a contract with your contractor, make sure to keep the following in mind:

• Read the entire contract before signing it
• Make sure you understand what each clause means
• If there's anything you don’t understand, ask the contractor to explain it
• If you have any questions or concerns, ask for clarifications from your contractor before signing
• Get everything in writing and make sure the contract is signed by both you and the contractor

By following these tips, you can be sure that you're entering into a remodeling contract that’s fair and beneficial for both parties involved.

The bottom line is that a remodeling contract is essential for any homeowner's project. It ensures that both parties are aware of their responsibilities and of what will happen if something unexpected occurs. So, before you begin your next remodeling project, be sure to consult with a contractor and put a contract in place!​ 

Do you also have a contract in mind for your next home remodeling project? Then consider giving us a call at Grand Rapids Remodeling Pros! We’ll be more than happy to assist you with any of your home remodeling needs.