How to protect myself from a general contractor performing home remodeling?
Question:I am about to have a general contractor perform services for me (tile in kitchen, wood flooring, wallpaper removal). He told me that there is no contract to sign, and that we both can sign the proposal he has given me to act as a contract.
I trust the guy, as a trustworthy friend of mine recommended him, but what do I need to do to protect myself?
Is there a simple contract I can draw up to ask him to sign? Where can I find it?
Thank you.
Answers:
I would tell him that you don't feel comfortable moving forward without a contract. He should respect that and draw one up for you. If not, then you may want to try to find a different contractor. It may be find without one, but if problems arise, a contract might make things much easier to resolve.
I would both sign his proposal. However, make sure that anything that is not mentioned in the proposal goes on a list and then you both sign and date along the way. Our money is to good to be wasted on misunderstandings!
Simple... Ask him to show you his " Bonded" contract. That is a certificate of insurance !
Having work performed without a contract is real risky. You used the term "General contractor", does this mean he may be hiring others to do some of the work? If so, and he doesn't pay them, you could have a lien placed on your house. Friends are great and can sometimes be a help but when the wallet comes out, I want something in writing.
I don't know in what State you reside, but the laws vary by State and at times County on where responsibility lies in a project (contractor or homeowner). Know your County codes before beginning a project. Now, onto your question about Contracts. Yes, Yes, Yes, sign a contract. There are standard contracts out there, you can download them (for a fee) from some law websites, but they are easy to create. I found some great guidance on About.com under architects (I did a google search for "home remodeling contracts). The more specific you and the contractor are about the scope of service, the better you and he are protected. Also include a detailed payment schedule, and a termination of job clause. I'd also encourage you to visit the NARI website (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) for some great information. Good Luck!
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