How detailed should home improvement contracts be? In California?
Question:My general contractor has put together a contract that has minimal information regarding materials and scope of work. However, he has added a bit more detail in a letter that he references in the contract. Is that then part of the contract or not? I do not sign the letter only he does.
How detailed should the contract be? Should all materials be listed ie 100 2X4 and 4 xyz beams. X number of plywood etc. or is it okay if it just says build out for proposed family room of 300 square feet as noted in city approved plans?
I need help. I am just really trying to get this right. :0(
Thank you
Answers:
The description on the contract must be specific enough that you and the contractor know exactly what is to be provided (that there is a "meeting of the minds"). The letter can be included as part of the contract, if the contract lists it under the "List of Documents Incorporated into the Contract." That letter/additional description should, however, include both your and the contractor's signatures.
Please note - the home improvement contract requirements in California are very lengthy, and are set out at Cal. Bus. & Profession Code section 7150 et seq., and Ca. Civil Code section 1688 et seq. There are MANY disclosures that MUST BE INCLUDED, and requirements that must be met. You do not mention any of these, so I'm assuming he has not provided those to you. This could be a real problem. It is far too long to list here, but I just wrote an article on this subject (see link below). Please also see the Homeowner's information from the CSLB (links below).
Good luck.
I would start here..
http://www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers/cons_hi...
good luck and always get everything in writing..it's called CYA
detail
detail
detail any and all work, prices so there is NO mistake in communication
dont pay 100% up front either
If you need a contractor in san dieo, ca.. I have a great one.. fixed us up fine.
The best thing to do is tear up the contract you have, detail everything that you want in the house. Then add the sentence, "Contractor agrees to pay for any unknowns." The contractor will either run for the hills or help you detail the unknowns. That's the person you want. You will pay, but you'll get what you want. The extra $20,000 is worth it relative to the nickel your fixen to spend.
God Bless
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