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.
2007-05-14 08:55:45 · 6 answers · asked by cory m 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
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.
2007-05-14 09:00:09 · answer #1 · answered by Rebecca M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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!
2007-05-14 09:33:21 · answer #2 · answered by betsy a 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An honest one. There are many crooks in the home repair building trade. Talk to relatives, friends and neighbors who have had work done to find contractors who have done honest work. If you get three names, have them come in and give an estimate. There is often a clause in a building contract covering unexpected problems or unforeseen additional work. Get that covered in the contract. But - crooked contractors use the 'unforeseen additional work' clause to add big bucks to the final bill. So, you need to really check out contractors but, with all that you can still end up on the short end of the stick - so, find a friend who is sharp and have him or her help you evaluate the contractors. Two heads are better than one, as the old saying goes. Good luck, you'll need it. When I used to be in the trade, at least half of the contractors in the yellow pages were crooks. I finally made more money consulting for home owners.
2016-03-19 05:06:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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.
2007-05-14 09:32:36 · answer #4 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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!
2007-05-14 09:01:58 · answer #5 · answered by Glenn B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simple... Ask him to show you his " Bonded" contract. That is a certificate of insurance !
2007-05-14 09:08:16 · answer #6 · answered by johnnyman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋