Having work completed on your house can be a stressful endeavor. In addition to the decision of hiring a contractor, there are other things you should consider regarding the actual contract to complete the work. It is essential for both you and your contractor to ensure that you are on the same page. Below is overview of written contracts for MA property renovations.
Preliminary Contract Provisions
Most agreements will have at least some basic provisions. This usually includes:
- Contractor Contact Information
- Customer Name, Address, and Phone Number
- Agreed Price
- Overview of the Tasks to Be Completed
- Payment Terms
When it comes to these terms, more details are generally an added a benefit. Instead of generic descriptions, request detailed ones. For instance, if you are having many tasks performed, list each one with its associated cost. This will be useful if you want to drop or change particular ones and will minimize mis-communication over pricing. Also mention the brands or type of products if applicable. Everything that you negotiated with the contractor can be mentioned in the written contracts.
Other Things to Consider
Scheduling
Scheduling are a common misunderstanding among homeowners and contractors. To reduce the likelihood of any confusion, document planned deadlines in the paperwork. If timing is a major factor, that should be prominently mentioned as well.
Responsibilities of Each Party
Written contracts can also summarize additional responsibilities of the contractor and the property owner. It can restrict how early workers may arrive or how late they may continue at the property, what areas of the property may be accessed, and any other similar instructions. As the customer, you may also be required to perform some tasks such as relocating personal property. The only way to ensure that everyone agrees to these conditions is to write it in the contract.
Written Contracts For MA Property Renovations
You may meet with several potential contractors prior to hiring one, have multiple conversations with the same one, or have more than one contractor completing separate things at the same time. There are many opportunities for mis-communication and expensive mistakes. Having a detailed agreement can help you stay organized and protect your interests. The overview of written contracts for MA property renovations in this blog are merely a some general tips and should not be considered legal advice. Speak to an attorney on questions relating to a specific contract or dispute.