I'm about to kick off a major home renovation project that will cost around $20,000. I'm looking for advice on how to secure myself in this process, especially since I only received a cost breakdown from the contractor without a formal contract. I'm surprised there's no fine print involved, especially for an expensive project like this. I'm also concerned about the payment terms: they want half of the payment upfront and the other half once they have all materials ready, but I'd prefer to pay half down and the rest upon completion. What should I do to ensure I have protections in place? Any insights from contractors or others who have gone through similar situations would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
You're right to be cautious, especially with a project of this size. For a $20k project, it's definitely advisable to have a lawyer look over any contract. You might want to specify payment terms in writing. If they’re hesitant about putting anything in writing, consider that a red flag. A good contractor will be willing to document terms to protect both parties. If they’re licensed, you can usually verify their license through your local contractor licensing board or state website—it’s completely reasonable to ask for proof!
Each state can have different laws regarding contracts, and you're right to bring that up. Just ensure that you're working with a licensed contractor, as they should be held to certain standards. If they want to avoid a written contract, that could be a sign that something’s off. Always better to protect your investment—keep pushing for that written agreement!
Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely check online for their licensing info.