BASICS....."Get it in writing"

....... lets talk about a problem you could have ...... "misunderstandings".

A major reason for disputes and headaches over renovation work is the "lack of a contract". Which in turn creates a lot of gray areas. The contract helps put things in black and white.
So, head problems off before they start by drawing up an agreement that describes the work to be done and its cost. This contract then becomes a legal document, binding both parties once they have singed it.
But what should that contract include ?
In Canada, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation checklist, it should include :
* The correct and complete address of the property where the work will be done;
* The home owner's name and address;
* The renovator's name, address and telephone number;
* A detailed description of the project, plus sketches and a list of materials to be used
( once again, all we are trying to do is eliminate the gray areas, ...... ie: "baseboard to be used is profile # 123 , 4", pine"....... now its in black and white, and there to refer to , if needed.)
* The right to retain a construction lien holdback as specified under provincial law ( Canada) ;
* The type of work that will be subcontracted;
* A clause stating that work will conform to the requirements of all applicable codes;
* The start and completion dates;
* State "who" is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits, licences and certificates;
* The requirement that the renovator be responsible for removing all debris as soon as construction is completed;
* A statement of all warranties, explaining exactly what is covered and for how long;
* A statement of the renovator's public liability and property damage insurance;
* Price and terms of payment.
Unfortunately, no matter how well-planned a renovation is , changes will be necessary, and they'll often result in increased costs and delays. In the interest of protecting "both" the homeowner and the renovator, however, changes should be made only through a written change order detailing what's involved and the associated cost differences.
Do not accept verbal assurances - .......... GET IT IN WRITING.

Play fair,......Chris.