When you don’t have a contract, there’s no real way to keep track of expectations during a renovation project in Regina with your contractor. The contract is like a blueprint that will keep misunderstandings at a minimum. There are certain things that your contract and contractor should have.

Have a Contract

The contract itself will protect both parties. During the initial meeting, there’s lots of details being tossed around, so having the details in writing will ensure that the expectations of both sides are correct.

Know the Physical Address

You won’t be able to find the contractor if all they give you is a P.O. box. Whether it’s on the contract or you have to ask, make sure that you’re delivering your deposit in person.

Proper Licensing

In some areas, a license means that your contractor is skilled for the work. In other areas, it might mean that the contractor is on the books with the state. Either way, it does mean that the contractor is legitimately operating the business.

Insurance Coverage

When working on your home, the contractor should have their own insurance coverage for all of their workers. You may be held liable if the person doesn’t have coverage for his workers. That coverage should include worker’s compensation too.

Scope of Work

All the details of the work should be in the contract. If the contractor will be installing floors, it should detail all of the work to be performed to do that task. It should include drywall, painting or stair installation depending on the work involved. If it’s not listed on the contract, you could have a problem later.

Work Duration

While most projects could go past the deadlines, the contract should give you a rough idea of when it’ll be finished. You can safely add in a few more weeks to the estimate since it’ll likely be delayed for some reason. It’s normally inevitable with remodeling projects, but having a deadline in writing will ensure that your contractor is trying to adhere to it.

Payment Schedule

The schedule of payments can vary by job. There are normally milestones or percentages of work completed that will trigger a payment. For example, in a kitchen remodel, you might agree to give the contractor a check for work completed after cabinets are installed. You shouldn’t plan to pay in advance beyond what’s agreed to in the contract, so make sure the payment schedule works for you.

Warranty Information

Most warranties will be for one year after completion of the renovation. You have all the information you need to contact the contractor later if there’s a problem.

Exclusions

While the contract should have all this information, it can also include any information you’d like to have in your contract. This can include exclusions, which are related to areas that can’t be seen. You might find problems when the walls are opened, and there should be a contingency plan for issues that arise.

Without a contract, you’re not protected from problems that might arise from a shady business. While you should be checking references and doing research on your potential contractor before hiring him or her, the contract is still another layer of protection for you as well as the contractor. Never start your renovation project without one that is signed by both parties.