By Katherine Reynolds Lewis
From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance
A successful home renovation begins with a contract.
When you and a contractor agree to terms in writing, there’s less chance of disputes and greater likelihood that the work will be done within the price and time frame you expect.
“A contract is about managing expectations,” says David Jaffe, vice president of construction liability for the National Association of Home Builders.
Here are some key provisions in a remodeling contract: Scope of work The heart of the contract is a description of what type of renovation work will be performed, with details specified. Attach a drawing or architect’s plan that shows the location and size of each element of the renovation….