Having a clear, comprehensive contract with your general contractor is one of the most important aspects of a successful home remodeling or renovation project. It can make all the difference between a project you’ll be pleased with for years to come or one that turns into an expensive headache. A contract protects you, your budget, and your property, so make sure to consider the following as you negotiate your agreement:

Licensing

Ensure that your contractor has the proper licensing to meet your city’s requirements and any licensing required to do specialized work, such as electrical or plumbing. Ask that your contract includes license numbers and information.

Insurance

While the contractor’s proof of insurance documents may not be attached to the contract itself, you can request that their insurance details be stated. Find out the proper amount of liability insurance for your area, and be sure that any contractor you hire has that coverage.

Scheduling

Haphazard scheduling is one of the most common sources of problems on a home remodeling job. While delays due to material availability or weather may not be avoidable, and minor delays are almost certain to occur, you should still have schedule details defined in your contract. Key dates to include are the expected finish date and important milestones.

Scope of work

Detailing the scope of work will help you stay in control of both timing and costs. Work details could be a short or long list, depending on what your project entails. The work for a room addition requiring several different subcontractors will be much more detailed than the scope of work necessary for a more straightforward task, such as installing new flooring. Whatever the type of project, be sure everything is in writing before your project begins. Details could include material specifications, types and colors of finishes, expectations about site maintenance and cleanup, definitions of who is responsible for various permits and permissions, and much more.

Payments

Having a payment schedule in writing means that you and your contractor agree on when payments will be made, eliminating billing hassles. You should tie payments to certain milestones, completion percentages, or the delivery of products such as new windows or carpeting. No matter how you determine your schedule, payment should never be made in full for an unfinished project.

Warranties

Most reputable contractors in all trades offer a warranty for work done. Before you sign a contract, ensure your contractor’s warranty spells out what is and is not covered, and the length of time for various coverages.

Get peace of mind with a pre-qualified contractor.

Vetting the qualifications of various contractors can take so much time that many homeowners forego the process entirely and hire the first contractor they call. Unfortunately, this can leave you unprotected against unscrupulous contractors or poor quality. At Eco Home Builders, we’ve done all the vetting work needed for your peace of mind. Every contractor in our network has had their experience, licensing, insurance, and qualifications verified, so you know you’ll be working with a contractor you can trust.

Searching for the Best General Contractor in San Diego, CA? Contact Eco General Builders, a Reliable Contractor for San Diego General General. Best General Contractor Service Providers in Imperial Beach, Coronado, Lemon Grove, La Jolla, Fallbrook, National City, Poway, Spring Valley, Santee, Encinitas, La Jolla, Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos, La Mesa, Chula Vista, Oceanside, El Cajon, Escondido, CA. Call us at (619) 919-1121 or Email us at info@ecoGeneralbuildersinc.com