Consumption and Real Estate
Home improvement contractors: How do you protect yourself from surprises?
Question : Home improvement contractors: How do you protect yourself from surprises?
For example, you are doing a remodel that seems to be pretty straight up but you open a wall and find major rot or termite damage or something that you deem structurally unsound. You don’t want to put it back together unless the framing is done correctly but now you have to get into the drywall or plaster on the other side.
Do you have a clause in your contract that covers this type of surprise? How is it worded?
Thanks guys.
home improvement contractors
Best answer:
Answer by rc
Yes of course, I write in the contract “Any unforeseen problems that could not be observed during proposal process that may incur additional costs is to be agreed upon by home owner and contractor prior to any further work to be completed or contract may be voided by contractor.” I have the home owner initial this section.
RC’s wording is pretty good. You need to also realize that if problems arise the contract is only as good as the willingness of the two parties to honor it. If one side or the other doesn’t then it becomes a contest as to who is willing to spend the most money for a lawyer.
You should also remember that your contract should spell out exactly what you are doing and that anything else requires a change order prior to proceeding. The more completely you spell out what you are doing the better you are protected.