An often-neglected area of concern when hiring a building contractor is the contract itself. You should always confirm that it clearly details the required boilerplate conditions (warranties, disagreement and resolution clauses, payment schedules), but it should also show exactly what work is to be performed.
“Contracts should run from five pages for a small job to 12 or 14—with addendums—for a big one,” says Bill Cline, CEO of Cline Contracting, Inc. “That’s what’s required for a contract to clearly explain the materials, work and techniques to be used.”
Mr. Cline says a detailed contract is a means to facilitate communication between the contractor and client. “Make sure the contract says what you want it to say,” he advises. “If it says the company is going to install a particular type of faucet, make sure it gets done.”
A savvy client can use such a detailed contract as a basis of questions for the contractor. Ask why a particular technique is being used or a particular type of product is being installed. What are its benefits? What are its drawbacks? The contractor should have a ready explanation for each provision in the contract. If they don’t, Mr. Cline warns it may be sign they don’t have the knowledge or experience to perform that type of work. “It’s all part of clear, concise communication,” says Mr. Cline. “A well-written contract delineates the relationship between the customer and contractor so the contractor delivers exactly what the customer wants.”
