Home Improvement Contracts: Do’s and Don’ts

chris.ha • July 29, 2019

Homeowners should never remodel their homes without first signing a home improvement contract. But, it’s not wise to sign on the dotted line without carefully reviewing the terms and conditions of the agreement.

What should you look for? What mistakes do you need to avoid? Here are the do’s and don’ts of home improvement contracts:

Do: Include A Detailed Job Description

A remodeling contract should contain a detailed description of the project. This description should answer these questions:

What changes are being made?
What materials will be used?
What permits are needed?
Who will obtain the permits?
What will be demolished?
Who will remove the debris at the end of the project?

The answers to these questions should be as detailed as possible. For example, let’s say you are installing granite countertops in your kitchen. The materials for this project should state the exact color and type of granite that is being installed and an estimate of how much of this material is needed.

If the description simply said “granite,” the contractor could choose whatever granite he wanted without violating the agreement.

Don’t: Forget to Set Deadlines

Many homeowners grow frustrated with their contractor because the remodel takes much longer to complete than they expected. Avoid this problem by including a start and completion date within the contract.

The contract should also outline the penalties that the contractor will face for missing the agreed upon deadline. But, you must be willing to make exceptions for reasonable and necessary delays.

For example, the contractor should not be penalized for missing a deadline because you wanted him to place a special order for custom material. However, if the contractor misses a deadline because he failed to show up to work for a week, he should be penalized.

Do: Plan Ahead For Potential Changes

You may need to make last minute changes to your plans in the middle of the remodeling project. Make sure your contract outlines the procedure for requesting and approving these changes.

For example, the contractor might find a hidden plumbing leak after he demolishes your bathroom. Fixing the leak was not part of the original contract, but it needs to be repaired to prevent further damage. The contract should outline how the contractor should notify you of this change request and what you must do to approve it.

If you don’t plan for potential changes, the contractor could make a number of unauthorized changes to your remodel project. You may not be happy with the way the unauthorized changes look or how much they cost. Protect yourself—and your wallet—by including this information in your home improvement contract.

Don’t: Pay Everything Upfront

The contract should include payment terms that outline the total cost of the project and the payment dates. Do not sign a contract that says you must pay the full amount owed to the contractor upfront.

If you pay everything upfront, the contractor has no reason to return to your home and actually complete the work. It’s best to pay between 10-30% of the total job upfront. Make another payment about halfway through the project, and the final payment once the job has been completed.

Do: Include A Termination Clause

It’s in your best interest to include a termination clause within the contract as well. This clause outlines when either the homeowner or contractor are allowed to terminate the contract without facing legal penalties.

Including a termination clause allows you to quickly end your relationship with a contractor who is just not working out. If you forget to include this term, you could end up getting stuck with a contractor who you are not satisfied with.

Transforming Your Home With A Simple Home Improvement Contract

Many homeowners think remodeling is stressful, but it doesn’t have to be a headache. Follow these do’s and don’ts to protect your finances, prevent legal disputes, and ensure your remodel goes as smoothly as possible!

Brought to you by:

Rick Brown

rick@brownhomegroup.com

1-321-348-8720

http://BrownHomeGroup.com

< Older Post

Newer Post >

The Orlando Law Scoop - Big Updates at OLG: New Attorney, Upcoming Events & More!

By Rick Brown • April 16, 2025

Spring Forward with OLG New Bootcamp, Fresh Blogs, and Meet Our New Attorney! As we welcome April, we’re bringing you a fresh batch of updates from The Orlando Law Group! From exciting new opportunities for non-profits to our latest blog posts and the introduction of a new attorney, there’s a lot to catch up on

A No-Nonsense Guide to a Hassle-Free Job Relocation

February 17, 2025

Moving for a job is a big deal. It can mean exciting new opportunities, but let’s be real—it’s also a lot to handle. From packing up your life to figuring out your new city, there’s a lot to juggle. Whether you're chasing a promotion, switching industries, or just looking for a fresh start, making the transition smooth (and affordable) takes some planning. But don’t stress—there are plenty of ways to make moving for work easier, faster, and way less of a headache. Level Up Your Career With Online Education If you're in a field like nursing, getting an advanced degree can open a lot of doors. An online master’s in nursing, for example, can help you move into leadership roles like administration or education, which often come with better hours and higher pay. The best part? Online MSN degree programs make it easier to juggle work and school since you can study on your own schedule. Plus, you’ll save time and money by skipping the commute. Investing in your education isn’t just about earning more—it puts you in a position to make a bigger impact in your field. Make House Hunting Easier With Local Real Estate Pros Finding a place to live in a new city can be overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to balance your budget, commute, and lifestyle all at once. Want to make things easier on yourself? Get yourself a real estate agent who actually knows the area. They’ll point you toward the right neighborhoods, keep you from making expensive mistakes, and take a ton of stress off your plate. Sure, you could spend hours lost in online listings and market trends, but why make it harder than it needs to be? Let someone who does this every day (like Brown Home Group ) handle the tricky stuff so you can focus on the move itself. Keep Your Important Stuff Safe While Moving Packing up and moving is already chaotic enough—you don’t want to add losing important documents or valuables to the mix. Keep things like passports, birth certificates, and financial documents in a separate bag that stays with you at all times. If you want extra protection, a fireproof or theft-proof bag can help keep everything secure. Having all your essentials in one place means you won’t be scrambling to find them when you need them. Understand How Taxes Affect Employer-Paid Moving Expenses If your employer is covering your moving costs, don’t assume it’s all free money. Right now, employer-paid moving expenses are considered taxable income, which means you’ll owe taxes on them. But keep an eye on tax law changes—by 2026, moving expenses might become tax-deductible again. Either way, save your receipts and keep track of everything. It’s better to be prepared than surprised when tax season rolls around. If you're unsure about what applies to you, checking IRS resources or talking to a tax professional can help clear things up. Find a Job Faster by Understanding the Local Market Even if you’re moving for a specific job, understanding the job market in your new city can help you plan for the future. Some industries, like healthcare and tech, are growing in certain areas, while others may be more competitive. Checking out local job boards or resources can give you a sense of what to expect . Knowing which industries are booming and what skills are in demand can also help you negotiate better pay or prepare for future career moves. Meet New People by Getting Involved in Hobbies Moving to a new city can feel lonely at first, but getting involved in local activities is one of the best ways to meet people. Whether it’s joining a hiking group, attending a book club, or signing up for a class, shared hobbies can lead to great personal and professional connections . If you’re in a field like tech or design, events like hackathons or art meetups can even open up new job opportunities. Making connections through hobbies isn’t just fun—it can also help you feel more at home in your new city. Stay Organized With a Moving Timeline A solid game plan can make your move way less chaotic. Creating a timeline for everything —from giving notice at your current job to setting up utilities in your new place—keeps you on track. Breaking things down into small, manageable tasks makes everything feel less overwhelming. Sharing your plan with your employer, family, or anyone else involved helps avoid last-minute surprises. And don’t forget to book movers or rental trucks early to get the best rates! Moving for work can be a lot, but it doesn’t have to be a total headache. With a little planning, some local know-how, and a flexible mindset, you can make the whole thing way easier. Stay organized, ask for help when you need it, and take it one step at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be unpacked, finding your new favorite coffee spot, and settling into your next adventure! Discover the key to your real estate dreams with Brown Home Group —your trusted partner in buying, selling, or investing in Central Florida’s vibrant market!

The Orlando Law Scoop - Take Charge of 2025: A Practical Checklist for Your Peace of Mind

By Rick Brown • January 15, 2025

Start the New Year with Confidence: Your Essential Legal and Financial Checklist for the New Year As we step into the new year, it’s the perfect time to reassess our goals and ensure our affairs are in order. Whether you’re looking to protect your family’s future, streamline your business, or simply get a fresh start, our New Year Reset Checklist is here to guide you. From updating your estate plan to revisiting your insurance coverage, these straightforward tips will help you begin the year with clarity and confidence. Let’s make 2025 your best year yet! N ew Year Reset Checklist Review or Update Your Estate Plan Confirm wills, trusts, and healthcare directives are up to date. Make sure beneficiaries and key contacts still reflect your current wishes. Verify Insurance Coverage Check life, home, auto, or business policies for accuracy and adequate coverage. Add new, high-value items (like holiday gifts) to your policy. Organize Important Documents Safely store originals (wills, titles, deeds) in a secure location. Keep digital backups in an encrypted folder or password manager. Assess Your Finances Review your budget and set savings goals for the year. Check beneficiary designations on bank, retirement, and investment accounts. Consider Charitable or Non-Profit Involvement Think about attending our Non-Profit Bootcamp if you’re interested in establishing or growing a charitable organization. Explore tax benefits and community impact of giving back. Plan for Business Updates (if applicable) Ensure business licenses, permits, and corporate documents are current. Schedule time to review or revise your operating agreements. Schedule Professional Consultations Estate Planning Attorney: Secure or update your plan. Financial Advisor: Review investment strategies, retirement, and tax planning. CPA or Tax Professional: Get organized ahead of tax deadlines. Starting the year off with a clear plan sets you on the right path—less stress, fewer surprises, and more peace of mind. If you need guidance, we’re here to help. Call 407-565-HELP to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services. Make 2025 the Year You Secure Your Legacy Planning for the future doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In our latest YouTube video series, Attorney Erika De Jesus breaks down the basics of estate planning—from wills to trusts. If you’ve been putting off this vital task, now’s the perfect time to learn how to safeguard your loved ones and secure your legacy.