A Contract Hiring an Independent Home Improvement Contractor
Unfortunately, this is a phone call we receive far too often where a homeowner is in a situation seeking legal help against an independent home improvement contractor left with unfinished work, poor quality, overcharged, etc. A contract or written agreement could have avoided some of the suffering.
Here are some things you might wish to follow while dealing with contracts and binding agreements. A contract is a legal agreement between two or more people and is one of the most critical communication tools for both you and the licensed contractor. It ensures all things have been communicated and agreed to about what a job will include. A good contract tells how the work will be executed, what materials will be used when it will be finished, and what is agreed on total costs.
Misunderstandings and arguments over home improvement projects can cost money and time, which produces terrible feelings, but it may also lead to lawsuits or other legal action. A well-written contract can prevent that.
According to the Contractors State License Board, “In California, there must be a written contract for all home improvement projects over $500 in combined labor and materials costs. That contract must include specific information about your rights and responsibilities. Also, any changes made to that contract must be in writing, legible, easy to understand, and inform you of your right to cancel or rescind the contract. If you are promised something verbally, make sure that it is also included in writing.
A contract should contain everything agreed upon by you and your licensed contractor. It should detail the work, price, when payments will be made, who gets the necessary building permits, and when the job will be finished. The contract also must identify the contractor, and give his/her address and license number. A good contract also has warnings and notices about the right to cancel, mechanics liens, and allowable delays.”
We’re Here to Help
Contact Hudack Law today at (877) 314-4309 Toll-free, please visit areas of service (open link in a new tab) or hudacklaw.com (open link in a new tab) to help you draft a contract between you and the licensed contractor you are looking to hire, so all plans and expectations are agreed upon from the very beginning.