Contract Negotiations
Learn what to put into the contract
to protect you and your home contracting project. This topic reviews clauses in the contract to avoid costing you money later on.
Note: The information below is applicable for a home remodeling project that includes a room construction. Some of the information may not apply for a small remodeling project, but is helpful for review before you sign the contract.
Page Topics:
contract negotiations
Building Specification
The owner specifications should be part of every contract before you sign.
The specifications should include all supplies that will be used and what services will be rendered.
discussion on assembling your project specifications (under our remodeling step section) spec planning
Your specifications should list the brand, make, model, number, style, type, color and any other descriptions,
plus whether the materials used in construction will be new or used. Ensure that the specifications are exact in detail to protect you from inferior use of products and to compare "apples-to-apples" specs with several lenders.
Be as detail as possible for every room in the house
- for more information about contract specifications:
uniteddesign.com
- view a listing of residential specification categories:
uniteddesign.com
contract negotiations
Labor Specification
Labor and sub-contract specifications should be part of every contract before you sign
labor and service specifications are generally referred to as general conditions or terms of conditions
Specifications should list clean-up clauses, date of commencement, acquisition requirements, trash removal, transportation of workers, dump fees, etc.
you should specify whether alcoholic beverages may be consumed on your property
- get everything down in writing; never accept a verbal agreement
contract negotiations
Negotiating the Contract
The contractor will supply a bid or estimate after looking over the project
make sure the contractor bids on the Contract Specifications to avoid misunderstandings
- all bids should be in writing
- all bids should specify which materials will be used
Take the time to review the bid or estimate
walk away from any pressure tactics to sign the contract prematurely
- be careful what you sign — signed bids may act as a contract agreement
It's best to receive two or more bids to compare contractors
if each contractor received the exact project specifications, you should be able to compare bids apples-to-apples — best overall bids should be priced in the middle- to high end
if the submitted bids are over budget, work with the contractors on recommendations where you can cut costs — then resubmit the reduced plan through the bid process
You may sign the contractors contract or supply an owner's contract —
either way, have an attorney look over the contract
contract negotiations
Change Order - Extra Clauses
You will most likely want to change something or add an extra during the construction period
a change may be better materials, different colors or another texture. Extras may include more space or a second closet
Make sure the contract allows for change order / extra clauses before you sign
if you make a change order, get it down in writing
these changes become part of the original contract that should be signed by the contractor and owner before going into production
never accept a verbal agreement to a change — and never leave a voice mail, email, or written note hoping the contractor will add the request to the contract
contract negotiations
Other Parts of the Contract
agree to dates of acceptance
(the date when the contract is signed),
date of commencement
(the date when the work is to begin),
and date of completion
(the date when work is to be completed)
discuss with the contractor delay clauses — this allow you to assess a penalty if controlled delays push completion date beyond the agreed to date.
note: if you insert a penalty clause, the contractor may request a bonus for early completion. You need to run the numbers to determine whether this is beneficial to you.
make sure the architect, contractor, owners and any designers to the contract agree to the dates before the draftsman completes your plans
you want to avoid any delays in your project schedule — it can cost you money
The contract (if needed) should include a list of subcontractors — plumbers, electrical, roofing, etc. — with all applicable business information
request their names, address, business licenses, etc.
the contract should list the name, address and phone number of all suppliers — you will most likely receive notices or lien releases from these players. It would be nice to have a file to track these players.
make sure the contract states that you will be released from all liens upon payment — you will want to have a copy of all releases for your files
Get performance statements and unforeseeable work clauses
performance statements guarantee that the work and supplies meet specification and building code requirements
unforeseeable clauses fixes leaking pipes, non-working electrical
state in the contract that the contractor is responsible for all required building permits
insert liability and warranty clauses that protect you in the event of damages, injuries, etc.
have your attorney review
You may request a purchase allowance, which allows you to shop for materials of your choice
the difference in the purchase price as stated in the contract is refunded to the contractor or owner, depending on the price you pay
Insert a cleanup clause and work schedule of when the work should be performed
make it a habit to drop by to see that the contractor adheres to the agreed schedule
lookup state, county and city governments for information about contractor licensing:
www.statelocalgov.net
contract negotiations
Understanding Liens
A construction lien allows any contractor, sub-contractor or supplier that has not been paid to place a lien on your property as security for payment
a lien against your property will inhibit you from selling or obtaining financing, in some cases, until that lien is paid
the most common liens occur when the subcontractor fails to pay his suppliers, even though the full invoice has been paid by the owner to the subcontractor
the suppliers can then place a lien on your property for payment
the general rule is to never make a payment without receiving a release of lien from the contractor, sub- contractor and supplier, and whomever else is involved
In some states, it is required that the sub-contractor and/or supplier notified you that they will be performing some work and/or providing some supplies
if you state does not require it, request it in the contract.
save these notices as a reference file for tracking who may have a lien on you until final payment
it is recommended that the contract has a provision that the contractor is responsible for obtaining all liens
if not, then that responsibility falls upon you
Helpful Tools
Some helpful forms to select and manage contractors:
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