I am about to engage with a builder to do a $500k renovation/addition in the Boston area. I have searched through the site and most contract topics are about evil homeowners and how to protect yourself from them.
My question is, if you were hiring someone to modify your house what would you want in the contract to give you confidence that the right incentives where aligned to ensure a good outcome.
Thanks in advance – John
Replies
The most important item can't be written into a contract.
The builder has experience and a good reputation at this kind of job
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
"The most important item can't be written into a contract.The builder has experience and a good reputation at this kind of job"And that the HO and the GC COMMUNICATE.And more in terms of each one understanding each other vs just the number of times that they make contact..
.
A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
In addition to the communication aspect, your builder should be fully insured and present you with valid insurance certificates including General Liability, Workers Compensation, and Builders Risk.
You should have a clear understanding of what warranties are. Many states have legislated minimum warranties.
Develop a fair draw schedule. Your contractor should not have to finance the project, nor should they be paid in full before starting. Fair progress payments upon satisfactory completion of work.
Understand what decisions will be required of you and when you have to make them. Homeowner delays are very frustating.
You must feel comfortable with the person you are hiring. You are embarking on a long and expensive journey-there must be a level of trust.
Best of Luck
Bruce
>> your builder should be fully insured and present you with valid insurance certificates including General Liability, Workers Compensation, and Builders Risk. <<
Minor point... actually the contractor doesn't "present them". He has his insurance company(s) send them to the client and the certificate(s) have the client's name on the heading.
The main things an owner wants to know are
1 When do you start
2 When do you finish
3 When do I need to pick everything
4 When do i know when something I change will cost more
The rest of it is just filler