PRINT THIS

EMAIL THIS

1. Name, street address and phone number of the contractor
2. Contractor's license number
3. Detailed description of the work to be performed
4. Itemized list of all materials to be used including model numbers, sizes, brands, etc.
5. Payment schedule including down payment and final payment amounts
6. Start and completion dates
7. Contractor's obligation to obtain all necessary permits
8. List of all warranties and length of coverages
9. Text explaining grounds for termination by either party
10. Total cost of work to be performed
11. Any oral promises made by the contractor

The last item is a common pitfall for homeowners. Home projects--from estimate to completion date--cover days or even weeks. It's easy for things to get overlooked in the discussions you have with a contractor. And once work begins a contractor might find it too expensive to go back and change an item you and he discussed but that was left out of the contract. Protect yourself, get everything in writing.