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Get it in Writing

Posted on July 28, 2009
Filed Under Home Improvement |

Some states require a written contract between contractors and homeowners for any substantial home improvement projects. Others don?t make contracts mandatory. A handshake deal is good enough to get the ball rolling in those jurisdictions.

However, the states that don?t require a contract will recognize one when its present. In other words, you aren?t required to do it, but no one is going to stand in your way if you do. And you should.

No matter what our local laws may allow you to get by with, you should have a comprehensive signed contract that spells out everything for both parties. A good contract provides clarity, reduces conversations to writing, and creates a legally enforceable arrangement just in case you do experience any problems.

The bottom line: Get it in writing. A good contract can be the key to a good, predictable experience with a home improvement contractor. Handshake deals might be just fine for small odd jobs, but they?re completely unacceptable when it comes to home improvement. The only good deal is the deal that?s all typed up and has been signed by the homeowner and the contractor.

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