The essential job of a construction contract is to spell out the project’s “scope of work.” This is the document you and your contractor will consult throughout the job, so make sure it’s as detailed as possible.

Some states require the contractor to write his license number on the document and to include a clause that allows you to rescind within a certain time period after signing. Check your state laws to learn what your construction contract should contain.  

A thorough contract is filled with numbers and stipulations that will take several hours to review, so leave enough time to review it before signing. The contract should state:

  • Contractor will secure all necessary permits and approvals
  • Where and which walls will be moved
  • Payment schedule
  • Work hours

The contract needn’t contain product specs on its pages: It may refer to the contractor’s attached, itemized bid.