Home Repair Contract Template
Looking for a Home Repair/Improvement Contract template? Our team has drafted a simple, easy to understand, and easy to customize Home Repair/Improvement Contract template. Download the contract ( in Word or PDF) and save your precious time in Home Repair/Improvement business.
Free Home Repair/Improvement Contract Template Samples
- Scope of work
- Guarantees and Warranties
- Payment terms
What is a Home repair/improvement contract?
Why do I need a Home repair/improvement contract?
Does a home improvement contractor need to make a contract for home improvement services?
Whether you are doing a full remodel or building a small addition, having documentation of any commitments to the client is critical. You may decide that you want to use this document because, when done properly, it presents this list of helpful benefits:
- The home improvement contractor and property owner both understand their responsibilities
- There are no surprises about how long the project will last
- Both parties know when invoicing will happen
Some consequences of not having this document in place include underpayment, confusion on timing, impractical expectations, and more concerns.
Important Terms
What should be included in a Home repair/improvement contract?
Introduction or Preamble
Overview of Work to be Done
Time Period
Establishing a start and finish date is crucial. You may also want to add completion targets for important phases of the job; include exceptions for contingencies such as bad weather; and a penalty for late completion, if getting it done on time is important.
Materials
Be as specific as possible, including product ID numbers and brands.
Regulatory Requirements
State the contractor’s responsibility for securing any licenses or permits, while respecting all codes and zoning laws in a way that shields you from liability.
Use of Premises During Construction
Outline the rules for maintaining the construction premises (e.g. where trash, dirt, etc. will be deposited); where equipment and materials will be stored between workdays; available parking; and neighborhood limits on noise levels and any applicable quiet times.
Materials & Equipment: Damage or Theft
State whether equipment and material theft or damage is the responsibility of the homeowner or the contractor. Theft is an unfortunate reality at many construction sites (whether by employees or outside parties). Also, sometimes even the most careful contractors can cause damage to property features or the property of adjacent neighbors. This part of the home improvement contract explains whether it is the contractor’s or the homeowner’s responsibility to pay for any such damage or theft.
Contract Amendments
It is not uncommon for a building project to take on a life of its own, necessitating changes to the underlying contract. But the contract itself must include a provision to allow such changes to be made, usually as separate write-ups that are signed by both parties and attached to the original contract.
Guarantees and Warranties
What guarantees does the contractor make regarding the integrity of the job? Also, this section should state that all materials have been purchased new and include all applicable manufacturer warranties.
Payment Terms
Decide on payment terms up front and include the specifics in the home improvement contract. It is normal to pay one-third to one-half of the total bill at the time the contract is signed. This serves as a deposit, but is also for the purchase of materials, with the balance due at completion. For larger projects, you may be able to divide it into several, smaller payments. The ability to pay for the work may hinge on whether or not you are able to secure financing. If this is the case, add a clause indicating that the contract is binding only if you are able to get the funding.
Subcontractors and Suppliers
The principal contractor manages and pays the subcontractors, but subcontractors may be able to put a lien on your property if they are not paid. Ask for the names and contact information (including Social Security numbers) of subcontractors, as well as for suppliers. Additionally, you may include a clause specifying separate payment of contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers.
Disputes
In case the contractor violates his or her contractual obligations, you may want to include a provision for the recovery of lawyer’s fees. If you would rather resolve disputes through mediation or arbitration, make sure that is spelled out in the home improvement contract, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ about our Home Repair/Improvement Contract Template
we recognize that your contract layout conditions may need to be changed to be in line together with your client’s needs. That’s why we have made Contrat in Word format as well so that you’ll be able make adjustments as you like. If you want to make important changes to the template, we propose you to get help of a lawyer or conveyancer to make sure you still have protection.
The details needed for your Home Improvement Contract are listed below:
- Your client’s contact information
- What fees will be charged and when
- What the duration of the project is
- What tasks you will be doing once hired
A home improvement contract must be used when repairing, remodeling, altering, converting, modernizing, or adding to “residential property.” It includes residential remodeling projects involving the construction, erection, replacement or improvement, not only of the interiors of residential property, but also exterior improvements including driveways, swimming pools (including spas and hot tubs), terraces, patios, awnings, and porches, underground structures including fallout shelters and basements. It also includes, some might be surprised, even fences.
To cancel, the buyer need only give the contractor written notice of his or her intent not to be bound by the contract. Under the law when the contract is canceled the seller can be required to return the entire contract amount and restore a consumer’s property to the way it was before the contract.
