home repair contract

Free Sample Home Repair/Improvement Contract Templates

To help you grow your business, we've created a fairly simple yet reliable home repair/improvement contract template in Word and PDF versions so you can use it over and over.

What's in this model?

• Work's extent

• Warranties and Warranties

• Payment terms

What is a home repair/improvement contract?

A home repair contract is entered into by two parties, the homeowner who wishes to receive home repair services and the contractor who will provide the home repair services. This contract informs both parties of the specific repairs that will be performed, their cost, and other terms and conditions of service delivery.

What is home repair/improvement?

Home repair is a service that involves renovating, restoring and improving the dwelling or building. Home repair is also called home improvement. It can be a full renovation or just adding a final element like new flooring, a practical new kitchen or a more modern bathroom and toilet.

Most home repair/improvement companies offer a wide range of services. These services include the repair and maintenance of walls, foundations, floors and ceilings, as well as the replacement of electricity, heating, plumbing and ventilation. There are also landscaping and interior landscaping services that can be included.

What types of home repair/improvement contracts are there?

When hiring a home repair/improvement service, it is important that you know what type of contract you will be signing. Indeed, there are differences between the types of contracts on the market. The most common types are:

• Fixed price contract: in this case, the customer pays the home repair/improvement service for all the repairs or improvements that have been agreed to in the contract, at a fixed price.

• Unit price contract: in this case, the home repair/improvement service pays for the materials and the repair or improvement work that it carries out and that has been stipulated in the contract. The price of this work and these materials is also defined in advance.

• Full Price Contract: In this case, the customer pays for all materials and repair or improvement work that has been agreed upon in the contract at a price determined by the home repair/improvement service. The price is set once and for all by the home repair/improvement service.

Why do I need a home repair/renovation contract?

Should a home improvement contractor enter into a contract for home improvement services?

Whether you are doing a complete renovation or building a small addition, it is essential to have documentation of all commitments to the client. You may decide to use this document because, when done correctly, it has this list of helpful benefits:

• Both the home improvement contractor and the owner understand their responsibilities

• There are no surprises as to the duration of the project

• Both parties know when invoicing will occur

Some consequences of not having this document in place include underpayment, confusion over timing, impractical waits, and other concerns.

Important Terms

What should be included in a home repair/improvement contract?

Contracts all differ depending on the type of work performed and other factors, the following are relatively common in home improvement contracts:

Introduction or preamble

This is an introduction that includes the names and contact details of the parties involved in the project, as well as the date the contract becomes active. Additionally, this part of the contract lists the legal structure of the entity performing the work (corporation, sole proprietorship, etc.) and should explicitly state that the party performing the work is not your employee but rather an independent contractor (this which will help protect you from certain responsibilities). Finally, the preamble should include the contractor's federal tax identification number and the total amount the owner is expected to pay.

Overview of work to be done

This is usually the scope of what the contract covers, which should be broad enough to cover minor changes to plans without being too vague. Remember that anything not covered by the contract may incur additional charges.

Period of time

Establishing a start and end date is crucial. You can also add completion goals for important phases of work; include exceptions for contingencies such as bad weather; and a penalty for late completion, if it is important to do so on time.

Materials

Be as specific as possible, including product identification numbers and brands.

Regulatory requirements

State the contractor's responsibility for obtaining licenses or permits, while adhering to all codes and zoning laws in a manner that protects you from liability.

Use of premises during construction

Describe the maintenance rules for construction sites (for example, where waste, dirt, etc. will be deposited); where equipment and materials will be stored between working days; parking available; and neighborhood limits on noise levels and applicable quiet periods.

Material and equipment: damage or theft

Indicate whether the theft or damage to equipment and materials is the responsibility of the owner or the contractor. Theft is an unfortunate reality on many construction sites (whether by employees or third parties). Additionally, even the most careful contractors can sometimes cause damage to property features or the property of adjacent neighbors. This part of the home improvement contract explains whether it is the responsibility of the contractor or the owner to pay for such damage or theft.

Amendments to the contract

It is not uncommon for a construction project to take off, requiring changes to the underlying contract. But the contract itself must include a provision for making such changes, usually in the form of separate written notes signed by both parties and attached to the original contract.

Warranties and Warranties

What guarantees does the contractor give regarding the integrity of the work? In addition, this section must state that all materials were purchased new and include all applicable manufacturer's warranties.

Payment terms

Decide on payment terms up front and include the details in the home improvement contract. It is normal to pay between one third and one half of the total invoice at the time of signing the contract. This serves as a down payment, but is also used to purchase materials, with the balance due upon completion of the work. For larger projects, you may be able to break it up into several smaller payments. The ability to pay for the work may depend on whether or not you are able to secure financing. If so, add a clause stating that the contract is only binding if you are able to secure the financing.

Subcontractors and Suppliers

The main contractor manages and pays the sub-contractors, but the sub-contractors may be able to put a lien on your property if they are not paid. Ask for the names and contact details (including social security numbers) of subcontractors, as well as vendors. Additionally, you can include a clause specifying separate payment for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers.

Disputes

In the event that the contractor violates its contractual obligations, you can include a provision for the recovery of attorney's fees. If you prefer to resolve disputes through mediation or arbitration, make sure this is also spelled out in the home improvement contract.