Contractor Contract Checklist: 25 Items to Review

Record both parties’ legal names, addresses and contact details. Ask which license or registration applies to the work and record the issuing authority, identifier and verification date.

Where the work will be performed (if different from homeowner address).

When the agreement is signed by both parties.

Specific tasks, not vague descriptions. “Kitchen remodel” is too vague. List every element: cabinets, counters, flooring, electrical, plumbing, etc.

List exclusions explicitly and ask both parties to confirm how those exclusions affect the price and scope.

Reference attached drawings, specs, or allowances as part of the contract.

Brand names, model numbers, colors, quantities. “Granite countertops” is vague; “Level 3 Cambria Quartz, Brittanicca” is specific.

What happens if specified materials are unavailable? Require written approval for substitutions.

If using allowances (budget for selections made later), specify amounts and what happens if you exceed them.

When work will begin. “As soon as possible” is not acceptable.

Record the planned completion date and what substantial and final completion mean in this agreement. Ask a qualified adviser about any proposed deadline-related legal wording before adopting it.

Record the phase dates and any payment events the parties agree to, including what evidence supports each event.

Record the notice process, responsibility and proposed schedule or price changes for delays. Check how the actual agreement treats weather, permits and other unresolved causes.

Fixed price or cost-plus? If cost-plus, what’s the markup percentage?

List each proposed payment amount, due date or completion event, required evidence and remaining balance. Check the schedule against the actual agreement and applicable requirements; do not adopt a default deposit or retention percentage.

Record the agreed conditions for final payment, any inspection or punch-list records, and any requested releases. Check the applicable documents and requirements before treating a condition as satisfied.

All changes must be in writing, signed by both parties, with pricing, before work proceeds.

What percentage markup applies to change order work?

Request the actual workmanship-warranty document. Record its issuer, covered work, period, exclusions, claim process and any unresolved conditions.

Request the material-warranty documents and ask the issuer who may claim, whether any transfer or registration is needed, and what conditions apply.

Record the policy types, insured business, dates, limits and project-specific questions. Ask the issuer and relevant authority what coverage or evidence is needed for this work.

Confirm with the applicable authority which permits and inspections are needed. Record who will apply, pay, arrange inspections and keep the resulting documents.

Record the proposed complaint, negotiation and dispute process, any forum or notice terms, and relevant contacts. Ask a qualified adviser to review unclear procedures or deadlines.

Ask which cancellation rights, deadlines, notices and exceptions apply to this transaction. Record the authoritative source, how and where any notice must be sent, and what remains unresolved; do not assume a three-day rule.

How either party can terminate the contract and what happens to payments.