1. The contractor’s name, street address, phone number and license number.

2. Start and completion dates. Although these should allow for reasonable delays, a clause allowing you to withhold payment if work slows down for no apparent reason is beneficial. If time is important, you could consider negotiating a completion date with a penalty for every day late, and a bonus if the job is finished early.

3. A detailed description of the work to be done, a description of the materials and equipment to be used (brand names, colors, size, styles and model numbers), and a list of all costs spelled out clearly.

4. A schedule of payments showing the amount of each payment in dollars and cents and the stage of completion at which each payment becomes due.

5. If you want a warranty, make sure it is in writing as part of the contract. Good contractors always guarantee their work. Also, require the contractor to furnish you any written warranties offered by the manufacturers of materials or appliances that are to be installed.

6. A guarantee that the contractor carries liability insurance and has workers compensation coverage, in case of accidents on the job.

7. For a large remodeling job that involves many subcontractors and a substantial financial commitment, it is a good idea to specify in the contract that the contractor is responsible for obtaining lien releases from each of the subcontractors and material suppliers.

8. Everything you feel is important to the job, including complete cleanup and removal of debris and materials and special requests for saving certain materials or appliances.

9. A statement that the contractor will obtain all required building permits (see Permits/Inspections), and that all work will be done in accordance with all applicable building codes and inspected before final payment.

10. A statement that all changes (added work, substitution of materials, etc.) made after the contract is signed will be written, clearly worded, and signed.

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