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Home renovations often require the expertise of skilled workers. If you need professional help with your project, start with a qualified contractor. Here, we offer tips to help you navigate a client-contractor relationship.Define your project. Create a comprehensive project plan that outlines your goals, budget, timeline, and specific requirements. A well-defined plan helps ensure you and your contractor are on the same page.Sign a detailed contract. Your contract should include a detailed scope of work, payment terms, project timeline, and any other relevant details. Be sure to maintain a signed copy of the contract and put additional changes you want to make in writing.Communicate clearly. State your expectations, preferences and concerns throughout the process. As the project progresses, meet regularly for updates.Track change orders and costs. Alterations to your original plan are inevitable as your vision changes or unexpected issues arise. Keep a written record of all modifications and associated costs. Insist that your contractor provide change orders that both parties sign before initiating any work outside the original scope of the renovations.Get the proper approvals. Many home improvement projects, even small ones, require building permits. While it’s generally the contractor’s responsibility to pull the permits, it’s in the homeowner’s best interest to follow up with the contractor to ensure approvals are obtained. Before work begins, double-check that you have the required documentation. This extra vigilance can save you many headaches down the road.
