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Angie Hicks, Angie’s List founder: “A remodeling project is a big investment and a complicated venture. The best tool you can have if something goes wrong with your project is a good contract.  An Angie’s List poll found 16 percent of respondents don’t fully read contracts before signing it. It’s not a contractor’s job to protect your interests – that’s your job.  We recently asked 500 contractors about their standard contracts. We found 70 percent don’t include a clause that ties payment with work completion. Also, 45 percent don’t have an opportunity for the contractor and the consumer to part ways if the project is not going well without penalties.  What you’ll find is the contract can help or hurt you so it’s important to read it in its entirety and don’t be afraid to negotiate terms. A good contractor is going to be willing to negotiate reasonable items and if they are not, look for a different contractor.”

Angie’s List Tips:

Agree to:

• Payment terms
• Pay upon completion
• Penalties for missed completion dates
• Opportunity to part ways with no penalty

• Read the entire contract
• Don’t be afraid to negotiate
• It’s your job to protect your interests