SEATTLE, May 12, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Porch.com (http://porch.com), the home network, for homeowners and home professionals, shares advice for homeowners looking to hire a carpenter.
Carpentry projects usually involve woodworking, building, cabinetmaking or other material construction. You might hire a carpenter for a new addition, a remodeling project, a deck project or handiwork within the home. But as Anne Reagan, Editor-In-Chief of Porch, explains, “Before hiring a professional you’ll want an estimate, bid or quote and by having both parties sign the quote, you’ll have a contract that lays out the parameters of the job. ”
Items to be included in the contract:
Contracts should include all the necessary information to ensure that both parties know what is expected of them. In general, the contract shows an offer, an acceptance and must be legally binding. The following details should be included in the contract:
- Contractor’s full business name, address, phone number, license and contact information
- Scope of project describing what work will be performed and by whom
- Description of the project in detail including materials, paint or stain colors to be used, and any other specifics for this project
- Payment schedule and expectation of deposit amounts or percentages
- Permit information like who will be obtaining and filing for them (if applicable)
- Projects may have a set of architectural drawings, to scale, attached to the contract
- Description of cleanup, removal of debris, what will be done with leftover materials
- Equipment rentals and payment of rentals
- Warranty information
Clauses and additional information:
It’s not uncommon to add clauses or other details to the contract to account for things that may occur during the course of the project. Additional inclusions may include:
- Maintain building code standards
- Correct unstable surfaces
- Release of duties for improper or incomplete work without pay
- Return funds paid when released from a job
- Repair any damages during project progression
- Correct mistakes that do not pass inspection without pay
- Docking labor wage for tardiness or excessive delays
Making changes or canceling contracts:
After signing you may need cause for canceling the contract. Read the fine print: you may be allowed to cancel after several day of signing. Be sure you read over your contract before signing and ask questions about what happens if you need to cancel due to scheduling issues, financial problems or change of mind.
When you need to make changes to a contract like adding on to the scope of the project or changing materials, a change work order should be issued and signed and the contract may need to be amended. Have the changes notarized and attached to the original contract.
Thinking of looking for a carpenter? Here is a list of carpenters by top cities:
About Porch
Porch is the home network, free for homeowners and home professionals. With over 3.2 million professionals and over 130 million projects, Porch enables homeowners to make smart home improvement decisions by giving them the information they need to find the right professionals, get inspiration, and manage their home. The Porch App, a first of its kind app available for iOS gives homeowners direct access to a personal Porch Concierge to help find the best professionals for your home. For more information about Porch, visit http://porch.com and to download the Porch App at http://porch.com/app
Press Assets: porch.com/about/press
Twitter: @porchdotcom
Facebook: /porchdotcom
Google+: /porchdotcom