Home Owner/Contractor Patterns That Raise Red Flags
One of the advantages of having handled numerous home contractor/homeowner disputes is that I have a global view of the problems that arise. Homeowners and contractors are frequently shocked when something goes wrong during a renovation project, but if they are made aware of the "signs," the problems may be preventable. 1. The contractor who tells you that you do not need a contract. Sure, things are great at the beginning, but working without a contract can be a recipe for disaster. The purpose of a contract is to memorialize a "meeting of the minds." As one arbitrator said to me, "the best kind of contract is put on the shelf once it is drafted and left to collect dust." 2. The homeowner who is overly preoccupied with details and processes. Homeowners should be actively involved in the renovation process. However, if they have difficulty making up their minds over the smallest issues, or insist on controlling minute aspects of the work, the proje...