Before starting any major home improvement project, you need to begin with a well written contract. A thoroughly detailed contract will go a long way in ensuring that you and your contractor understand what work is to be done and what it will cost.

Your detailed contract should specify:

• All the work you expect the contractor to complete and all the materials the contractor will use, including the quality, grade and brand of all materials;
• When the work will begin and end;
• Who is in charge of getting any necessary permits from the city or county (Most people prefer the contractor to do this part);
• How and when you will pay for the work;
• How much the work will cost.

Be sure that everything you've agreed to is written down, including any guarantees on the quality of work. If you don't understand any sections, ask a knowledgeable friend, relative or legal representative to review the contract.

Also, before you sign any home improvement contract, it's smart to find out what legal protections you have. Both you and the contractor must sign the contract. Be sure to get a copy of everything you sign and recognize that your signature is binding.

What You Don't Want

• Don't approve any plans or blueprints unless you understand them;
• Never sign a contract with any blanks.