Homeowner guide

Remodeling Contracts and Change Orders

A practical record of parties, scope, price, schedule, responsibilities, changes, payments, warranties, and closeout.

Why this record matters

The contract is the operating record for the project. It should connect the legal parties, project documents, money, schedule, approvals, and closeout so a verbal conversation does not become the only evidence.

Checklist

Use the contractor's legal name and verify the applicable license.
Attach drawings, specifications, selections, and allowance amounts.
State permit, inspection, cleanup, storage, and site-access responsibilities.
Define payment milestones and retain evidence of every payment.
Write the cost and schedule effect of a change before approval.
Record warranty terms, lien-release expectations, and final closeout items.

Questions the record should answer

Which documents are part of the signed agreement?
Who can authorize a change, and in what form?
How will a change show both price and schedule effects?
What evidence is required before each payment and final completion?

Related decisions

Apply this guide to a remodeling project.

Official references

Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board: How to Hire a Builder: State consumer guidance on licensing, references, contracts, payments, and verification.
U.S. EPA: Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program: Lead-safe renovation requirements and homeowner guidance for many pre-1978 properties.

Requirements depend on the property, scope, jurisdiction, and current rules. Verify them directly before work begins.