Contracts and Changes
use a CCDC contract
these are pre-printed and available from the Toronto Construction Association
use drawings
get an architect
use a SPEC BOOK
get an architect and insist s/he produces one, many will not do this for a small job but it can be the critical document, why;
THE CONTENT OF THE SPECIFICATION BOOK SUPERCEDES THE DRAWINGS
Use a Process for Changes
document on each change the affect to the schedule in addition to the money
Some contractors may try to have the work done on the basis of a verbal change; this is a huge danger sign for the home owner; there is not enough time to go through this process, we need a decision right now; do not bow to phony pressure, but at the same time you must be diligent and timely with issuing a change order; remember:
There will be enough time for a dispute
There will be enough time for lawyer’s and courts
There will be enough time to lien the property
There will be enough time for everything else
For a home renovation these are probably 3 pieces of paper, typically on an issue that has been talked about previously so both owner and contractor have a good idea as to what is involved.
There is time, get it in writing.
This akin to a carpenter telling you there is not enough time to measure and they just cut a piece of wood by looking at it, there will be problems.