Your renovation contract decides who pays when something goes wrong, so it deserves more attention than the paint colors. These guides walk you through the paperwork that protects your home and your budget, in plain language.
Start with what every renovation contract should include, from a detailed scope of work to a payment schedule tied to real milestones. Learn how to read a construction bid line by line, so you know what’s included before you compare prices. Then get clear on the documents that come up mid-project: change orders (and when to say no), and lien waivers, which keep you from paying twice for the same work.
Each article is written by Cally Reyes, co-founder of Purple Door Studio, drawing on years of reviewing contracts from both sides of the table. If you’d rather have an expert read your contract before you sign, that’s exactly what our owner’s representative service does.
A homeowner recently showed me three contractor bids for the exact same kitchen renovation. The lowest bid came in at just under $58,000. The highest was nearly $90,000. And her first question? “Why is one contractor charging thirty thousand dollars more for the same project?” The answer? The contractors weren’t even bidding the same project. […]
The Homeowner’s Guide to Reading a Construction Bid Read More »
You write a check to your general contractor, watch the work get completed, and assume everything is settled. Then, weeks later, you receive a notice from a subcontractor claiming they weren’t paid for their work and they’re filing a lien against your home. Say what?! That can’t be, you think, because you’ve already paid the
What Is a Lien Waiver and Why You Should Ask for One Read More »
The contractor is sitting across from you, or on the other end of a call, walking you through the bid. The number seems reasonable. They seem experienced. They showed up on time, said all the right things, and you’re almost ready to sign. But in the back of your mind, there’s a growing quiet discomfort
Home Renovation Questions to Ask Before You Sign Anything Read More »
You’re three weeks into your kitchen renovation when a message comes in from your contractor. Something came up during demo. There’s more to deal with than expected. The cost is going up by $4,800. You didn’t budget for that. You’re not sure what “something came up” means exactly, or whether $4,800 is reasonable for whatever
What Is a Change Order and When Should You Say No? Read More »
A renovation contract should always include: a detailed scope of work, a payment schedule tied to milestones, a project timeline with key dates, a change order process, materials and specifications, permit responsibility, and warranty terms. Missing any of these creates openings for cost overruns, delays, and disputes that are nearly impossible to resolve once work
The 7 Things Your Renovation Contract Should Always Include Read More »
