How to Legally Protect Yourself When Hiring a Contractor for Home Construction
Building a home is one of the biggest investments of a lifetime. However, choosing the wrong contractor for home construction can turn this dream project into a stressful experience. From cost overruns to poor workmanship or delays, legal protection is crucial when hiring someone to build your house. Here’s how you can safeguard yourself before signing a contract. 1. Verify the Contractor’s Credentials Before hiring anyone, make sure the contractor is licensed, insured, and registered under local laws. Ask for a valid license to operate as a home construction contractor. Check if they have insurance coverage, including worker’s compensation and liability insurance. Look for past client reviews and portfolio of completed projects. A legitimate construction company will always provide these details transparently. 2. Always Use a Written Contract Never rely on verbal promises. A written construction agreement is your primary legal protection. The contract should include: Detailed scope of...