What Should Be in Your Remodeling Contract? (And What to Avoid)

When you're investing in a remodel—whether it’s a new kitchen, a home addition, or a full renovation—the contract you sign matters just as much as the craftsmanship itself.

A remodeling contract isn’t just paperwork. It’s the playbook for your entire project. It sets expectations, defines responsibilities, and lays out exactly what you’re getting and what it will cost. Unfortunately, too many homeowners in Spokane and North Idaho get burned because they signed vague, rushed, or incomplete agreements.

At The Building Company, we believe in doing things differently. Here’s what you should expect to see in a well-structured remodeling contract—and what to steer clear of.

The Remodeling Contract: Why It Matters

You’re not just hiring someone to swing a hammer. You’re trusting them with your home, your money, and your peace of mind. A clear contract protects you from surprises, misunderstandings, and costly mistakes.



If it’s not in writing, it’s not real. That goes for pricing, timelines, responsibilities, and even design decisions. So before work begins, make sure the contract actually matches the conversation you had.

What Should Be Included in Your Remodeling Contract?

Here’s what every professional remodeling contract should include:

Detailed Scope of Work:

• What exactly is being done
• Which rooms, systems, or features are included
• Any demo, framing, electrical, plumbing, finishes, etc.
  

What to Watch Out For

If you’re reviewing a contract and see any of the following, slow down:

• ❌ Vague language like "TBD" or "as needed"
• ❌ One-page quotes passed off as full contracts
• ❌ No mention of schedule or payment terms
• ❌ Loose or missing scope of work
• ❌ No warranty or follow-up policy

These are signs the contractor either isn’t organized, isn’t experienced, or isn’t interested in accountability.

How The Building Company Protects You From the Start

Our remodeling contracts are built to make things simple, not stressful. Before we ever sign, we guide you through a structured planning process where every detail—scope, layout, finishes, costs, timelines—is dialed in.

Then we give you a fixed-price agreement that reflects everything we've planned together. No vague allowances. No sliding labor rates. No back-of-napkin quotes.

We also include:

• Clear scopes and schedules
• A clean change order process
• Local permit handling
• A lifetime workmanship warranty

Why? Because we want you to feel confident at every step, not anxious about what might pop up next.