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

June 9, 2025

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.

Fixed Price or Clear Itemized Budget:

  • Avoid "allowances" that give contractors wiggle room to charge more later
  • The more specific the pricing, the fewer surprises down the road

 

Start Date & Completion Timeline:

  • When the work will begin and how long it will take
  • Provisions for what happens if timelines shift


Payment Schedule:

  • When payments are due and what they’re tied to (milestones, progress, etc.)
  • Watch for large upfront deposits with no breakdown


Change Order Process:

  • How changes are approved and priced
  • Who signs off before extra work begins

Permits and Inspections:

  • Who is responsible for applying and managing local permits
  • How inspections will be handled (especially in Spokane, CDA, and outlying counties)


Warranty Information:

  • Length and scope of warranty on workmanship and materials
  • License and Insurance Details
  • Contractor’s license number (required in WA and ID)
  • Proof of liability and workers comp insurance


Dispute Resolution & Termination Terms

  • What happens if the project is delayed, abandoned, or disputed
  • Legal protections for both parties

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.

Remodeling in Spokane or North Idaho? Let’s Get it Right From Day One.

Whether you're remodeling in South Hill, Liberty Lake, Coeur d’Alene, or Post Falls, the contract you sign is the foundation of your entire experience.

If you're ready for a remodel built on clarity, not chaos—start with The Building Company.

Call or text: 509-890-0222 or inquire 

You can also email admin@pnwbuild.com for a free sample contract.

Let’s build something great—with expectations that are clear, costs that are fixed, and results that speak for themselves

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