When it comes to homebuilding, contracts are often perceived as nothing more than an agreement to pay for work completed, plus some legal jargon and clauses. A headache. But a correctly-composed contract is not just a necessary formality; it’s the cornerstone of a successful build. It’s a detailed document that provides a full picture of exactly what you will get. It can foster goodwill, ensure clarity, and guide the way to a successful build.
The key? Leaving no room for ambiguity.
Clarity in Contracts: No Surprises
When it comes to contracts, the best situation is when both parties review the document thoroughly together in a meeting before finalizing. Questions and clarifications, transparency and precision eliminate any opportunity for either party to say, “Well, I didn’t know that” or “that’s not what was meant”. When everything is laid out clearly, there’s no room for misinterpretation.
That’s why fixed-price quotations are particularly effective. With a fixed-price quotation, everything is decided in advance: the timeline, all materials and their cost, as well as scope of work, are all locked in. As long as nothing unexpected occurs, such as a product becoming unavailable or a requested design change, the contract remains airtight. Fixed-price contracts create certainty, eliminating unwelcome surprises.
A Starting Point for Additions and Subtractions
A detailed contract acts as a platform for changes. Once you know the cost and scope of work, you can then decide what you might like to add or take away before the building begins, or over the course of the build. If there is room in the budget, you might like to add a unit over the garage or a dock out on the water. But unless you have a clear understanding of the original scope, it’s tough to know if you’re tackling too much or too little.
You might also want to leave certain items ‘to be determined’. For example, in a typical scope of work you might outline the pouring and finishing of the concrete slab and foundations for the basement, breezeway, garage, and front porch. But what if you want to hold off on quoting concrete walkways until landscaping decisions have been made?
This scenario needs to be reflected in the contract. The line item should clearly state what’s being done now (slab and foundations) and note that the walkways are “TBD.” This transparency keeps both parties on the same page, preventing not only misunderstandings but also future disputes over additional costs.
Customer Engagement: The Secret to a Seamless Build
Have you ever undertaken a project in which participants don’t take an active role? It makes it difficult to move things forward! That’s why even after the home or cottage building contract is signed, your engagement is critical. Keep that excitement and momentum going! There are a few turns in the road to housebuilding perfection—and you’re in the driver’s seat. Participating in weekly video calls or site visits can help ensure the project remains on track.
Although everything is ‘spelled out’ in your contract there are, inevitably, decisions that require your input. Should that huge granite boulder be removed, or should it remain as a landscaping accent? The mature maple that will overshadow the garage—should rain gutter protection screens be added to prevent clogs from fallen leaves?
Being present to make decisions like these gives you more ownership over final results. It can also give you peace of mind that your vision is being realized the way you intended. While no builder appreciates micromanagement, engagement throughout the process results in a build that aligns with your expectations.
The Importance of Record Keeping
Good record keeping is something good builders know about, but customers don’t always think to make notes when they meet with their builder. It is appreciated! Keeping detailed notes of decisions made, design choices, and even photos provided to the builder can prevent confusion. If you change your mind or want to reference a previous decision, you’ll have a record of what was decided at the time. Keeping clear, concise records will help you do you part in keeping the project moving smoothly forwards.
In summary
A well-structured contract is more than just a legal requirement—it’s the foundation of a successful home or cottage build. It sets expectations, eliminates ambiguity, and promotes trust between the builder and the client. When approached with diligence and clarity, contracts can turn what might be seen as a daunting task into a process that fosters positivity, reduces stress, and ensures the best possible outcome for all involved.
So, while the contract might not be the most glamorous part of your new home or cottage build, it truly is one of the most important. If you give it some consideration from the start, you’ll find the sailing smoother.
