Questions to Ask Before Signing a Construction Contract
Before signing, get specific written answers on five things: exactly what's included (scope and drawings), how money works (price structure, allowances, change orders, payment schedule), when work starts and finishes, who is insured and registered, and how problems will be communicated. In Connecticut, home improvement contracts are required to be in writing — a verbal agreement isn't just risky, it falls short of the state's own requirements.
Scope questions
- 01Is the scope written specifically enough that a third party could verify completion?
- 02Which drawings and specifications is the contract based on — by date and version?
- 03What is explicitly excluded, and who handles the excluded items?
- 04Who obtains and pays for permits?
Money questions
- 01Is the price fixed, estimated, or cost-plus — and what does that mean when something changes?
- 02What allowances are included, and are they realistic for the finishes you've actually chosen?
- 03How are change orders priced, documented, and approved — before or after the work happens?
- 04Is the payment schedule tied to completed milestones rather than the calendar?
- 05What is the final payment contingent on?
Schedule questions
- 01What are the start and completion dates? (Connecticut's Home Improvement Act requires these in the written contract.)
- 02What happens — contractually — if the schedule slips?
- 03How will you be told about delays: before they happen or after?
Compliance and protection questions
- 01Is the contractor's Connecticut HIC registration active? (Verify via the DCP eLicense lookup.)
- 02Will you receive insurance certificates directly from the insurer?
- 03Does the contract include the cancellation-rights notice Connecticut requires?
- 04What warranty covers the work, in writing, and for how long?
What Connecticut law requires
Connecticut's Home Improvement Act sets minimum requirements for residential home improvement contracts: the agreement must be in writing and signed, must contain the start and completion dates, and must include notice of the homeowner's cancellation rights — which allow cancellation within three business days of signing for covered contracts. These are floor requirements, not best practice; a contract that meets only these minimums can still leave the questions above unanswered. Confirm the current requirements with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, which publishes guidance for homeowners.
The accountability question
Finally, ask the question that predicts the whole experience: when something goes wrong, who exactly do I call, and what happens next? A well-run project has one answer to that question. This is precisely the gap construction management exists to close — one point of accountability for budget, schedule, trades, and quality, so the homeowner is never the one doing the chasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a verbal agreement enforceable for home improvement work in Connecticut?
Connecticut's Home Improvement Act requires home improvement contracts to be in writing and signed, with specific contents including start and completion dates and cancellation-rights notice. Beyond the legal question, a verbal deal leaves every important term undefined. Get it in writing — the state requires it, and so does common sense.
Can I cancel after signing?
For contracts covered by Connecticut's home improvement rules, homeowners generally have a right to cancel within three business days of signing, and the contract must tell you so. Confirm how the right applies to your situation with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.
What is an allowance in a construction contract?
A placeholder budget for items not yet selected — tile, fixtures, appliances. If the allowance is set below what your actual selections cost, the difference lands on you as an overage. Pressure-test allowances against real products before signing, not after.
What should a payment schedule look like?
Payments tied to completed, verifiable milestones — not dates on a calendar, and not a large share of the price before meaningful work or materials arrive. The schedule should keep payments roughly in step with the value delivered.
Who reviews the contract if I have a construction manager?
A construction manager coordinates the bid process and flags scope and process gaps as part of owner representation. For legal review, use an attorney — a construction manager complements legal counsel; it doesn't replace it.
This guide is general educational information, not legal advice. Requirements change and can vary by project — confirm what applies to your situation with the relevant municipality, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, or qualified legal counsel before acting.
How We Help
Construction Management
For homeowners who want professional oversight without managing the project themselves. We serve as your single point of accountability — coordinating trades, managing budgets, and maintaining quality standards.
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