Five questions before signing a contract
Once you have agreed on price and timing, think through what happens when the work falls behind. Who needs to act, and how will each side know that the other has done what it promised?
What exactly must be delivered?
A quote for renovating a flat may cover installation while leaving debris removal to you. Describe the result and attach the specification or quote. Agree who supplies the necessary information and what happens if it arrives late.
When is payment due?
Tie the deposit, instalments and final payment to specific steps. If the final payment depends on acceptance, agree who signs off and how defects are recorded.
Who can approve a change?
Agree who can order extra work and how they confirm the price and revised deadline. An email approving the change can help establish what was actually ordered.
What happens if work is late or defective?
Set out how either side reports a problem and how long the other side has to fix it. If you agree on a contractual penalty, check how it is calculated and how it relates to a claim for damages.
How can the agreement end?
Check notice periods, handover of work in progress and return of any advances. For ongoing services, think about who hands over documents and account access.