Make sure everything you are paying for is in the contract.
The contract should specify all materials to be used, such as quality, quantity, colour, size or brand name as it may apply.
Make sure your contract includes everything you feel is important to the job including complete clean up and removal of debris and materials, given instructions regarding pets, children or areas where materials may not be stored.

Also make sure the payment schedule is based on the contractor´s performance. Never let your payments get ahead of the contractor´s work, and sometimes and depending the work´s magnitude, make sure the contractor provides for a retention. It is a percentage of each payment or the total work, currently it can vary between 5% – 10%, which you retain until the work is completed or during one year period.

If a warranty is offered by the contractor for labor and materials, be sure to get it in writing.
The warranty should specifically state which part of the work are covered and the duration of the warranty.
You should also request any written warranties offered by the manufacturers of materials or appliances installed by the contractor

Your contractor should specify a starting date and an approximate completion date for your project. However external factors such as weather or the availability of supplies might cause delays.

Disclaimer: Daniel González Aranda through Survey Andalucía, assumes no responsibility for any damage that arises from any action that is based on these articles.
Questions regarding civil law, insurances policies should be addressed to a solicitor.
For a free consultation regarding technical questions or any other matter in relation with the published articles call 686 846 624 or e-mail to surveyandalucia@gmail.com