New York state law requires a contractor to provide a written contract for home improvement work. The contract should include a timeline for work to be completed, a payment schedule and as many specifics as possible about the project, such as types or brands of materials.
Contracts don't need to be in legal language, but they do need to outline exactly who is responsible for what from obtaining various permissions (such as building control approval) to timings, tidying up, materials, insurance and how payments will be made. A written contract will protect you and reduce risks.
Can I write my own contract? Yes, you can write your own contract. However, including all necessary elements is crucial to make it legally binding.
To draft a contract from scratch, start by identifying the parties involved and clearly outlining the agreement. Include consideration (what is exchanged), define the terms and conditions, ensure all parties are legally competent, and finalise it with signatures. These essential elements make the contract enforceable.
Some projects that typically need a permit include: Major renovations or additions to existing buildings. Electrical work. Plumbing installations or changes. HVAC system installations or changes.
On average, it takes about 1-3 months to get a building permit in NYC. Permitting timelines depend on the type of permit you applied for. Current timelines for the DOB to review an initial permit application are: Alt1 (standard filing): 3-4 months.
What should I include in a construction contract template? Name and contact information of the project owner. Name and contact information of the contractor. Legal description of the property being worked on. Detailed description of the work to be completed. Completion date and date of final payment.
Concrete placed at any building under construction in New York City is required to be tested to ensure it meets the structural design requirements of the project.
Most kitchen and bathroom renovations require an ALT2 permit application, which must be filed by a PE or RA. For example, you will need an ALT2 when: adding a new bathroom. rerouting gas pipes and adding electrical outlets.