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5 red flags
- 1
You pay before any work
high
Half is due on signing and the rest before they start. If they never show up, that money is already gone.
“50% due on signing, remainder due before work begins, non-refundable”
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Deposit is 20% to book the date. The rest is due when the work is finished and I have walked the job.
- 2
You cannot sue them
high
Signing sends every dispute to arbitration they pick. A court is off the table.
“Owner waives the right to sue and agrees to binding arbitration in a venue chosen by Contractor”
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Disputes go to small claims or mediation in my county. Neither of us waives the right to go to court.
- 3
They can walk, you cannot
high
Delays are their problem never. Timeline is only an estimate and they owe you nothing if the job sits.
“Contractor is not liable for delays of any kind”
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If the job sits more than 14 days without weather or a written change from me, I can cancel and get unused money back.
- 4
Warranty is almost nothing
medium
30 days on labor only. Materials, water, and mold are excluded if they say it was already there.
“Warranty is 30 days on labor only and excludes materials, water, mold”
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Labor and workmanship are warranted for one year. Materials follow the manufacturer warranty.
- 5
Cleanup is a surprise bill
medium
Dumpster and cleanup are extra, at cost plus 40%, after you already paid the quote.
“Dumpster and cleanup billed separately at cost plus 40%”
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The quoted price includes dumpster, haul-away, and leaving the site broom-clean. No cleanup extras.
Reply to send
Thanks for the quote. Before I sign, I need a few changes in writing: 1. Deposit 20% to book, balance when the job is done and I’ve walked it — not non-refundable payment before you start. 2. If work stops for more than 14 days (other than weather or a change I asked for), I can cancel and get unused money back. 3. Disputes stay in my county. I’m not waiving court. 4. One-year labor warranty, and cleanup included in the quote. If you can send a revised version with those points, I’m ready to move.
Not legal advice. askskim.com