Eight clauses that should be in every renovation contract. They protect you from scope creep, late payments and the customer who 'thought it was included'.
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"Look, why bother with a contract? We'll sort it out as we go." That sentence has cost contractors tens of thousands. A renovation contract isn't paperwork for the lawyers, it's a tool of the trade. Below are eight clauses that belong in every job you take on.
Why bother with a contract at all?
Three typical situations from the field:
- The client changes the scope mid-job: without a written variation, you won't get paid for the extra work.
- You quoted one set of materials, the client picked another: with no clause naming who supplies what, you absorb the difference.
- Sign-off drags on for weeks: the client says "just one more thing", and your final payment sits in their account.
Each of these is solved by a single clause.
The eight clauses every contract needs
1. Scope of works
The most important clause in the document. Don't write "bathroom renovation, 30 m²". Write:
- exactly what's included (the line items straight from your quote),
- what's not included (more important than what is),
- which materials you supply, which the client supplies.
One line per item. Once it's signed, "I thought painting was in there" is off the table.
2. Schedule and penalties
- Start and completion dates: actual dates, not "within a month".
- Penalty clauses for late delivery: usually 0.1–0.3% of the contract value per working day. Make them reciprocal: your penalty for being late on the works, the client's for failing to give access or sign off in time.
- Force majeure: power cuts, supplier failures and anything outside your control don't count as delay.
3. Price and how it's billed
- Net price and VAT: shown separately, not lumped into one figure.
- VAT rate: check whether a reduced rate applies to residential renovations in your market, and confirm the property qualifies.
- Currency and method of payment (bank transfer, card terminal, invoice with X-day terms).
4. Deposit and stage payments
Never, under any circumstance, work without a deposit. The market norm:
- 30% deposit before start: covers materials and mobilisation.
- 40% stage payment at carcass stage or mid-way through the works.
- 30% on final sign-off.
Adjust the split for project length and how well you know the client.
5. Materials: who supplies what
The number-one source of arguments. Put it in writing:
- Who buys each category (tiles by the client, adhesive and grout by you).
- Who pays for delivery and getting it into the building.
- Waste and rubble (usually you, but priced in).
6. Sign-off and warranty
- Sign-off window: how long the client has to flag snags (typically 7 days).
- Sign-off note: co-signed by both parties.
- Warranty period: usually 2 years on workmanship, longer on structural work depending on local law.
- Defect response time: e.g. 14 working days to attend.
7. Variations during the works
The client always changes something. This clause saves you:
Any change to the scope of works requires a written variation with a separate quotation. Additional works not covered by a variation will not be carried out.
That single sentence has saved more than one contractor a five-figure sum.
8. Disputes
- Jurisdiction: usually the place the works are carried out, or your registered office.
- Mediation before court: an attempt to settle before the matter reaches a courtroom.
What NOT to put in a contract
- Vague language like "renovation as discussed": the client will read it in their own favour.
- Promised dates you can't hit: give yourself a buffer.
- "Price to be agreed": every figure must be quantified before signing.
Contract template
In Bulido you generate the contract straight from your quote in one click. Scope, line items, schedule and payment terms come from the offer. No re-typing, no copy-paste mistakes.