3 Things To Know Before Signing A Home Construction Contract In Santa Clarita

Construction is booming. But before you sign a home construction contract in Santa Clarita, here are three crucial things you should know

As hot as Santa Clarita’s market is for buying and selling real estate, it’s even hotter for home construction. Right now, many families are installing pools, remodeling their kitchens and working on home construction projects. 

When the home construction market is this busy, however, there’s also more opportunity for projects to go wrong. That’s why, now more than ever, it’s crucial to know what you’re getting into before working with a contractor – or the results can be catastrophic. 

Here are three things to know before signing a home construction contract in Santa Clarita.

1.  Get it in writing.

“Our most important piece of legal advice is: Do not begin work without a contract,” explained Steffanie Stelnick, real estate attorney and founder of The Law Offices of Steffanie Stelnick. “If the contractor doesn’t have a contract, that’s a problem. You need to know everything you signed up for and draw all your parameters for the project in writing – before you begin work.” 

A contract not only sets clear expectations for both parties, but it also protects you if the project doesn’t go as planned. 

“It’s an important part of the process because it ensures that you understand their expectations and know what they’re doing – and vice versa,” Steffanie explained. “By having everything in writing, you can avoid any questions, upcharges and disputes down the road.”

2. Know what to look for.

Though a contract is the most important step, the quality of the contract is also crucial. That’s why you need to know what you’re looking for before you sign a home construction contract in Santa Clarita. 

Ultimately, your contract should include every detail about the project, so you know the all-in price for the exact design you’re expecting. This way, you can avoid unexpected upcharges or surprise fees throughout the process. 

“Knowing what to look for in a contract, such as the exact materials used for the entire project, helps you avoid surprise charges,” Steffanie explained. “If they quoted you for the bare minimum using standard materials – and you expected the fancy backsplash – then you’re going to get an upcharge. But you won’t know that at the time of signing, and you’ll be really upset because you signed on the dotted line when you thought they were building you the kitchen you wanted.”

3. Review your contract with a professional.

Especially when they’re done right, home construction contracts can be pretty lengthy and detailed. That’s we suggest having any home construction contract reviewed by a real estate attorney before signing. 

“You don’t want to get involved in litigation with a contractor,” Steffanie explained. “We can help ensure you and your contractor are on the same page before you start, so you can avoid litigation later.”

How We Can Help

Let the experts at The Law Offices of Steffanie Stelnick review your home construction contract and address all your questions and concerns before your project begins. That way, we can help ensure a smooth process and a happy outcome for everyone involved. 

For a free consultation, contact our real estate law firm in Santa Clarita today.

About The Law Offices of Steffanie Stelnick

The Law Offices of Steffanie Stelnick is a full-service civil litigation law firm in California that focuses on real estate law, with cases in estate planning, probate, landlord and tenant disputes and contract disputes. Mrs. Steffanie Stelnick represents builders, small and large property management companies, investors, brokers and all types of real property owners. In 2020, she was recognized by the American Institute of Trial Lawyers as Litigator of the Year. Mrs. Stelnick believes all landlords and tenants should know their rights, and when it comes to representation, experience matters. The Law Offices of Steffanie Stelnick has handled thousands of real estate cases with a strong, aggressive approach that ensures all clients operate on an even playing field in a litigation environment. Founded in the Santa Clarita Valley, this premiere real estate law firm has offices throughout the state of California, including Encino, San Francisco and Sacramento.