You need to provide a mechanism to deal with changes as they come up and an agreement as to how you will be charged for the extra work. No one likes to think about a project not working out before it is even started. But spelling out what will happen if something goes wrong is essential. It used to be that construction contracts just assumed the parties would go to litigation if a dispute arose. This checklist is intended as a guide to important contract issues, not as a comprehensive outline.
Various resources exist for more information and contract forms.
The forms issued by the American Institute of Architects are among the most commonly used. Also, your local bookstore will have a variety of self-help books on home improvement contracting. If you're doing a very large construction project, you may also want your attorney to draft, or at least review, the construction contract. It isn't unusual for a tradesperson doing a small construction project to resist signing a written agreement. Although most oral contracts for home improvements are legally enforceable, all but the tiniest jobs should be agreed to in writing.