Are you sure you know what goes into a good remodeling contract? Unfortunately, most homeowners don't, and that's one reason disputes and problems occur.

If your construction contract is weak, you're flirting with disaster. You invite misunderstandings with your contractor, and hurt your chances of resolving any disputes later.

Fortunately, Smart Consumer Services has a Sample Contract Package... that includes basic elements of a good contract, including language that will protect your rights as a customer. The Sample Contract Package contains certain things that any well-informed consumer should know, including:

• Details: that too-often get left out of contracts, such as what the contractor will do, and by when, with a schedule of completion milestones and paydowns. Clear language ensures that both homeowner and contractor understand and agree on what's expected--right from the beginning.

• Specifications: on materials and fixtures. The SCS Sample Contract provides places to specify the precise materials and products you want, including brand names and model numbers, which reduces opportunities to substitute lower quality items without your consent.

• Warranties: on workmanship and products. You'll get basic warranty language that the contractor should provide and supplement as required by state law.

• Liens and waivers: The SCS Sample Contract includes various approaches that can protect you, as an owner, from the possibility of being billed twice for the same work, or from having a lien placed on your home by a sub-contractor or supplier who may not have been paid by the general contractor.

• Other essential provisions: Including mediation or arbitration language, financial agreements, Change-Order forms, and more basic neccessities of a sound contract.