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The contract, describ ng the work to be done and specifying a price for materials and labor, is a binding legal document. Read it carefully and be sure you understand and are satisfied with it before you sign. If something is missing ask that it be written into the contract and initialled. Avoid contractors who quote a price without looking at the job, demand a large down-payment "to buy materials" (all reputable contractors maintain charge accounts with their suppliers), or refuse to give you a written contract of exactly what they will do. The first step is to select two, or preferably three, contractors and ask them to prepare estimates. Each should be given the same written description of the work you wish to have done. Avoid pitfalls with contractors) Try to choose contractors you know something about. Ask friends or neighbors which contractors they have used, and find out if they were satisfied. If you can't find references, phone your local Better Business Bureau. They should have a record of any complaints received against contractors working in your area. The contract should include: names and addresses of yourself and the contractor; a detailed description of the work to be done and the materials to be used; the responsibility of the contractor to remove debris when the job is complete; a statement of all warranties; firm starting and completion dates; and price and terms of payment. The key to avoiding potential problems is to get all agreements set out in a written contract. This requires care and patience. but if you take your time arranging the agreement, the job should be worry free and the final results pleasing. Avoid "progression" clauses requiring payments at specific times regardless of the amount of work that has been done. Never pay for work that hasn't been completed. Although you should still monitor the work as each step is completed - for example make sure the vapor barrier is well sealed before the drywall goes up - a detailed written contract should make the project worry free. Just remember that a reputable contractor should not be offended by your questions; as with any other service you buy you should be assured that you are getting your money's worth. NAPOLEON FIREPLACE INSERTS Illiiiitgpat VICTORIA HILLS PLAZA 745-0341 HOME P, ENERGY large glass and cast iron door with exclusive dual air wash 24 K gold or brass finishes reduces wood consumption by 'h with clean burn system variable speed automatic blower may be hooked up to outside air heavy duty firebrick lining OCTOBER 23 " OCTOBER 26 WATERLOO CHRONICLE. WEDNESDAY. OCTOBER 23. 1985 ome renovations, even minor ones, involve more than meets the eye. When you hire a contractor. do your homework and remember that you have a responsibility BE SURE AND VISIT SHOW $5M.Im.Wod SUI ”TM If" ii WY”. Estimate