Usually, written agreements are only necessary when you are doing a large home improvement job with a General Contractor. If you aren't looking at doing a big remodel then consider just using a reference document. A reference document is basically the estimate provided by the Contractor, or a document you give the contractor in which you state how you want the work done and completed.

Here are a list of things of what not to sign in a home remodeling contract:

Don't sign an incomplete remodeling contract.
The more vague your contract, the more likely there will be disagreements over it. While some builders and remodelers like to have vague contracts, to give them as much freedom as possible in their building, such a contract does not always benefit them in court. When specifications are not clear and a buyer thinks that they are not getting something that they think they paid for, a dispute almost always happens. The argument is usually always related to the cost of the items in question. Most of the time people become personally attached to a new house very quickly and emotions are also a big part of the issue when legal dispute happens.

Don't sign the agreement the 1st time you see it.
Take a complete copy of the agreement home to read over. Check it for all the changes you that you want and any options that you are adding. Take your time as you review this because this is a very important agreement between you and the remodelers.

Do not sign any contract that you are not completely comfortable with
If there is any part of a contract that does not make sense to you or you do not agree with it, then you should clarify and/or change it so that it states exactly what it is that you agreed to. Remember, this is your house that is being renovated and it is okay to look it over multiple times until you are comfortable with everything in the contract.

Although a remodeling contract may not be as intricate as a home building contract, it is still very important that you carefully review all the contents in it. Make sure you feel comfortable before you sign any contract. It is important to know what you are getting yourself into before you legally bind yourself to any contract.

In following these steps in what not to sign in a home remodeling contract, you will have a much smoother and happier remodeling experience. No guarantees that things will all go perfectly, but following these suggestions will greatly help the situation to be a better one for you. You should enjoy remodeling and fixing your own home, so take the time to do it right.