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Checklist: contract and payment for a dormer

The contract is the only thing that matters if something goes wrong. This checklist makes sure the paperwork matches the quote, and the payment schedule keeps the company motivated until the end.
6 min leestijd·Onafhankelijke informatie

Short answer

A dormer contract should spell out exactly what is being built, with which materials, on what dates, for what price, and under what warranty. The payment schedule should be split into a small deposit, a main milestone on installation, and a final amount only after handover.

Scope and materials

The contract must attach the accepted quote or describe the work in equal detail. Vague phrases like "as agreed" or "standard finish" are risky — they make it hard to prove what was promised.

  • Dimensions — width, height, roof pitch and window sizes in millimetres.
  • Materials — cladding, frame, glazing and insulation with brand or grade.
  • Finish — interior lining, paint, electrics, and floor covering limits.
  • External work — lead, flashing, roof covering and disposal of waste.

Payment schedule

Never pay the full amount before the work is finished. A balanced payment plan keeps the company invested in a clean completion.

  • Deposit — 10–20% on signing, only after the cooling-off period if applicable.
  • Main payment — the bulk on the day of installation or when the dormer is weatherproof.
  • Final payment — 10% held back until handover documents are signed and snags are listed.

Terms and protections

Check the small print for delay clauses, cancellation rights, and what happens if the company stops trading. The contract should also name the insurance cover and any trade body membership.

  • Start and completion — target dates with a note on weather delays.
  • Permits — who applies, who pays, and who deals with rejections.
  • Warranty — length, what is covered, and who pays if the company folds.
  • Disputes — a clear complaint path before arbitration or legal action.

The full checklist

Checklist

Before you sign the contract

  1. 01Scope matches the accepted quote or a detailed schedule.
  2. 02Dimensions, materials, glazing and insulation are named.
  3. 03Interior and exterior finish level is described.
  4. 04Permit handling and cost are assigned to one party.
  5. 05Crane, transport and waste disposal are included or listed.
  6. 06Payment schedule is split into deposit, install, and final retention.
  7. 07Start and completion dates are written down.
  8. 08Weather delay clause is reasonable.
  9. 09Warranty length and coverage are stated.
  10. 10Insurance and trade body cover are confirmed.
  11. 11Cancellation and cooling-off terms are clear.
  12. 12Dispute and complaint procedure is described.

FAQ

FAQ

Veelgestelde vragen

01How much deposit is normal for a dormer?
A deposit of 10–20% is common. It should cover order-specific materials and scheduling. Anything above 30% is unusual and reduces your leverage if problems arise.
02When should the final payment be made?
Only after the dormer has been installed, inspected, and the handover documents — including warranty certificate — have been signed by both parties.
03What must be in a dormer contract?
Scope, dimensions, materials, glazing, insulation R-value, lead and flashing details, permit handling, crane and transport, payment schedule, start and completion dates, warranty terms, and dispute resolution.
04Can I cancel a dormer contract?
Most contracts give a cooling-off period if signed away from the company's premises. For in-home contracts, check the terms before signing.
Conclusie
A strong contract is not aggressive — it is just clear. When both parties know what is expected, disputes are rare and completion is smoother.