How do you price a contract for work that starts months later?
Short answer. Sign it now with a future start date and a materials escalation clause that adjusts the price if costs rise past a set threshold. The contract still needs every MHIC-required element.
Work it through
You're the contractor. Pick what you'd do, then see how each choice plays out.
It's October. A homeowner wants a new deck with the contract signed now but work starting in April when weather improves.
"Lock in the price now so it doesn't go up. I'll pay the deposit to hold my spot."
- Correct
Contracts with future start dates are normal in construction. Including a materials escalation clause (e.g., 'if lumber costs increase more than 10%, the contract price adjusts proportionally') protects you from market volatility. The contract must still meet all MHIC requirements — start date (April), estimated completion, your MHIC number, all required notices. A deposit to hold scheduling is standard practice.
- Missed opportunity
Refusing to commit loses you a client who's ready to sign and pay a deposit. Construction businesses survive winter by booking spring work in advance. The risk of price changes is real, but that's what escalation clauses are for. A signed contract with a future start date and material adjustment provisions protects both parties.
All 19 home improvement contracts questions
- Is a handshake deal legal for home improvement work in Maryland?
- What must a Maryland home improvement contract include?
- Which MHIC notice must every home improvement contract include?
- What if a signed contract is missing the completion date?
- Can a Maryland home improvement contract require arbitration?
- What happens in a scope dispute when nothing is in writing?
- Does a small cash side job need a written contract?
- Does a $2,000 job need a written home improvement contract?
- Can you start emergency repairs before signing a contract?
- Should you give a homeowner a ballpark or a written estimate?
- How do you fix a vague scope of work before it becomes a dispute?
- How should you respond when a client redlines your contract?
- How should a contract handle upgrades during the project?
- How do you price a contract for work that starts months later?
- Should a multi-year renovation be one contract or several?
- Can you sign a home improvement contract with a 17-year-old?
- What happens when a homeowner fires you partway through a job?
- Can you substitute materials named in the contract?
- How should you handle materials the homeowner supplies?