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  "headline": "Hiring a Contractor for a Home Expansion: Checklist Before You Break Ground",
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    "name": "Bay City Remodeling & Bathroom",
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        "name": "Up-to-date property survey — Confirms exact property lines, setback limits, and recorded easements to preve…",
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        "description": "Up-to-date property survey — Confirms exact property lines, setback limits, and recorded easements to prevent boundary violations."
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        "name": "Detailed architectural and structural drawings — Ensures accurate construction bidding and provides the spe…",
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        "description": "Detailed architectural and structural drawings — Ensures accurate construction bidding and provides the specific blueprints necessary for local plan review."
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        "name": "Active general contractor license and state registration — Proves the builder is legally qualified to pull…",
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        "description": "Active general contractor license and state registration — Proves the builder is legally qualified to pull building permits and manage residential construction."
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        "name": "Proof of current general liability and workers' compensation insurance — Protects you from personal liabili…",
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        "position": 4,
        "description": "Proof of current general liability and workers' compensation insurance — Protects you from personal liability if property damage or jobsite injuries happen on your property."
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        "name": "Clearly defined written scope of work — Spells out exact construction tasks, material selections, and site…",
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        "description": "Clearly defined written scope of work — Spells out exact construction tasks, material selections, and site prep responsibilities so nothing is assumed."
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        "description": "Clear payment milestone schedule — Links contractor payments directly to verified construction phases rather than arbitrary calendar dates."
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        "name": "Formal change-order process in writing — Defines how design adjustments, hidden conditions, or price change…",
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        "description": "Formal change-order process in writing — Defines how design adjustments, hidden conditions, or price changes are documented and approved before extra work begins."
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        "description": "Written permit procurement responsibility — Designates that the licensed contractor, not the homeowner, applies for, pulls, and posts all required municipal permits."
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  "articleBody": "Building a home addition is a major financial and physical commitment. Before signing a contract or handing over a deposit, verify these critical items to protect your investment and avoid mid-project disputes.\n\n- [ ] Up-to-date property survey — Confirms exact property lines, setback limits, and recorded easements to prevent boundary violations.\n- [ ] Detailed architectural and structural drawings — Ensures accurate construction bidding and provides the specific blueprints necessary for local plan review.\n- [ ] Active general contractor license and state registration — Proves the builder is legally qualified to pull building permits and manage residential construction.\n- [ ] Proof of current general liability and workers' compensation insurance — Protects you from personal liability if property damage or jobsite injuries happen on your property.\n- [ ] Clearly defined written scope of work — Spells out exact construction tasks, material selections, and site prep responsibilities so nothing is assumed.\n- [ ] Clear payment milestone schedule — Links contractor payments directly to verified construction phases rather than arbitrary calendar dates.\n- [ ] Formal change-order process in writing — Defines how design adjustments, hidden conditions, or price changes are documented and approved before extra work begins.\n- [ ] Written permit procurement responsibility — Designates that the licensed contractor, not the homeowner, applies for, pulls, and posts all required municipal permits.\n\n### How to Use This Checklist\nReview each item alongside your contractor during the bidding and estimate review process. A qualified builder will readily supply insurance certificates, discuss permitting steps, and provide transparent written scopes without pushback. \n\nBay City Remodeling & Bathrooms provides complete, fully licensed home expansion services across Brandon, Valrico, and the Tampa Bay region. Call 813-362-0114 to go over your addition plans with our experienced team.",
  "datePublished": "2026-11-09"
}