Renovate Without Regret: How to Protect Yourself Legally in Home Improvement Projects

Homeowners across the country are hitting pause on moving, holding tight to low-interest mortgages while still craving updated, functional spaces. With renovation demand rising and project costs climbing, understanding the legal side of home improvement has never mattered more.

In this episode, construction attorney Jared Gillman breaks down the legal risks most homeowners overlook. He explains how remodel projects go sideways, why due diligence matters, how lien rights actually work, and the contract protections every homeowner should have in place long before demo day begins.

Listen in as Jared shares the practical steps that help homeowners avoid costly surprises and how to spot red flags before they become expensive problems.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why today’s interest-rate environment is pushing more homeowners toward renovation rather than relocation.
• The most common disputes in construction projects and where they originate.
• How to vet a contractor before signing anything.
• What an owner’s representative does and why it can save homeowners time, money, and stress.
• How lien laws work and how to avoid the risk of double payment.
• The right way to structure payment schedules and track subcontractor releases.
• When permits, licenses, and insurance become critical protections.
• Why change orders create budget surprises and how to manage them proactively.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

• “​So much of [a dispute] can be adequately addressed at the front end of a project with having the right contract in place, having realistic expectations, and also with doing your due diligence on a contractor.” - Jared Gillman
• “If you go ahead and put 50% upfront or 70% upfront, and… the contractor flakes on you for whatever reason… you're gonna put yourself in a bind.” - Jared Gillman
• “Owner’s reps are excellent for everyone.” - Jared Gillman

Resources:

• Jared Gillman: Website | LinkedIn | Email: [e-mail]
• Genevieve George: Website | LinkedIn
• Construction Law
• Construction Liens

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