This book is for homeowners who want a clearer way to compare renovation proposals, identify unanswered scope questions, and prepare for a more informed contract discussion.
Written by W.J. Choi, drawing on approximately 20 years of construction-site and project experience that has included scope review, cost and schedule coordination, and communication across subcontractor responsibilities and project handoffs.
What the book addresses
- Comparing contractor quotes on a consistent basis
- Reading scope descriptions, exclusions, and allowances
- Recognizing cost and schedule questions before signing
- Preparing for written change-order discussions
- Organizing questions and documents for contractor follow-up
What the book does not provide
The book is educational. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified attorney, architect, engineer, licensed contractor, estimator, inspector, code official, insurer, lender, or other professional familiar with the project and jurisdiction.
Included Quick-Start worksheets
The same eight-page Quick-Start worksheets available as a free printable Toolkit are included in the book.
Inside the Book
The book follows a homeowner from defining the project through quote comparison, document review, and written change-order decisions.
Chapter-by-Chapter Overview
- Introduction — Why the Same Project Can Produce Three Different Quotes
- Explains why similar renovation goals can produce different prices, then frames the book around clearer scope, visible unknowns, and better homeowner questions.
- Chapter 1 — What Are You Really Trying to Change?
- Helps homeowners define the finished result, separate must-haves from preferences, and start with the daily problem the renovation should solve.
- Chapter 2 — What Can You See—and What Still Needs an Answer?
- Shows how to record visible conditions without guessing causes, so contractors or qualified professionals can respond to facts rather than assumptions.
- Chapter 3 — Explain the Work Clearly
- Turns a broad renovation idea into clearer written scope by naming what stays, changes, remains unknown, or needs confirmation.
- Chapter 4 — The Items You Buy Yourself Can Still Cost You Time and Money
- Explains why owner-purchased products still require coordination around quantity, compatibility, delivery, condition, and installation readiness before work depends on them.
- Chapter 5 — Give Every Contractor the Same Project
- Guides homeowners to send each contractor the same bid package, questions, and updates before comparing proposals.
- Chapter 6 — Do Not Compare the Total Price First
- Shows how to compare quotes by scope rows, exclusions, allowances, and unresolved risks before treating the total price as meaningful.
- Chapter 7 — Before You Sign
- Focuses on reconciling the quote, contract, exhibits, clarifications, payment terms, and responsibilities before money and schedule begin moving.
- Chapter 8 — Pause Before You Say “Go Ahead”
- Provides a written pause-and-confirm process for changes, including description, cost effect, schedule effect, and approval record.
- Final Check — Are You Ready to Sign?
- Collects the book’s signing-readiness checks into one final review of project goals, scope, selections, payments, changes, and unresolved questions.
Verified publication details
- Title
- Protect Your Money Before You Sign
- Subtitle
- A Homeowner’s Guide to Renovation Contracts
- Author
- W.J. Choi