You've accepted a plumbing quote. What happens next?

Read the agreement before signing

Among other requirements, the contract must include the contractor's business information, license number and monetary limit; your information and the property address; the work; price; deposit; payment schedule; and estimated completion date.

It also requires notices about the Recovery Fund, liens and homeowner rights. Those include contacting the Board, requesting a payment and performance bond, consulting an attorney and, when the agreement was explained in a different language, requesting a copy in that language. Repair only work has exceptions for plans and materials or equipment lists.

This is a summary, not the full statutory checklist. You're entitled to a legible copy of what you sign and a signed receipt for each payment.

Check the deposit

The general limit is $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract price, whichever is less.

Fictional arithmetic example: For a $2,800 contract, that limit is $280.

Two exceptions apply: a contractor that has filed a separate $100,000 consumer protection bond with the Board, or one granted Board relief from the license bond requirement. If a larger deposit is requested, ask which exception applies and verify it with the Board.

Later payments generally cannot exceed the value of work performed. The statute has an exception involving a payment and performance bond whose cost is included in the contract. Ask the Board about how the rule applies to your agreement.

Know who handles permits and changes

For permitted work, the contractor obtains the permit and arranges inspection. Get the permit number and ask the building department how to check its status.

For contracts covered by this statute, changes to the work or price must be agreed in writing and included as change orders. The revised price should account for anything being removed as well as added.

Before final payment

Review the finished work, anything outstanding and the required inspection status against the agreement. Check the applicable lien release arrangements, too.

Nevada provides conditional and unconditional final payment release forms for different payment circumstances. The conditional form covers a release exchanged for payment and takes effect when payment clears. The unconditional form acknowledges payment already received. The law doesn't prescribe that every job follows a two form sequence.

Subcontractors and suppliers can raise separate lien questions. Use the Board's homeowner lien information or an attorney for your transaction. Keep the signed agreement, changes, receipts, permit record and warranty documents together.