Can a contractor ask a client with an executed renovation contract that in consideration of COVID-19, we need to charge the client fees to purchase PPE, Sanitation equipment, and hire additional crew to constantly clean and sanitize the job site?
Some people put clauses in their contracts that if there is a greater than 10% increase in the price of materials or cost of the job (like what happened after Katrina for example) that they have a right to issue a change order. Otherwise, you can always try to renegotiate, but that doesn’t mean the other side is going to agree. What I have recommended is try to get the other side to renegotiate and then create a document that you call an addendum. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Something like “In light of the increased costs, we agreed to pay X amount more” and then everyone signs it. However, that doesn’t mean they’ll agree.