Construction Contractors Community

WFConstructionPro

A lot of contractors I talk to, don't use a written contract. This is a bad mistake. All work you do should be bound by a contract that has been signed by both parties.

Here is an ironic thought for contractors. Why do you think you are called a contractor in the first place? Is it because you build things? Is it because you can repair anything on a home? The answer is a big NO!

Companies and individuals are called contractors because they are suppose to be in the business of writing contracts for a construction related service to be performed. Here is the definition as defined by Princeton University: contractor - someone (a person or firm) who contracts to build or modify things in the construction industry. You should also take a look at the Wikipeda definition - Definition of Contractor

So if you call yourself a contractor, you should be writing contracts for the construction services you intend to provide.

So how many of you actually use a contract and where did you get the contract from? And most importantly, is it written to protect you if something goes wrong with a job?

FHIwindows · Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2007 10:16 pm Post subject:

We use a contract for every job. The state of MA determines what needs to be included in our contract. Using there format we have a 4 page contract with one of the pages being the 3 day rescission clause. I have added a few lines of my own and still need to add some content to my contract.

Jeannie · Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 82

We use contracts on every job as well. Before we start I make sure there is a contract in place as it not only details the job to be done but guarantees that you have some form showing how much was agreed upon as well as what you have agreed to do in the first place.

Having had customers come back later and claim that we agreed to add this cement slab or something else and it was not completed as agreed upon. I would just show them the contract where it should have been stated and protected ourselves.

WFConstructionPro · Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2007 9:35 pm Post subject: Construction Contracts

Using a construction contract is a wise move for any job no matter how small or large. If you haven't already done so, make sure to have a lawyer review your contract to make sure all of the bases are covered and there are no back doors that could keep the contract from being enforcable.

Grant1971 · Joined: 05 Nov 2007 Posts: 32

Very important to discuss the need for contracts. This is great information that all contractors should be reading and willing to do. When you do not have them you are not protected and neither is the person you are going to do the work for.

chris2k5 · Joined: 10 Nov 2007 Posts: 14

Not having a written contract is just the stupidest thing a person can do when doing business. I cannot imagine doing business without one because of my fears of being sued and etc.

I had a friend who did not have a written contract when he had some people do work for him and basically, he tried to sue them for something and he basically couldn't because there was no contract to prove anything.

Jeannie · Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 82

You know that there are plenty of contractors out there that I am sure have never had a contract or saw a need for one because they are just not getting how the contract can be there to protect them.

businessbeware · Joined: 12 Mar 2008 Posts: 4

you definitely want a written consent before doing ANY job with customers. i have been screwed over by many before in this area.