What to Know About the “Contract” in General Contracting

A contract agreement for construction work is vital for everyone’s comfort and security. Both the contractors and the home or property owner must set clear-cut guidelines and sign off on a legally binding arrangement for an iron-clad project assignment. These are some of the points that need to be covered for the best results:

The Work Schedule

The first area that needs attention is scheduling. It’s vital that the project has a specific start and end time and a workday schedule on which contractors and owners agree. Inclement weather and unexpected incidents can delay the project, but at least everyone will have a general idea of how soon the work should be done. Another reason to include the work schedule is that both parties will be bound. Either party can then reference the agreement in a report if any problems arise. 

Project Duties

The contract should have a sharp and direct outline of all the work duties. By creating the outline, the owner avoids future disputes. The outline should include each straightforward task along with details about processes within those tasks. For example, adding an addition to the home could include painting and cleaning.

The owner might need separate contractors to do different jobs, and that’s why having an outline is important. The contractors with the agreement will know exactly what the client expects of them and which duties are reserved for another contractor, such as an engineer or plumber. Fewer headaches and hiccups will occur if all individuals know what to expect. 

Payment Arrangements

The payment arrangements also need to be precisely mentioned in the contract. The contractors need to know if they will receive hourly pay and how much they will receive. A flat rate could also be a possibility for you.

Furthermore, you’ll need to agree on what happens if the contractors have to work overtime or you need additional work done on the property. Again, it will set a tone of trust and expectation, and either party can refer to the signed contract if an issue arises regarding the payment structure.  

Warranties and Guarantees

Another area to cover in the contract is warranties and guarantees. That will protect the owner from unexpected incidents, damage, improper work, procedures and the like. It should state how long the customer has protection against mishaps and how the contracted entity agrees to resolve the issue.

For example, the contract would explain how the contractor would handle it if a structure deteriorates within 30 days of service because someone misses a step or does a procedure improperly. The agreement should cover all bases to ensure that all parties handle the project gracefully. An attorney can provide input if the parties want to be certain it contains all crucial elements. 

Now you know what you will need for a general contractor agreement with owner signatures. You can keep your project management solid with such an agreement, and you’ll never have to experience headaches. Verify your contractors’ licensing and reputation before signing a contract for maximum results.