I will be hiring a contractor to build a new home for me on a lot that I own. I have seen several of his homes and I am very happy with the quality.
Does anyone have an on-line resource for a sample contract between an owner and builder for a new single family home.
Rather listing each and every item in the house, would it be acceptable to state that the new home will be equal to the construction quality and materials of one of the other houses he has built?
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Why not just ask him for a copy of his contract and make sure it covers all of your bases. If he's any good, he should be willing to explain everything in it and - if necessary - negotiate any changes necessary to give you a warm and fuzzy feeling.
If you don't trust him, either find someone else or have your lawyer help you with specific wording.
Typically, the contractor has the contract language. Different states stipulate different inclusions and exclusions. Your state's atty general may provide a model contract.
I would not use such a generic description as you suggest. Should it become necessary to involve the courts in dispute resolution, it would be dfiificvult to produce evidence as to the quality of workmanship used in prior homes now owned by other people.
Your plans and drawings should be detailled, complete, and include notes and a door/window schedule. Then the scope of work described in the contrasct can be fairly simple, "...per drawings and notes provided byXXXX dated 12/22/05 ..."
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http://www.aia.org/docs_default
Try the above link at the American Institute of Architects (AIA). You'll probably be able to buy a standard owner-contractor agreement endorsed by the AIA. I think the most important thing for a contract is clarity on what is being done by whom and when, as well as what will be paid by whom, when. Useful to have something in there about what to do in the event of a dispute (mediation, arbitration, ...). Lawyers can add legal language (not sure how much that helps in making all go well) but only you and the contractor can put in the intent of the business end. I think a contractor's contract, probably written up by his lawyer, may, or not, address the interests of the homeowner. You could also try nolo.com - I have seen some useful stuff published by them. Finally, if whatever contract you use is unclear or you have misgivings about it, think twice before signing it. Good luck with your project.