Replies

1. 
   UncleDunc | Dec 01, 2004 11:45am | #1

   Well, you can ask the tradesmen for a copy of their standard contract. If they don't have one, that's a clue, but I'm not sure what it's a clue of.

   You should probably post this question in the Business folder at Breaktime. Click on the second button in the second row of buttons above.

   If you don't get a response there, try the reference desk at your local library.

2. 
   DonK | Dec 13, 2004 06:54pm | #2

   Hi Andy- Saw your post this morning. I've been practising law for 20 years and banging nails for 30. Don't rely on a form that the contractor gives you. You want to make sure the document has what you want, not what he wants - especially performance specifications, guarantee provisions, time requirements, maybe a penalty for untimely performance. Same caution with a purchased "form". Do yourself a favor and don't do it yourself, unless you really do some homework. Spend a couple hundred bucks and have a lawyer (one that knows construction) draft something. There's a lot at stake here if you are one of the unlucky ones that hits a bad contractor.  You might try talking to your architect too. Some of the "contract documents" that the AIA publishes are pretty good, and fair too. Don

1. 
   Andy2 | Dec 18, 2004 08:40pm | #4

   Thanks for your advice. I have gathered a few sample contracts  from here and there and trying come up with a final draft. Some of the things I plan to include are insurance, workman's comp and ndependent contractor staus.

3. 
   gb93433 | Dec 18, 2004 05:12am | #3

   States have different requirements for contracts and who can write them.