Replies

1. 
   Clewless1 | Jul 20, 2008 05:34pm | #1

   the AIA may have some standard contractor/owner contracts ... maybe even designed for residential. The local AIA office will likely require you to pay for a copy.

   Good language might include: 'in a workmanlike manner standard in the industry' (not necessarily standard to the 'local' industry). This addresses quality only ... lots of other things to address, too ... like change orders, running into 'unknowns', etc. etc.

2. 
   JulianTracy | Jul 20, 2008 06:05pm | #2

   This might be a situation where $300 spent with attorney is money well spent.

   If the wording in the contract is not done in a certain way for your state laws - you may not even be able to do a lien on their house if they do not pay.

   Plus - there are some great ways to word "you will pay for all my legal fees if we get into a dispute" that an attorney can write out in a way that won't scare off a possible client.

   JT

1. 
   Robrehm | Jul 20, 2008 06:46pm | #3

   This might be a situation where $300 spent with attorney is money well spent.

    

   Spend the money. It'll be worth every penny. You nned to find the guy who is good at beating contractors. That is who will know how to structure your contracts for your area.

    

    "this dog may be old but he ain't cold. And he still knows how to bury a bone."

   Lattimore