Replies

1. 
   davidmeiland | Mar 04, 2010 09:18pm | #1

   It's difficult or impossible to get an off-the-shelf contract that will be right for what you are doing. If there's a local or regional homebuilder's assocation you might be able to join and have access to contracts they have written. You might want to join AGC. You could buy the Journal of Light Construction's legal guide and adapt one of theirs. Whatever you do, I think it's wise to hire a lawyer to do the final tweaks. Just writing it yourself is asking for trouble.

1. 
   stealman | Mar 05, 2010 11:17am | #2

   Thanks for the advice. I'm in California and I cant believe how long these contracts are. It is ridiculous to have a 20 page contract full of legal wording that nobody can understand. The client needs a layer to look it over before they will feel comfortable signing.

2. 
   Oak River Mike | Mar 11, 2010 11:05am | #3

   Hi stealman,

   The one I use is 16 pages long and while that may seem alot for a client to look through, keep in mind it is made to protect you as well.

   Mike

3. 
   mordecai | Apr 11, 2010 09:21am | #4

   Why don't you just read from the statutory law what is required? The only way the licensing board knows what is required is because it is written into law. The contractor licensing laws come under "business and professions". Why is it that you do not look in the most obvious place? 

1. 
   MikeSmith | Apr 11, 2010 08:56pm | #5

   mordecai..

   i agree... i'd start with a printout of the law..

   i'd   look at  jlc's legal kit

   i'd ask my  builder's association for their templates

   then i would modify all the above to my needs..

   i'd probably wind up with a  5 - 6 page standard

   and attachments would  include  specifications, allowance schedule, and payment schedule

1. 
   bigdog | Apr 23, 2010 05:43pm | #7

   This is California, 5-6 pages LOL, no way

   Just the California State required statement regarding "Down Payments", in the "at least 12-point boldface type" per the law is seven and one half pages long.....

   Ha Ha hahahhahhaa 5-6 pages you are cracking me up.....

   I wish it was like that.

4. 
   bigdog | Apr 23, 2010 05:23pm | #6

   Contract Law in California

   The following books are helpful :

   THE OFFICIAL LAW - "California Contractors License Law & Refernce Book" 2010, LexisNexis pub. (Chapter 6, Managing a Business is a MUST READ), the rest of the book is about all the trouble you be in if you don't follow the rules etc. and how much you will be fined etc.  I think you can read on line through http://www.lexisnexis.com web site....but a hard copy is nice to refer to when needed.  It's $19 and well worth it.  It comes with a CD so you can down load info in Word or any other format to construct your contract with the exact approved (CA) legal wording.  Chapter 5 regarding Home Improvement Contracts is also helpful. 

   Other good ones are :

   "The Contractors Legal Kit", Ransone, JLC pub.

   "Construction Business Management", Ganaway, Reed Construction Data pub.

   "Smart Business for Contractors", Kramon, Taunton pub.

   • BEST FOR LAST :

   RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, Gerstel, Taunton pub. (Chapter 6, Construction Contracts is a Must Read. 

   I can't say enough how great that chapter is......

   • Also, at the "Office Depot" I think they have California Compliant (correct fonts, and sizes, all that sttufff) package in a computer program that you then fine tune with your specific requirements and needs.  Still have a Lawyer review.

   Good luck.

5. 
   Amish Electrician | Apr 24, 2010 03:49pm | #8

   Here's an example of the benefits of belonging to a contractor's group, such as ABC or AGC.

   Look at it this way ..... when you learned to build, you first learned from those who had already built things. Trade organizations allow you to learn 'legal' from those who have already mastered that part of the trade.

   Otherwise, there's always the local attorney, who focuses on contracting law. Just as you'd bring in an electrician or a bookeeper when you needed one, writing contracts is what an attorney does for a living.

   After all, would you want to entrust your fortune to an amateur?

6. 
   cargin | Apr 25, 2010 02:54pm | #9

   stealman

   I have no experience with this product but you could look here.

   It is supposed to be specific to each state.

   http://www.constructioncontractwriter.com/demo.php

   Rich