MISTAKES3 C O M M O N

C O N T R A C T O R S S H O U L DA V O I D

If you are a contractor, a subcontractor, or a supplier,it is crucial to fully comprehend a construction

contract before your work begins.

This article focuses on three top traps you shouldtry your best to avoid or negotiate before signing

the contract...

1. Obtain all of the documents.Often times you will be signing a contract

that does not include the full set ofobligations that will apply to your work.

Therefore, you must always remember toask for the prime contract documents (and

any addenda involved).

If you do not obtain the primecontract documents you may remain

unaware of all the provisions,obligations, and limitations, how

they work together, and how theymay affect positively or negatively

your work.

2. Review all ProjectSpecifications.

Usually prime contracts and subcontractsinclude project specifications only by

reference, so make sure you obtain the fullspecifications on the project and youreview them before signing anything.

3. Be crystal clear.

Watch out for any ambiguity in all of thedocuments you are about to sign. Avoidjargon like “customary,” because eventhough parties may verbally agree on

what is customary in the business.

Therefore, eliminate vague language and stick to clearand defined terms.

Avoiding these three trapscan’t guarantee a 100%

iron-clad contract, but itcan certainly inform and

educate you and thepotential risks that theproject can involve you

down the road, if anythinggoes wrong.