You think you have an understanding. So you prepare and sign an agreement with all the key points, and send it to the other side for signature. You even add a provision, asking that the document be signed and returned by a particular date. What if it isn’t; do you still have a deal?

More than midway into a project, two architects were terminated by a college for unsatisfactory performance. The college also alleged that since the architectural partnership had never obtained the requisite certificate of authorization, there was actually no valid contract in place.

Because of the length of time it takes to complete a project, the number of parties involved, and the general unpredictable nature of construction work, it is rare that a contract for such work remains unchanged from start to finish.

You would think that words such as “leak” and “repair” are easily understood but that wasn’t the case for one particular roofer. He agreed to perform roof maintenance and repairs for a community in return for set monthly payments.

While most everyone is aware that states have statutes which govern construction or mechanic’s liens, many do not realize the significance of the law of contracts on contractor claims.

Many contracts are impenetrable with their fine print, multiple pages and complicated language. What is a subcontractor to do? At the very least, smaller construction firms should focus on those areas where a mistake could be costly and exposure is likely.