When people decide to commission remodeling work or other types of construction work, they often wonder if they need to sign a written contract with the contractor. In today’s post we offer an answer to this common question.
Do I Need a Written Contract When I Hire a Contractor?
According to Estefan Encarnacion, managing partner at EBL Law Group, signing a contract is the best course of action for both parties when a contractor is hired to carry out construction or remodeling work.
“In fact, having a contract is an obligation on the part of the contractor because if there’s no contract, the client, that is the person who commissions the work, can say ‘We never signed a contract, so I don’t owe you any money,” the lawyer says. “The contractor also has the obligation to be licensed.”
The great news is that “[Creating a contract] is not difficult at all,” as Encarnacion explains.
As for who to turn to for assistance in drafting a contract, Encarnacion advises to seek “”Ideally, a lawyer who knows the industry and can do the appropriate research.”
A Contract Doesn’t Have To Be a Complex Document
Very often, people who commission construction work shy away from contracts because they don’t want to deal with a document they see as too complicated.
If you are picturing yourself reading obscure language you can barely understand, you can breathe easy. According to Encarnacion “The contract doesn’t need to have complex legal language, as long as it contains certain terms such as the type of work to be done, and the percentage charged.”
Most of these basic principles apply not only to construction work, but to many other business relationships.
“The best piece of advice I can give to anyone is: before you do something, request a consultation with a lawyer,” Encarnacion warns. “Because, at the end of the day, if you start doing things without the proper legal advice, you are going to have to pay more to repair all the mistakes you made.”
More Answers to Your Legal Questions
For more answers to common legal questions, be sure to check out our previous blogs, “Can an Employer Fire an Employee for No Reason?” and “We answer 5 Common Questions About Child Support.”
DISCLAIMER: The material on this website is for general information only and is not to be construed as legal advice or opinion, and does not constitute or create an attorney-client relationship between you and EBL Law Group.
EBL Law Group: Business Attorneys in Rancho Cucamonga
When you choose EBL Law Group to assist you in a business law matter, you receive the benefit of personalized attention, unparalleled professionalism, and total commitment to your case.
We are located in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Call us at (909) 581-4351 for a free consultation, or fill out the contact form on this website to get in touch with our team.
