Articles

  I’ve been asked, “Can I get my contracts E-signed -- send my contract to a client as an email attachment, get an electronic signature and then have the E-signed contract emailed back to me?” Continue reading →

  Construction disputes usually start with a surprise – something nobody considered. A good contract anticipates the most likely surprises. But no contract is perfect. Occasionally you’re going to have a dispute. Continue reading →

  Starting January 1, 2012, residential contractors in Illinois have to jump through another hoop. If any part of a job may be covered by insurance proceeds, section 513/18 of Illinois’ Home Repair and Remodeling Act will require a special notice in the contract and extra cancellation forms. Section 513/18 applies if:   Continue reading →

  In April 2009, Bennett Builders signed a contract to remodel the Stamford, CT home of Tarun Mehta. It was a cost plus job at a price not to exceed $446,900. Under the agreement, work was to be completed by October 2009. Over a year later, work still wasn’t done and Mehta terminated the agreement. Bennett filed suit for $31,754.94 still due on the contract and asked the court for a pre-judgment remedy, an attachment of $32,000 on Mehta’s home. Continue reading →

  Most contractors don’t get into the money-lending business – at least not on purpose. Contractors want to be paid in full when the work is done. But at least occasionally, you’re going to bump into the Federal Truth-in-Lending (T-I-L) Act. Here’s how it happens: Continue reading →

  Last week I had a chance to interview Paul Bianchina, author of the new book, Insurance Restoration Contracting. Excerpts from that interview:   Continue reading →

  Every state sets standards for construction contacts. For residential work, most states require very specific notices and disclosures. Heavy penalties apply to contractors who ignore these requirements. Click here and then click on your state to see what the law in your state requires.   Continue reading →

  Most of solar installation contracts I've seen are pretty weak. They don’t cover the essentials and won’t hold up in court. Here’s why. Continue reading →

  In spring of 2007 William and Kristen Bachman decided to remodel their home in North Haven, CT. East Coast Custom Builders got the job for $77,244.50, including a $25,748 deposit. But when East Coast came by the Bachmans’ home to get a signature on the contract, there was a problem. Kristen didn’t have the $25 thousand ready. That was June. Six weeks later, the Bachmans had the money, signed the June contract, wrote a check and East Coast started work. So far, so good. At least so it seemed. Continue reading →

  In the construction industry, the unexpected tends to be expensive bad news. And with every surprise comes an obvious question, “Who’s going to pay?” Continue reading →