The legal documents that are drafted when you carry out your construction project will play a major role in the success of your project. You will want to speak with a construction law attorney about the essential documents that your project might need before you are able to get started.
The Agreement
The agreement is essentially referred to as "the contract." It is the foundation upon which the details of the contract are built. It will clarify the purpose of the contract and the contract price.
You must hire an attorney to look over the agreement because a lot of things can go wrong if the contract is not detailed enough. The contract assists you in avoiding mistakes, delays, and conflicts. These problems will cost you much more money than the cost of a lawyer.
The Materials
Your construction contract will need the bill of quantities. This refers to the list of materials that will be used in your construction project. It will also include parts and labor. These details are necessary when bidding on a project.
You will also need a cost estimate of all the items that will be necessary when beginning your construction project. The cost estimate will be very detailed and will include specifications and costs. Or, you may have a cost estimate that is simply a lump sum.
Insurance
Your construction company will need liability insurance to protect you from several things that can go wrong in your construction project such as:
- Accidents
- Injuries
- Product claims
- Copyright infringement
- Outlays for property damage
You must make sure that all the premiums for any insurance policies that cover these forms of damage have been paid. A contractor must have proof that they have liability insurance to be selected for a job.
Specifications
This is where all the technical data and requirements are listed. It will include information such as the materials and techniques used in the construction project. The specifications will be based on any negotiations you engage in at the time that the contract is being drafted.
General and Special Conditions
The general conditions clarify the rights and responsibilities of each party. It clarifies the relationship between the client and contractor. The general conditions also detail how disputes will be handled.
The special conditions are an extension of the general conditions. This will include causes that pertain to specific portions of the job. For example, a portion of the job might require special instructions. An attorney will help you make sure that these details are properly ironed out.
