The best way to ensure construction contracts in Florida to include everything you want (and need) is to hire an experienced lawyer who can review – or better yet, draft – every construction contract you sign.
Drafting a construction contract can be tricky, as leaving out vital provisions is very easy. If you need a contract, then you need a lawyer. Downloading a contract template from the internet and filling it out is probably the worst mistake any business owner can make. Yet, we see it happen hundreds of times every year. Many of our clients hire us to fix problems we could have helped them avoid – do not make that mistake.
5 Things Construction Contracts in Florida Should Always Include
While you should work with a lawyer when creating construction contracts in Florida, that does not mean you should not do your homework. Contracts are one of the most important parts of your business, so you should know how they work. Here is a list of 5 things construction contracts in Florida should always include:
- Time
Construction contracts should always include the expected date of completion of the project. This date, however, can be subject to change, depending on the agreement. A construction contract can state, for example, that the expected date of completion can change if vendors slow the project.
- Price
A construction contract should clearly list the prices of everything the client will pay for, including any additional fees. For example, suppose the service provider gives the client an estimate as part of a proposal for the project. In that case, the contract should include these details.
- Payment Methods and Payment Schedule
When it comes to payment, a construction contract should clearly state: 1) how the client must pay the service provider for their work, and 2) when the client must make the payment. Both parties should negotiate before entering into the contract and settle on a preferred payment method. If a financial institution is involved, the contract should state so. Similarly, construction contracts should include detailed payment schedules to ensure no misunderstandings about when clients must make the required payments.
- Materials
If the client is paying for specific materials, the contract should list such materials to avoid confusion. This listing allows the client to know exactly what they are paying for and what they should expect to receive in exchange.
- Dispute Resolution Methods
Disputes arise more often than most people think, so you need to have a plan. For example, if a dispute arises between a client and a service provider, how will they resolve it? There are many ways to resolve a business dispute between the parties to a construction contract; however, there is only one way to ensure a dispute resolution method actually works, and that is to include it in the contract.
If a contract explicitly states how the parties should resolve disputes, no matter how angry they are or how much they want to go to court, they will have to do what the contract says.
Before entering into any construction contract, you should make sure it includes a dispute resolution method that protects both parties and, ideally, saves the project.
Do you need a construction contract or any other type of business agreement? If the answer is yes, no matter what type of contract you need, I can create it for you. Get in touch with us today to learn more about services and schedule an initial consultation. Call me at (305) 921-0976 or email me at [email protected].
