One of the most frustrating things about being a contractor in Texas is the sheer amount of paperwork you must keep up with for every project. Few people enter this industry with a complete picture of its documentation requirements.
Construction contracts, in particular, have a critical place in all Austin construction projects. Without these contracts, property owners and contractors would be vulnerable to financial mistreatment and harm.
How many different contracts do you need?
It depends on the scope of your project. Seasoned construction professionals understand that different contracts meet different needs. For example, a unit pricing contract created to cover the deliverables (gravel, etc.) required for a specific project will not function well in other situations. You will need a variety of well-drafted contracts to protect you during the entire project.
You also need different contracts for each client with whom you work. In other words, it is unwise to stuff a single cookie-cutter contract with provisions or clauses addressing every conceivable situation across all your projects. For example, construction contracts for small private residences probably will not protect your interests if you also accept projects working on apartment complexes.
In the construction industry, your contracts are your first line of defense against disputes and other issues. The stronger they are, the better protected you are from legal trouble. Your clients will probably also appreciate a specific contract created for their unique projects.
Contract disputes are a leading cause of delays in construction projects and will cost you time and money to resolve. Learning more about Texas construction law and contract law can also improve your overall protection.
