Contracts are for lawyers, or at least they should be. General contractors, subcontractors, and just about everyone else in the construction industry face more contracts every year. The more familiar you are with how they work, the better. In its most basic form, an enforceable contract sets out the scope of work to be performed and explains how payment will work. This article breaks down the key elements that make an enforceable contract for a construction project.

The Four Elements of Contract Formation

Contract formation requires four elements:

Offer
Acceptance
Consideration
Intention to be bound

In other words, you have something and someone else wants to buy it. You agree on a price, money is exchanged, and you have a contract. Some contracts, typically those based in property, must be in writing, so make sure you know what is required in your jurisdiction. Some legal terms have special meaning in the context of contracts, and knowing them may help you get a better deal.

Consideration is one of those terms. In essence, it requires an exchange between the parties, whether that is goods, materials, services, or money. To form a contract, you give something of value, such as time, energy, or resources, and the other side pays you in return in some way. Without that exchange, a contract is generally not enforceable.

Detailing the Scope of Work

Detailing the scope of work is one of the most important aspects of a construction contract. Special challenges arise when the project changes after the contract is signed, but provisions can be written to cover nearly any imaginable change order.

How and When Payment Becomes Due

In addition to a scope of work that is as detailed as possible, every contract should address how and when payment becomes due and payable. It is always important to explain who decides when work is complete for a stage or for the entire project, and to state clearly who the responsible party is.

Is It Illegal or Impossible?

Beyond the things a contract must include, there are two things a contract cannot be: illegal or impossible. For public policy reasons, courts will not enforce a contract that is illegal in nature. And impossibility of performance has rendered more than one contract unenforceable.

Lien Waivers and Local Rules

States and localities have different rules for things like lien waivers. Other minor differences exist between jurisdictions, so always confirm that you are in compliance with all contractual rules. Most jurisdictions require construction and real estate transactions to be in writing, and other form requirements may apply.

The Arbitration Clause

For some contracts, including an arbitration clause is a good idea, as it can allow for cheaper and faster resolution of disputes down the line. Some contracts include a clause confirming that the parties had their legal team review the agreement. Other clauses may be appropriate for your specific contracts.

Never Sign What You Do Not Mean or Understand

As simple as a contract appears, remember that you are making promises whenever you sign one. Sometimes we see so many contracts that we barely read them. That is a mistake. Whether or not there is ill intent, mistakes can be made, and we can agree to things we do not want. Make sure you understand everything in every contract, and if you do not, take the time to figure it out. A lawyer can help if things get complicated.

Why do we sign contracts at the end, and why are we asked to initial every page? For centuries, a person's mark or signature has represented the intent to be bound. Before you sign anything, take the time to read and understand it. Your signature is proof of what you intended to do, and you are generally bound by the terms of the document. You cannot later try to explain a problem away, because the words of the document control.

Exchange of Value for Consideration

The most basic contract is formed by offer, acceptance, consideration, and an intention to be bound. From there, if you describe the scope of work and the terms of payment, you likely have an enforceable contract. Even these basic elements can be complicated to prepare, so if you have questions, contact us for guidance on your contract.