Top Construction Contract Tips for Homeowners

 Posted on May 06, 2025 in Construction Law

It can be exciting to embark on a construction project, whether you are building the home of your dreams from scratch or taking on that long-neglected kitchen renovation. Starting the construction process can also be stressful, given stories of contractors leaving work partially completed or with subpar workmanship. One of the ways you can protect yourself from things that can go wrong with a contractor is to negotiate a strong and clear construction contract. This way you can avoid having to sue, which you can do within five years from when something goes wrong. An experienced Falls Church, VA construction law attorney can advise you on construction contracts and help you understand their important provisions. 

Outlining the Scope of Construction Work

The scope of work in a construction contract specifies the type of construction that will be carried out and the tasks that the contractor will perform. This key section should be as clear and detailed as possible to reflect your understanding of the project.

Stating a Construction Project Timeline

The contract should include a timeline for the construction project. It should be realistic and include the projected start and end date of the project, as well as any milestones or deadlines. This ensures that the contractor is accountable throughout the process. If a certain deadline is not met, you can try to resolve the issue right then rather than waiting until the expected end date to find out there are serious delays. 

Including Payment Terms in a Construction Contract

This is of course an obvious provision. What is important to remember is to be as specific as possible. The section should include not only the total price for the project but also a payment schedule. This is an opportunity to ensure that certain payments are conditioned on contingencies, meaning for example that the contractor does not get paid until they complete a certain portion of the project (which should be in line with detailed information in the timeline and scope of work). If the contractor includes penalties for late payments or interest, you can make sure these are fair.

Addressing Construction Project Change Orders and Modifications

Any construction contract worth its ink will include a thought-out process for making changes to the project, which can inevitably occur as it progresses. This section should address how the changes will be approved, whether and how they will affect the timeline, and how much they will cost.

Call a Falls Church, VA Construction Law Attorney

The best way to ensure that your construction project goes as smoothly as possible is to start strong, and the way to do that is by having a contract in place to protect you. The experienced Lincolnia, VA construction law attorneys at Salvado Law Offices can help you negotiate the most favorable terms and explain what important provisions of the contract mean. Call the office at 703-379-9446 for a consultation on your construction contract.