Legal Information Notice: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Laws and deadlines vary. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific legal decision or deadline; consult a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.
“A construction contract can look simple until something goes wrong.”
Construction projects can involve contracts, subcontractors, payment disputes, safety obligations, change orders, delays, liens, insurance and regulatory requirements. OSHA’s construction standards impose requirements on contractors and subcontractors on covered projects.
- ☐ Don’t start without a written contract.
- ☐ Verify contractor licensing where applicable.
- ☐ Verify insurance.
- ☐ Define scope.
- ☐ Define materials.
- ☐ Define completion standards.
- ☐ Define payment schedule.
- ☐ Define retainage where applicable.
- ☐ Define change-order procedures.
- ☐ Define delay provisions.
- ☐ Define dispute procedures.
- ☐ Review indemnity provisions.
- ☐ Review warranty provisions.
- ☐ Review termination rights.
- ☐ Verify subcontractor relationships.
- ☐ Understand lien exposure.
- ☐ Document changes.
- ☐ Photograph progress.
- ☐ Keep invoices.
- ☐ Maintain communications.
- ☐ Verify inspections.
- ☐ Track deadlines.
- ☐ Don’t make undocumented verbal agreements.
- ☐ Review final payment conditions.
- ☐ Preserve closeout documents.
Premium Checklist
Scope → Contract → Contractor → Insurance → Payment → Change Orders → Performance → Dispute → Closeout