Every player in the construction game should be aware of the risks and take the proper precautions. That’s especially true when it comes to business insurance coverage. It is not enough to simply call up a business insurance agent and purchase the first policy offered. You have to carefully review the type of insurance policy—and ask as many questions as possible.
The scariest clause a subcontractor can face in a subcontract agreement is the dreaded indemnification clause. But an enforceable indemnification clause can also act to protect you against lower-level subcontractors. In addition, the language in the indemnification clause—like the whole contract—is negotiable! In this article, we’ll give you some basics of indemnification clauses. Why do […]
Making sure you take adequate risk-shifting precautions is a crucial step in the construction process. A common mechanism used in the risk management endeavor is an indemnification clause. But if it’s not drafted properly, such a provision will be unenforceable. In this article, we’ll go over indemnification clause basics. Understanding Indemnity Indemnification clauses (sometimes referred […]
The second set of contract terms that require your attention when you are reviewing the contract from your general contractor are the safety terms, bond terms, delay terms, dispute resolution terms, and lien waivers. A safety term in your contract can take many forms. Not only will you be required to comply with all OSHA […]
Before you negotiate anything, the first thing you need to do is identify the contract documents. Typically, these include the project manual, the plans and specifications, and the terms and conditions. This information should direct you to the most important terms in your contract with the general contractor. These documents will help you determine if […]
So, you’ve landed a stellar new contract, your crew and equipment are ready, and the weather is ideal to begin the work. All you have to do is sign the contract documents. You’ve done it a million times before, so you know what you’re getting into, right?
Generally speaking, it is a good business practice to have all of the essential terms between the parties to be put into a written agreement before the work starts. But, in a situation such as the aftermath of a hurricane, that may not always be possible to do upfront. However, it is not too late […]
In this article, we cover five questions contractors and subcontractors should ask before entering into a construction contract.
As a subcontractor, you should always remember that Contracts protect the ones who draft them. However, if you understand the expectations from the beginning, you can generally avoid conflict or at least, prepare and create records to support any potential claim. As morbid as it seems, the best way to prevent litigation is to prepare for it from the outset.
Make us your first line of defense. Not your last resort.
