Once the contractor is selected, this individual will enter into a contract, which is typically written and negotiated by the owner and the construction law representative. This contact can be for the design phase or it may be for the complete project.

The owner and the general contractor need to have a workable, encompassing contract that covers as many possible problems and issues as possible. Standard language in a contract will include a clause to change the contract due to unforeseen problems or issues that arise during the construction that may add expenses to the pre-agreed contract price.

The construction attorney should include a termination clause that protects the owner from having to pay for the complete contract if the project cannot be completed due to dangerous or excessive costs to the project. This is an import clause as without it the owner would have to pay the contract, even if the work could not be completed.