How to Write Contracts That Save Your Ass

A cabinet contractor had a $45,000 job. It nearly bankrupted him.

Eighteen months later: $25,000 legal bill. Project abandoned. Business almost dead.

What killed him? Five missing contract clauses.

Every single problem could have been prevented with the right language. The scope creep that tripled his hours. The payment delays that crushed his cash flow. The dispute that dragged through court.

His two-page contract was a legal disaster waiting to happen.

The 5 Clauses That Prevent Legal Disasters

Clause 1: Change Order Process

Without it: Clients expect unlimited changes for free

Essential language: "Any changes to original scope require written approval and payment before additional work begins."

Clause 2: Payment Schedule Protection

Without it: Clients control your cash flow

Essential language: "Payment schedule: 25% deposit, 25% at material delivery, 25% at substantial completion, 25% final."

Clause 3: Timeline Reality Buffer

Without it: You're liable for every delay

Essential language: "Timeline extends day-for-day for delays beyond contractor's control including weather, permits, and client approvals."

Clause 4: Scope Boundary Definition

Without it: Everything becomes "included"

Essential language: "Work includes only items specifically listed. Exclusions: [specific list]."

Clause 5: Dispute Resolution Process

Without it: Every disagreement becomes expensive litigation

Essential language: "Disputes resolved through binding arbitration. Prevailing party entitled to attorney fees."

What's Inside

PART ONE: Contract Fundamentals

• What makes a contract enforceable
• The elements every construction contract needs
• Contract types and when to use each
• Digital signatures and electronic contracts

PART TWO: Essential Clause Library

• Payment terms and milestone structures
• Scope definition and boundaries
• Change order systems
• Timeline and delays
• Warranty and liability limitations
• Dispute resolution
• Termination clauses
• Integration and modification protection

PART THREE: Lien Rights & Payment Protection

• Mechanics liens explained (your most powerful tool)
• Lien waiver dangers (don't give away your rights)
• Notice of Intent to Lien (nuclear option)
• State-specific requirements and deadlines
• The collection process (demand letter to small claims)

PART FOUR: Change Order Mastery

• When verbal agreements become nightmares
• Change order templates (ready to use)
• Pricing change orders (T&M vs. fixed)
• Documentation protocols
• When to refuse a change order

PART FIVE: State-Specific Requirements

• Mechanics lien requirements (all 50 states summary)
• Notice requirements and timelines
• Licensing laws that affect contracts
• Deposit limits by state

PART SIX: Contract Presentation Psychology

• Walking clients through without scaring them
• "This protects both of us" positioning
• Handling objections and pushback
• Red flag responses that mean walk away

Templates Included

• Residential remodel contract template
• New construction contract template
• Small job contract template (<$5,000)
• Change order form
• Payment schedule calculator
• Lien waiver forms (conditional and unconditional)
• Notice of intent to lien template
• Termination letter template

The Change Order Response Script

Client: "Hey, while you're here, can you also swap out this light fixture? Should only take 10 minutes."

Bad response: "Sure, no problem." (You just donated 10 minutes. Multiply by 20 small requests = 4 hours free.)

Good response: "Happy to do that. Let me write up a quick change order—probably $120 for the swap. Want me to add it?"

If they say "never mind, I thought it was included"—that's the point. They were testing boundaries. You held them.

What This System Delivers

Within 30 Days:

• Contract audit completed (know your gaps)
• Essential clauses implemented
• Change order system active

Within 90 Days:

• Zero scope creep on new projects
• Payment disputes eliminated
• Legal exposure dramatically reduced

Within 12 Months:

• $10,000-$50,000+ saved in legal fees and lost disputes
• Collection success rate improved
• Client respect for your professionalism increased

The Investment

$247(Value!) — Less than one hour of attorney fees.

What you get:

• Complete 35,000+ word guide (PDF)
• Full contract templates (residential, commercial, small job)
• Change order forms
• Mechanics lien guide (50 states)
• Collection letter templates
• Lien waiver forms
• Contract presentation scripts

Not legal advice. Not a replacement for an attorney on complex deals. But 90% of your contracts don't need a $400/hour attorney—they need the right clauses.

Ready to Stop Getting Burned?