CLAUSEPREP · FREE SAMPLE
Hiring a contractor
Home or light commercial work where you are about to hire a general contractor or trade.
Educational preparation. Not legal advice or a review of your actual contract.
01 · THE STARTING POINT
Understand the risk.
General risk band: medium
Deposit timing, vague scopes, and unlicensed work are how projects overrun and remedies disappear.
This is a general sample. Your timeline and available state notes can change the preparation. Add my details →
02 · TAKE THESE TO THE CONVERSATION
Questions to ask.
What is your license number, and can I verify it for this exact trade and address?
Why it matters. Wrong or expired licenses limit your leverage if work fails.
Are you insured and bonded for this job size, and will you name me as certificate holder?
Why it matters. A certificate of insurance is not optional for real work.
How is the payment schedule tied to inspection-ready milestones?
Why it matters. Large upfront deposits fund other jobs, not yours.
Who pulls permits, and what is included if inspectors require changes?
Why it matters. Permit responsibility gaps create stop-work surprises.
How are change orders priced and approved in writing?
Why it matters. Verbal changes are how budgets die.
03 · KNOW WHAT TO CHECK
Traps to discuss before signing.
Huge deposit before materials
Paying most of the job up front removes your leverage.
Scope that says allowances without numbers
Open allowances become change-order machines.
No lien waiver process
You can pay the GC and still face subcontractor liens.
THE COMPLETE PREPARATION
Good questions are the start.
Get the full plan.
The full hiring a contractor report adds your ordered checklist, documents to gather, complete question scripts, negotiation points, more traps, a timeline, and professional review prompts.
Print the report to PDF or download HTML. Launch offer: apply PREP100 at checkout for a $0 order. No card required. Full reports will be paid in the future.
Educational preparation. Have a licensed professional review binding decisions.
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