CONTRACT ISSUES

Contract Pitfalls
Watch out for tricky clauses

Joint Check Agreements
An explanation of joint check agreements and how they can benefit the contractor

City Business Licenses
Most cities require you to obtain a business license before performing work in the city

Preliminary Notices
A look at the preliminary notice requirements as well as a sample form

Lien Waivers / Lien Releases
An in-depth review of which lien waiver to use when...

Jobsite Rules and Regulations
A list of some of the rules we have seen attached to contracts

General Conditions
If you don't familiarize yourself with the general conditions, you could be putting the project, you and your company at risk.

Improper Licensing
How someone else's improper license can cost you your payment

Mechanic's Liens
How to do it and mistakes to avoid

BIDDING PROJECTS

Material Suppliers
An important part of your business

Projects to bid on
The Dodge Report and Plan Rooms

Assembling Your Bid (this link will open a separate window at my other website)
Basic guidelines on how to put your bid together

Proposal Forms
A brief rundown on proposal form guidelines as well as a sample proposal form

Military Base Requirements (this link will open a separate window at my other website)
Listing of various rules and regulations for projects on military bases

EMPLOYING OTHERS

Employees
Some things to consider when hiring employees

OFFICE NEEDS

Office Tips
Various ideas to help you keep your office and business running smoothly

Stationery Goods and Advertising
Requirements of the Contractors State License Board

BONDING & INSURANCE

Bonding
Bonding information and requirements

Liability Insurance
Liability insurance information and requirements

INVOICING & COLLECTING

Invoicing
An explanation on various ways to invoice construction projects

Lien Waivers / Lien Releases
An in-depth review of which lien waiver to use when...

Collecting Payment
Collecting payment can be difficult at times. Here are a few collection procedure ideas.

Job Forms
Here you will find an abundance of job forms you will need on a daily basis.

YOUR STATE LICENSE

Do you want to be a General Contractor or a Subcontractor?
Brief description of the differences in requirements

Schooling: Various types of teaching and studying methods
There are many different types, pick the one (or more) that works for you

Testing Fees
An explanation of the testing fees involved with obtaining your contractor license

Overall Costs
A listing of the approximate overall costs involved with obtaining your contractor license

Test Day
A brief rundown of what to expect on your test day

YOUR BUSINESS LOCATION

Home Offices vs. Commercial Business Locations
Consider the pros and cons of home offices and commercial business locations

Doing Business As aka DBA / dba
When and why a DBA might be required

City Business Licenses
When and where you might need them

COMMUNICATIONS & NETWORKING

Announce Your Arrival
Let people know that your company exists