Read Before You Build: How to Identify Hidden Risks in Your Construction Contract
Signing a construction contract is a formal green light on your dream project. But before the first nail is hammered or the ground is broken, the agreement you sign will determine how smoothly the process goes—and how protected you are when things don’t. Construction contracts can be complex, packed with legal jargon and clauses that could spell disaster if not properly reviewed. The good news is, you don’t need to be a lawyer to spot potential issues. You need to know what to look for. Clarity in the Contract Language Matters One of the first red flags in any construction agreement is the use of unclear or ambiguous language. When key details are open to interpretation, problems often follow. Words like “reasonable,” “customary,” or “as needed” may seem harmless, but they leave critical terms up to personal judgment. What one party sees as reasonable, the other might not. These gray areas can delay the project, cause budget overruns, or even result in legal disputes. Clear, concise l...