By Anthony I. Shin, Esq. | Construction Litigation Attorney | Shin Law Office
Chantilly Construction Contracts: What You’re Missing
Most contractors I talk to don’t realize their contracts have problems until they’re in a dispute.
By then, the damage is done: a client refusing to pay, a scope of work disagreement, or a missing change order that leaves you eating the cost.
If you work in Chantilly, you can’t afford to rely on a generic contract or something you copied from an old job.
Construction law in Virginia is clear: if it’s not written down and if it’s not signed, you may be out of luck when it’s time to collect.
Here’s what I see go wrong most often and what to include next time to protect yourself.
1. Missing or Vague Change Order Language
This is the #1 reason contractors lose money.
The client adds work, you do it, and later they say they never approved it.
If your contract doesn’t clearly state that all changes must be in writing and signed, you’re stuck arguing over what happened.
What to include:
- An explicit requirement for signed change orders
- Language stating that no verbal modifications are valid
- A process for approval (email, digital signature, etc.)
2. No Timeline for Payment
I’ve seen contracts that don’t say when you’re supposed to be paid.
That opens the door for clients to drag their feet or claim you didn’t finish the job.
What to include:
- Exact payment due dates (e.g., Net 15, Net 30)
- Penalties for late payment (interest, collection costs)
- Final payment contingent on inspection or close-out
3. Scope of Work That’s Too Broad (or Too Thin)
If your scope isn’t specific, clients may argue that particular work was “included” or “implied.”
You end up doing more for free or fighting to prove otherwise.
What to include:
- A detailed breakdown of the work included
- Clear exclusions for work not covered
- A clause stating additions requires formal approval
4. No Dispute Resolution Clause
When things go wrong, having no roadmap for resolving the issue often leads to court expenses, a slow process, and a draining experience.
What to include:
- Mediation or arbitration clause
- Venue set in Virginia
- Language that allows you to recover legal fees if you win
5. No Legal Review Before Signing
This one’s simple: a contract you pulled off the internet or borrowed from another contractor won’t protect you when it counts.
Every business is unique, and every job comes with its own set of risks.
What to do:
- Have a construction attorney review your agreement
- Customize terms based on your risk, clients, and scope
- Keep it updated for Virginia-specific laws
Final Word for Chantilly Contractors
If you’re working without a solid contract or using one that hasn’t been updated in years.
You’re gambling with your time, your money, and your business.
I help contractors throughout Chantilly resolve these issues before they become courtroom problems.
Let’s review what you have and secure it properly.
— Anthony I. Shin, Esq.
Principal Attorney | Shin Law Office
Call 571-445-6565 or book a consultation online today.
