How to draft a contract between two parties: A step-by-step checklist Know your parties. Agree on the terms. Set clear boundaries. Spell out the consequences. Specify how you will resolve disputes. Cover confidentiality. Check the legality of the contract. Open it up to negotiation.
Protect Yourself when Working with Custom Home Builders Only work with a licensed contractor. Get the contract in writing. Avoid “lump sum” bids. Talk to several contractors. Tie payments to deliverables. Get proof of payment to suppliers.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania currently has no licensure or certification requirements for most construction contractors (or their employees).
All contractors, including self-employed contractors and sole proprietorships, subcontractors and independent contractors, and corporations, partnerships and all other types of business entities must be registered, unless they fall into the two exemptions above.
Contractors in Pennsylvania need a license to remain on file with state records and to ensure that contractors meet minimum skills and knowledge thresholds to provide safe, high-quality services.
The law exempts from the registration requirements contractors who perform less than $5,000 worth of home improvements in a calendar year.
As an independent contractor, you must also withhold the standard federal self-employment taxes for Social Security and Medicare. The current self-employment tax rate is 15.3%, which consists of two parts: 12.4% for Social Security, including old-age, survivors, and disability insurance.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania currently has no licensure or certification requirements for most construction contractors (or their employees).