Virginia takes unlicensed contracting very seriously. Under Virginia Code 54.1-1115, the penalty for contracting without the proper license in Virginia is a fine in the amount not to exceed $500 per day of violation. It is also a Class 1 misdemeanor, and you could also do up to a year in jail.
How To Write A Construction Contract With 7 Steps Step 1: Define the Parties Involved. Step 2: Outline the Scope of Work. Step 3: Establish the Timeline. Step 4: Determine the Payment Terms. Step 5: Include Necessary Legal Clauses. Step 6: Address Change Orders and Modifications. Step 7: Sign and Execute the Contract.
In the area of law, for a contract to be legally enforceable, several requirements must be met, including an offer; acceptance of that offer; mutual understanding of the agreement; capacity to agree; an item or service; consideration in exchange for the item or service; and legality of the contract itself, including ...
Contracts don't need to be in legal language, but they do need to outline exactly who is responsible for what from obtaining various permissions (such as building control approval) to timings, tidying up, materials, insurance and how payments will be made. A written contract will protect you and reduce risks.
A construction contract is a mutual or legally binding agreement between two parties based on policies and conditions recorded in document form. The two parties involved are one or more property owners and one or more contractors.
A general contractor license is mandatory if your business offers construction-related services in Virginia. However, the type of license you'll need depends on the size and type of projects your business will perform.
Licensed contractors are required by law to provide a written contract for residential work, signed by both parties. Don't rely on verbal agreements. Get all guarantees, warranties, and promises in writing. Limit your down payment or deposit.