What is a standard form contract? While many contracts are entirely purpose made, standard form contracts consist of standardised, pre-written terms and conditions. Because standard form contracts are familiar to people in an industry, they often function effectively without the need for much negotiation.
The JCT Standard Building Contract is designed for large or complex construction projects where detailed contract provisions are needed. Standard Building Contracts are suitable for projects procured via the traditional or conventional method.
A standard form contract will typically be one prepared by one party to the contract and not negotiated between the parties—it is offered on a 'take it or leave it' basis.
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.
Standard Form Contracts are agreements that employ standardised, non-negotiated provisions, usually in pre-printed forms. These are sometimes referred to as 'boilerplate contracts', 'contracts of adhesion', or 'take it or leave it' contracts.
Washington State requires all construction contractors to register with L&I. State law also requires construction contractors to be bonded and insured to protect the public. Once registered, contractors can bid, advertise, and perform construction work.
Standard-form contracts are pre-drafted templates with standard terms and conditions popular in similar transactions. By using a standard form, parties can save time and resources negotiating individual contract terms. It can be especially beneficial in industries with frequent transactions and similar terms.
Check if a contractor is registered online, or call the contractor information line at 1-800-647-0982. Report a fraudulent or unregistered contractor online, or call the Report-a-Fraud line at 1-888-811-5974.
To draft a contract from scratch, start by identifying the parties involved and clearly outlining the agreement. Include consideration (what is exchanged), define the terms and conditions, ensure all parties are legally competent, and finalise it with signatures. These essential elements make the contract enforceable.