General Contracting
Attorney-drafted agreements for contractors of all types — commercial, industrial, residential, specialty trades, and government projects. Protect your business with contracts that address the unique risks of your project type.
Types of Contractors We Serve
Every type of construction project carries unique legal requirements and risks. We draft contracts tailored to your specific project type and industry.
Commercial Construction
Office buildings, retail spaces, and mixed-use developments. Governed by negotiated contracts (AIA, ConsensusDocs), performance bonds, and commercial building codes.
Industrial & Infrastructure
Manufacturing facilities, warehouses, utilities, and public works projects. Often subject to prevailing wage requirements (PA Act 442) and competitive bidding.
Residential New Construction
Single-family homes, townhouses, and multi-unit residential buildings. Subject to PA Uniform Construction Code (Act 45 of 1999) and local building permit requirements.
Renovation & Remodeling
Major renovations, tenant fit-outs, and property conversions. Residential projects over $500 trigger HICPA requirements; commercial work governed by contract terms.
Specialty & Trade Contractors
Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, painting, and other trade-specific work. Subject to trade-specific licensing, bonding requirements, and applicable building codes.
Government & Public Works
Projects funded by state or local government. Subject to PA Separations Act (71 P.S. § 1618), prevailing wage (Act 442), Responsible Contractor Certification, and competitive bidding.
Home Improvement Contracts (HICPA)
Residential home improvement projects over $500 are subject to Pennsylvania's Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA) — which imposes specific contract requirements, mandatory disclosures, registration obligations, and a 3-day right of rescission. Non-compliance carries criminal penalties and treble damages.
If your work involves residential renovations, remodeling, additions, or repairs, you must comply with HICPA. Visit our dedicated Home Improvement page for complete guidance.
Home Improvement GuideHICPA Requires
- Written contract over $500
- Contractor registration
- 3-day rescission right
- Detailed scope & price
- Payment milestone schedule
Essential Contract Provisions
Regardless of project type, every contractor agreement should include these critical provisions:
Commercial vs. Residential: Key Differences
| Factor | Commercial | Residential |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer Protection | Contract terms govern | HICPA applies (projects > $500) |
| Rescission Right | None (negotiated) | 3 business days |
| Registration | Not required | PA AG registration required |
| Bonding | Often required by owner | Rarely required |
| Mechanic’s Lien | Same rules apply | Same rules apply |
| Prevailing Wage | Public projects only | N/A |
| Dispute Resolution | Often arbitration | Often small claims or CCP |
Need a Contractor Agreement?
From commercial construction to residential remodeling, we draft contracts that protect your interests and comply with Pennsylvania law. All documents prepared under attorney supervision.
Legal Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contractor law involves complex regulatory requirements that vary by jurisdiction. Consult with a qualified attorney before taking any legal action. All content prepared with attorney supervision.
All educational content and document templates are prepared under the supervision of a PA licensed attorney.