What advice would you give contractors regarding documentation and recordkeeping to better protect themselves during disputes?

Jim Archibald
Partner
Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
Disputes over payment, scope and delays are among the biggest risks contractors face. Thorough documentation doesn’t just help win these disputes; it may prevent them from happening at all.

Start with the contract: Every project should begin with a written agreement that clearly defines scope, schedule, payment terms and change-order procedures. Verbal understandings are difficult to enforce.

Track changes in real time: Change orders, change directives, RFIs and scope clarifications should always be documented in writing.

Reprinted courtesy of Construction Executive, a publication of Associated Builders and Contractors. All rights reserved.