If a formal contract is to be entered into, when the time comes for signing the contract read it through carefully to satisfy yourself that there are no objectionable clauses. If by the terms of the contract you are to waive your rights to certain protection, such as the lien laws, do not hesitate to ask for some other security to take the place of what you are asked to dispense with. Bear in mind that the fairest and best contract that can be written and signed is a simple, plain statement setting forth what the contractor is expected to do for his money, and how much and in what manner he is to be paid for the work. The more clauses and conditions contained in a contract the more conflicting they become, the harder to comply with, and, finally, the more loopholes for trapping the unwary. Above all precautions, never sign a printed form of contract. If one is presented for signature ask for time to read it through and consider its provisions, then submit it to your lawyer for his opinion. Never, under any consideration, sign a printed form of contract without the advice of your lawyer, and it would be wiser to do so not even then. There is no occasion for a whole sheet of printed conditions for a plumbing contract. The trouble arises from trying to use a general form applicable to all building contracts. The forms are prepared by lawyers who have studied contract law in all its crooked windings, and, under the guise of an innocent looking clause, insert some conditions which are harmful to the contractor. All of the conditions which both parties to the contract are expected to live up to should be stated in the specifications, and that leaves for consideration in the contract proper only the amount and terms of payment. If more is insisted on refuse to sign it.

Form Of Contract

A simple form of contract which will be found sufficient for most cases may be worded as follows:

Memorandum of Agreement entered into the 14th day of May, 1908, between Ferris & Company, of the city of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania, parties of the first part, and Hall Johnson, of the same place, parties of the second part. The said parties of the first part, in consideration of $6,000, hereby agree to and with the parties of the second part to furnish all materials and labor according to the plans and specifications prepared by Howard & Grove for the plumbing work in the twelve-story office- building, corner of Wayne and Perry Streets, Philadelphia, and owned by the parties of the second part; and the said parties of the second part, in consideration of the same, agree to pay to the said parties of the first part Six Thousand ($6,000) Dollars lawful money of the United States, in the manner stated in the specifications.

(Signed) Ferris & Company,

Hall & Johnson.

In case the terms of payment were not stated in the specifications they should be recited in the contract so there would be nothing left undetermined. In short, the memorandum simply reduces to writing in the plainest terms what each party to the contract is to do.