Contractors must take the time and effort to review every contract before signing it, being especially watchful for clauses that make it impossible for them to finish work on time, make a profit or win a contract dispute in court.

This article presents a nine-step contract-signing checklist to help contractors enter only complete and fair agreements. The steps cover how to review bids, plans, specifications and job schedules; complete a project checklist; verify project funding; and read and execute the contract.