The owner and the general contractor need to have a workable, encompassing contract that covers as many possible problems and issues as possible. Standard language in a contract will include a clause to change the contract due to unforeseen problems or issues that arise during the construction that may add expenses to the pre-agreed contract price.

The construction attorney should include a termination clause that protects the owner from having to pay for the complete contract if the project cannot be completed due to dangerous or excessive costs to the project. This is an import clause as without it the owner would have to pay the contract, even if the work could not be completed.

A construction law attorney can also advise the buyer and the contactor on any filings, applications or other legal issues that must be attended to before the construction can start. This may include environmental impact studies or other specific requirements based on the type of construction.