April 11, 2003

The changing face of subcontract forms

At a recent construction industry gathering, I asked a specialty contractor friend if there is a subcontract agreement he's most often asked to execute today. After pondering for a moment, he told me, "You know, it's a little like going out for ice cream. Everybody seems to have their own favorite flavor."

Organizations such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Associated General Contractors of Washington (AGC) publish comprehensive standard subcontract forms. However, those agreements are often modified and customized by issuing general contractors in order to achieve the risk allocation they feel best serves their needs. Frequently, those standard agreements serve as the foundation upon which contractors construct their own unique subcontract agreements.

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Previous columns:

• Contractors need to know nonpayment lien rights, 02-28-2003
• Rules changing on temporary construction labor, 01-31-2003
• Recent cases put teeth into land use act, 11-15-2002
• Statute of repose: No ironclad bar to older claims, 10-02-2002
• Don't waver when it comes to lien rights, 08-23-2002
• Contractors: know your notice requirements, 07-24-2002
• Keeping an eye open for discrimination, 06-28-2002
• Watch out when filing lien claims, 02-22-2002