As stated in chapter one, this book is “…written to help small builders, subcontractors and remodelers recognize and manage legal tasks.” The book is a basic business management and legal handbook, with chapters on business formation and basic contract documents. Additional chapters contain legal guidelines on employee hiring, the IRS and liens; legal problems on the jobsite including codes, zoning, permits, OSHA, injuries and subcontractors; and legal issues such as warranties, consumer protection laws, financial protection, retirement, and choosing a lawyer.
Its common knowledge that unlicensed contractors have little rights. Quenda Behler Story, the book’s author, points out other important facts that similarly, it's equally risky to be a subcontractor to an unlicensed contractor. Making arbitration an option at the contractor’s request, putting change orders in writing, and not allowing unsupervised visitors to the site are other words of good advice.
The book has some omissions, such as a list of on-line resources. For example, it would have been useful to include links to obtain an employee identification number (EIN) plus other state and federal forms. A CD-ROM with 2-dozen forms is included. The book provides a comprehensive range of basic legal issues and is well-worth the price for first-time and inexperienced contractors.
