Mastering Contracts: Your Key to Contractor Success

It’s called Contracting for a reason. Nearly every part of the project is governed by a contract. As a licensed contractor, you’re required to have a written contract with your customer. For most of you, the specialty trades are performed under a contract. For many of you, most if not all of the trades are performed by folks who are not employees; those relationships need to be governed by a contract. Most general contractors in the residential area spend less time building and more time coordinating performance under a contract. This course pulls back the curtain of the contract to take the mystery out. Rather than some mysterious legal document meant to protect you, you’ll discover that every contract, just like the projects it governs, has a similar formula – the step-by-step set of instructions for building a successful project.

This course breaks down the parts of and explores the importance of using contracts. This course helps attendees understand the benefits and protection contracts provide. In addition, this course will explain the customization options for project-specific contracts.

Course Outline

• Introduction
• What is a Contract
• What does a contract do
• Terms every contract should include
• Contracts - What is required in Wisconsin
• Contracts - What is required in Minnesota
• What templates should be in your suite
• Conclusion

Learner Objectives

• Learn why the contract is more important for a successful project than the plans and specs
• Recognize the magic words every well-drafted contract contains and how to use them
• Know the magic words required in a customer contract for a licensed contractor  
• Recognize the benefits, and dangers, of a “One-size-fits-all” contract template
• Identify contract templates you should have in your library and when to use them

Quiz Info

In order to receive continuing education credit(s), you will need to take a 10-question quiz following the course. To pass the quiz, you will need to achieve a score of 70% or higher. If you are unsuccessful, you will have an opportunity to repeat the quiz. Once you have successfully completed the quiz, you can download your continuing education certificate(s) showing the credit(s) that you have earned.

Credit Info

This course has been approved for one hour of MN residential contractor, remodeler, and roofer continuing education by the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry and includes the required Business Management credit, and one hour of WI Dwelling Contractor Qualifier by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. 

If you are eligible to receive continuing education credits, your information will be electronically reported to the appropriate agency within 3 business days of course completion.

Access Info

Your online course is accessible 24/7. The course will be available to you for 180 days from purchase date.

Questions and Comments

Questions and comments related to the curriculum for this course may be submitted to the instructor at education@housingfirstmn.org.