Heavens. My contract was about three typewritten pages long, but then I was only stripping my kitchen down to the walls and having new cabinets, counters, flooring and a little electrical and plumbing work (just replacing things that were already there) done.

I think I might spring for the lawyer's fee for a contract of that length and apparent complexity. It's harder for you to spot problems when there is that much stuff to wade through.

Yes, that's what I'm thinking. We are doing quite a bit of work, switching the dining room and kitchen, an addition, and adding a mud room and powder room. I think paying an attorney to review it may give me some piece of mind. Any other thoughts?

no but do make sure that your interests are safeguarded as well.

One clause we added was that any changes that would incur additional cost had to be discussed with us BEFORE the work was done and that a written agreement was required for each event.

Another one, which was reluctantly agreed to, was that $100 per day would be subtracted from the final bill for work done past a certain date that when that delay was not caused by changes we made. And we were VERY fair on this one. Our GC told us it would take 8-12 weeks and we gave him 5 months.

20 pages! I would.

I work in the industry(more commercial though) and I would consider it money well spent.

I love the suggestion of "liquidation" charges for going past the time limit. You see this in commercial work but not so much residential but I think it is a wonderful idea.
Did you have an architect do the plans? You could also ask him to eyeball the contract too.

Here's why I don't like liquidated damages in contracts:

Firstly, Liquidated Damages means that from day one you start dickering about every delay day and whether it's an exension of the scheduled completion date (not subject to liquidated damages), or if it's a delay caused by the Contractor. SO, instead of actually working on your project, the Contractor is spending time coming up with reasons why the delay isn't his fault and shouldn't be subject to a measely $100 a day liquidated damages payment. Stuff happens, delays happen,enough said. Do you want them spending time getting written confirmation from a supplier that the trucking companies are backed up and can't deliver their lumber, etc.? or do you want them spending that time coming up with a solution? Contractors don't make money on projects that aren't complete, it's in their interest as much as yours that delays not happen (unless they're a bad contractor). Make sure you get a good contractor with good references and don't waste their time and yours with excuse making and arguments.

Secondly, if you require liquidated damages, you'll simply get an inflated schedule so they can cover their ass (same as above). SO, you haven't really achieved anything IMO.

Since it is a design build firm, the architect works with the contracter and his plans will be included in the contract, so having him review the contract wouldn't apply here.

Caligirl, you bring up a valid point regarding liquidated damages. Definitely somthing to think about.

Everything except one window was on site when we began our project.

The window ended up coming in wrong and took three weeks to replace. That time was our fault and when the new one was delivered we told the contractor in writing that the new extension date was three weeks later.

However his workers having a family "emergency" and being unable to work for 5 weeks was not our fault and made it tight for him BUT he finished on time and the quality of the work was not compromised because of it.

Had we not had that clause, the delay caused by the window would have meant he put us aside while he finished another job and we could have been without a kitchen for who knows how long.

There are some kitchens here going on 3 years and they are not DIY!

I'm glad the liquidated damages clause worked for you, Loves2cook4Six, but I don't think the delayed window should have delayed your project at all. Unless I misunderstand you, the other work could have and should have been commenced since all other materials were on-site and ready to go (which is actually very rare and a luxury for the Contractor). It would probably have taken those three weeks for him to get to the point where he needed the window, and thus no delay. A delay claim should ONLY be made for issues or items which push back the critical path of work (for example, the foundation work wasn't complete, thus he can't start the work, or a permit wasn't issued, or he's nearly done and the window isn't there, etc.).

All contracts should have a schedule and a completion date and that's your assurance (contractual agreement) that you will get your project completed on-time. A good contractor, regardless of liquidated damages, will stick to the schedule, a BAD one, regardless of liquidated damages, will not. They will simply find excuses and ways of getting around what they are already contractually responsible for delivering.

Anyway, that's been my experience, but I'm glad your experience was a positive one.

You can bet they had an attorney review it (and probably draft it) -- I would definitely have an atty review on your behalf. Make sure it is someone with some experience in construction contracts. You can bet your design/build firm is protected in that contract, you should be too. Good luck.

ps--interesting comments on the liquidated damages issue; always two sides to everything, it seems.

Thanks everyone, now off to find an attorney!