Which document is vital for contractors to sign before starting a project?

A signed contract is crucial for contractors before starting a project because it serves as a legally binding agreement that outlines the terms and conditions under which the work will be completed. This document specifies the responsibilities of both parties, including scope of work, deadlines, payment terms, and any additional conditions that may apply. Having a signed contract helps ensure that all parties have a clear understanding of what has been agreed upon, thereby minimizing potential disputes and misunderstandings as the project progresses.

Moreover, a signed contract provides legal protection to both parties, allowing them to enforce the terms in a court of law if necessary. This level of formalization is essential in professional construction environments where significant investments and commitments are involved.

While a work order, preliminary estimate, and invoice are important documents in the construction process, they do not provide the same level of comprehensive assurance or legal backing as a signed contract. For instance, a work order may denote what specific tasks are to be done but lacks the overarching agreements that a signed contract provides. A preliminary estimate is often an initial assessment of costs but does not account for contractual obligations. An invoice is related to payment after work has been completed and does not address the terms under which the work was initiated. Thus, a signed contract is integral to ensuring