Pay-when-paid or pay-if-paid?

Most states enforce pay-when-paid as a timing mechanism but limit pay-if-paid as a condition precedent. Use jurisdiction-aware language.

What insurance limits should I require?

Typical floors: $1M GL each occurrence / $2M aggregate, auto, and workers' comp per state. Larger jobs require excess coverage above $5M.

How do I handle change orders?

Require written change orders signed before work starts. Time-and-materials directives without a signed CO are how disputes get expensive fast.

Independent Contractor Agreement for General Contractors

Subcontractor agreements built for general contractors.

Engage subs with insurance, lien-waiver, and pay-when-paid terms that match how a GC actually runs a job — not generic boilerplate.

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Sub agreements are the documents that protect a GC's margin. Insurance certificates, lien waivers tied to each draw, and pay-when-paid language are all non-negotiable — and they should be in the agreement before the sub mobilizes, not after.

Why general contractors need a independent contractor agreement

Insurance minimums and additional-insured status protect the prime.
Conditional lien waivers tied to draws keep the title clean.
Pay-when-paid language matches owner draw schedule.

Common scenarios

Trade subcontractor engagement

Electrical, plumbing, framing, or finish trades engaged for a defined scope tied to the prime contract.

Specialty consultant

Engineers, surveyors, or testing firms engaged for specific deliverables and reports.

Equipment and labor providers

Crane, demo, or labor-only subs with daily rates and minimums tied to schedule.

Clauses to pay attention to

Insurance minimums and additional insured

Lien waivers tied to each draw

Pay-when-paid and pay-if-paid

Backcharge and changes process

Common questions

Pay-when-paid or pay-if-paid?: Most states enforce pay-when-paid as a timing mechanism but limit pay-if-paid as a condition precedent. Use jurisdiction-aware language.
What insurance limits should I require?: Typical floors: $1M GL each occurrence / $2M aggregate, auto, and workers' comp per state. Larger jobs require excess coverage above $5M.
How do I handle change orders?: Require written change orders signed before work starts. Time-and-materials directives without a signed CO are how disputes get expensive fast.

← All contracts for general contractors See the full Independent Contractor Agreement guide →

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