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Know what you're signing before you sign it

Plain-English guides to the contracts people sign every day — and the red flags most people miss until it's too late.

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Contractor agreements · 8 min read

7 Red Flags in Contractor Agreements Most Homeowners Miss

Before you hand over a deposit on a roofing, renovation, or HVAC project — know what the contract actually says. These seven red flags appear in most home improvement agreements and cost homeowners thousands every year.

From the article:

Red flag No penalty clause for delays — contractor has no incentive to finish on time.

Red flag Mechanic's lien rights reserved — they can claim against your house if there's a dispute.

Ask about 15% overhead fee charged on any cancelled work, plus materials and restocking.

All guides

Employment 7 min read

6 Employment Contract Red Flags Most People Miss Before Accepting a Job

Non-competes, IP clauses, mandatory arbitration, discretionary bonuses — the six things to check before you sign your offer letter.

Leases 6 min read

5 Lease Agreement Red Flags That Cost Renters Thousands

Auto-renewal traps, daily late fees, landlord entry without notice — the five lease clauses that catch renters off guard every year.

Freelance 6 min read

5 Freelance Contract Mistakes That Could Cost You the Job — and Your Work

Kill fees that don't cover your loss, silence-as-approval clauses, IP traps — what to look for before you start work for a new client.

Severance 8 min read

How to Review a Severance Agreement — What to Look For Before You Sign

You have 21 days. This plain-English guide covers what rights you're waiving, whether your offer is fair, and what most people successfully negotiate.

Contractor 8 min read

7 Red Flags in Contractor Agreements Most Homeowners Miss

Deposits, delay penalties, mechanic's liens, change orders — the seven things to check before signing any home improvement contract.

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