Closing & Protecting the Deal

A deal isn't real until it's in writing and signed.

Lock it down

• Put the agreed scope, price, terms, and schedule into a written contract — never a handshake.
• Make sure both parties sign before work starts.
• Keep the documentation — it's your protection if a dispute ever arises.

Walk away when you should

Not every deal is worth taking. If the terms are unfair or the margin's gone, it's okay to walk away — a bad job costs more than no job.

Going Deeper (Intermediate)

Close by getting a clear, signed written contract before work starts — scope, price, schedule, terms, signatures. A handshake is not a deal. Then protect it: deposit, documentation, and the change-order process from day one.

Advanced / Pro-Level

Locking in and safeguarding the deal:

• Confirm mutual understanding (a written recap) before signing.
• No work before signature and deposit, with the agreed scope/exclusions/plans attached.
• Preserve lien rights (file any preliminary notices), confirm insurance is in place, and document from day one.
• Manage every change through the contract's process.
• The deal isn't truly closed until it's papered and the protections (payment terms, notices, insurance, documentation) are set up — that's what turns a "yes" into a collectible, defensible contract.

Practice Challenge

A client verbally says "you've got the job, start Monday" with no signed contract or deposit. What should you do before mobilizing? (Answer: get the signed contract and deposit first — with scope/exclusions attached, insurance and lien-notice steps in place; starting on a verbal leaves you with no defined scope, no payment security, and no protection if it goes sideways.)

In Practice

A handshake deal goes sideways and there's nothing in writing to enforce. A signed contract with clear scope and terms protects you when memories differ.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Relying on a handshake
• Starting work before it's signed
• Not walking away from a bad deal

Takeaway: Get every deal in writing and signed before you start — and be willing to walk away from a bad one.

Educational content — not legal advice. Have contracts reviewed by an attorney.