No contract just a verbal agreement before doing work. Then never got paid
2 replies
Sep 17, 2019
It's generally a much better idea to have a written contract than to use a verbal agreement. Written contracts help to specify the scope of work, clearly establish the contract price, set methodology for change orders, and more - they're really the backbone of a healthy construction project. Still, verbal contracts are generally binding unless there's a specific requirement that a written contract be used.
If you're curious as to whether an Iowa construction business must have a written contract in order to file a mechanics lien - there's nothing in the Iowa mechanics lien statute that specifically requires a written contract be present in order to file a valid and enforceable mechanics lien.
However, it's common for a state's builder's code or licensing requirements to require licensed businesses to use written contracts - and that could potentially come into play.
1 person found this helpful
Helpful
Sep 17, 2019
Thank you for the answer...if you could answer one more question for me. I am not a licenced contractor. I was doing so.e work for a friends friend. They needed their dock fixed, house and deck power washed, stained deck, etc..etc...just a few things done to spruce up the appearance of their house while they have it on the market. we agreed to a price then when the work was finished they gave me half of what was agreed on and said they think that's fair and that's all their gonna pay. There was nothing wrong with the job I did. I actually got a lot of complements from the neighbors saying what a good job I did. not to mention I had it done a day before they were having open house. So my question is without a contract and not being a licenced contractor can I still file a mechanics Leon for this in iowa?