Should I consult with an attorney before signing a general construction contract for an extensive remodeling of my home

Florida is a state that has specific laws regulating the terms of a general construction contract.  These contracts must satisfy requirements stated in Florida construction laws, including provisions that require the contract to give certain legal notices, such as notice of any construction lien (without such notice, the lien is unenforceable) or notice of the Florida construction industry recovery fund (a failure to give this notice may subject a construction contractor to fines). 

While you may be able to go online and find a form for a Florida construction contract, you will probably want to have a Florida construction lawyer review the contract before you sign it, if your project is valuable enough to justify this minor expense.  Attorney in general don’t charge much to read a contract that you have drafted and make suggestions about what needs to be included and what unnecessary items can be excluded.  Florida construction law requires so many notices and disclosures that even a “simple” residential construction contract is a lengthy document, and the best way to understand the many “boilerplate” provisions included is to consult with a Florida construction lawyer.