A general contractor agreement is, as the name implies, generally an agreement between the owner of real estate and a building contractor for services to manage the construction (and sometimes the design) of a residential or commercial building according to certain specifications or plans provided by the owner.

A general contractor agreement includes a description of the scope of the work to be performed; the materials to be used; the general contractor’s obligations to hire and manage subcontractors to construct the various components of the building; the payment terms for the construction of the building and the management of the construction; the time for completion of the work; insurance requirements; and the filing and removal of mechanic’s and materialmen’s liens (also known as construction liens or contractor liens) for labor and materials provided to improve the real estate.

In Connecticut, a general contractor agreement is a legally binding contract that outlines the relationship and obligations between a property owner and a general contractor who is hired to manage and execute the construction of a building. The agreement typically includes detailed provisions regarding the scope of work, materials to be used, the contractor's responsibility to hire and oversee subcontractors, payment schedules, timelines for completion, insurance requirements, and the handling of mechanic's and materialmen's liens. Connecticut law requires that home improvement contracts for residential properties be in writing if the cost of the project exceeds a certain amount, and they must include specific information as outlined in the Connecticut Home Improvement Act. For commercial projects, while there is no specific statute mandating a written contract, it is standard practice to have a detailed written agreement to provide clarity and legal protection for both parties. Mechanic's liens, which are a legal claim against a property for unpaid construction work or materials, are governed by Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 847, which sets forth the procedures for filing and enforcing such liens.