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 Louisiana (LA), a general contractor agreement is a legally binding contract that outlines the relationship between a property owner and a general contractor who oversees the construction or renovation of a property. This agreement typically includes detailed provisions regarding the scope of work, materials to be used, the contractor's responsibilities in hiring and managing subcontractors, payment schedules, completion timelines, insurance obligations, and the handling of mechanic's and materialmen's liens. Louisiana law requires that certain contracts for home improvement or new home construction be in writing to be enforceable. Additionally, contractors must be licensed for the type of work they perform if the project exceeds a certain monetary threshold. The Louisiana Home Improvement Contractor Act and the Louisiana New Home Warranty Act provide specific regulations and warranty requirements for residential construction contracts. It is important for both parties to clearly understand their rights and obligations under the agreement and to comply with all relevant state statutes and federal laws, including those related to construction liens, which secure payment for labor and materials provided to improve the property.