On most jobs, contract negotiations begin when you submit a written bid. Attaching a proposed contract to that bid makes it easy for your client to say "Yes." Every contractor who signs a construction agreement has a chance to negotiate the terms of that agreement.

Pennsylvania requires a written contract for residential work valued at $500 or more and holds the contractor liable for any defect in the contract – no matter who actually drafted the agreement.

Even if not accepted immediately, a contract tendered with the written proposal is likely to become the basis for further negotiation – especially if the contract has a highly professional appearance and is obviously custom-designed for the job.