Big paper or small print. If it is a word doc. can't you click "size to fit 1 page"?
I hate to admit it, but I may be one of those "other" contractors. Not literally, I know we are both Chicagoland, but I doubt we really know the same GC. My contract lays out scope, price, and extra charges if collection becomes an issue. So far this has worked out fine being a small shop and having a lot of face time with the people paying me. It is harder to screw someone you know. But as I grow, which is in the plans, and even in the works, a better contract may be in order, to both ease risk exposure, and show people you mean business.
I have to agree, the more I deal with GC's the less I like them, and this is 10 yrs dealing with them in my own business. I should note we have one good remodel GC, but that is because we have found favor with the lead carpenter who pretty much runs the whole show from pricing to running the job.
One other possibility is that he's not "planning" on cheating; he's just not very professional. He is unfamiliar with contract law and the less he has "officially" agreed the safer he feels. Kind of how you or I would feel giving a 6 page contract to a high profile lawyer to do work on his house and getting a 12 page counter offer. We'd be intimidated thinking he knows more than we do.
This possibility is no safer than if he were an intentional cheat. You will still get cheated, just out of his ignorance and lack of fastidiousness, verses his ill intent and maliciousness.
But back to your contract, could you post or email your terms? I'd be curious to see how much I would consider necessary. Heck, all 6 pages might be good stuff.
