You're asking the wrong folks!
Contracting law varies considerably by state, and you really need to have a real contract, reviewed by an attorney practicing in this area.
Thing can go wrong, or change, in the course of a job. There are thing in place to protect both parties... things like licensing boards, lien procedures, and the like.
One place to look for advice would be a local contractors' association- they should at least have a referral to make.
[This message has been edited by renosteinke (edited 06-20-2006).]
