Which document must contractors provide their clients in California before starting work?

In California, contractors are required to provide a written contract to their clients before commencing any work. This legal requirement is established to protect both parties involved in a construction project. A written contract serves as a clear and concrete outline of the terms and conditions agreed upon, which includes essential details such as the scope of work, payment terms, timelines, and responsibilities of each party. Having this formalized document helps to prevent disputes and misunderstandings, ensuring that both the contractor and the client have the same expectations regarding the project.

Verbal agreements, while they may be made, lack legal enforceability and can lead to conflicts since they do not provide the detailed information that a written contract would include. Similarly, while a project timeline can be an important aspect of project management, it is not a substitute for a contract and does not encompass the full legal protections afforded by a written agreement. A performance bond, though beneficial as a financial safety net to ensure project completion and protect against non-performance, is also not a requirement for starting work—it is more about securing the project financially rather than laying out the conditions under which the work will be performed. Thus, having a written contract is a crucial step in establishing a formal and legally binding relationship between contractors and their clients.