The only real protection is abstinence.

/\ LOL.

Just write a “Letter of Understanding” it’s less intimidating for all on small-fry stuff. Just write down bullet points of your understanding of what you will do and provide…what you expect to be paid and when…should be on a single page…give it to them and ask if this is their understanding….done.

Miles is probably the least helpful old geezer on this forum.

So, toosmart, what's your sage advice to protect him? Or was that the most helpful comment you've got?

Where Protection!  Take a  University Course in Contract Management  and then most of your issues will be identified and you can write them into your contract.  If you fail this class or get low marks figure on hiring an attorney to figure it out for you, but feel prepared to pay thru the nose.

1)write down what the project scope is. be as detailed as you are able.

2) identify what you will do for the owner. be as detailed as you are able.

(list services, not products [you can't promise what the GC will do])

3) state what you will be paid and how and when

(ie, hourly rate, paid with phase completion, monthly billing, retainer, reimbursables, etc)

if the proposal is ok with the client, you both should sign it and date it and start work

Don't forget the retainer, and don't get behind on the fee.