This agreement is just like a listing agreement when you go list a home, you are hiring the right person for the job, so this is the same type of contract, but this person is hired to find you the right home. 

After hearing about, and personally encountering some horror stories of disagreements between homeowners and contractors, I am wanting to establish a clear contract to use with a new general contractor. 

Hello, everyone.My name is Hild R. and I'm new on Real Estate business, I used to run a small Painting LLC business with a HIC LICENSE for few years but based on personal circumstances I have to pause.

I can say my personal experience has been pretty mediocre.

My personal thesis is to avoid the HOA altogether, problem solved.RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS can still run with the land even if there is no HOA, placed on by the developer.

Not sure how their program works but I've seen this personally a dozen times with the key part the insured not being aware...

At a minimum,  you should understand what the current zoning is and what restrictions there are.As the post above mentioned reaching out or going in person to speak with the planning and zoning department will be very helpful. 

I use Baselane, personally.

Sometimes only one person to help you and they're not quick, or not cheap, or you just don't like the way they work? 

The beauty of personal finance is it's all personal :) If leverage works for you, awesome!