Another example, if you don't like the hairdresser ;) :You also don't necessarily conclude a written contract with your architect, and the fee is often higher than that of the civil engineer...
Man, don't be so fearful. I built an entire house with a handshake. Without a contract. A thousand times I have signed, stamped, and faxed back as order confirmations offers as the head of a department. Never any problems.
Office offers signed, stamped and faxed back as order. Never any problems.
What if those were actually the only steps, depending on the authority against LHO or BHO, against VgV, uVGO, UWG ... well, you know the list all too well...