Excellent Job Contract

[paintcrafter]

Working without a contract happens. It's hard to cover all of the bases all of the time. It seems that every time I work without something written, albeit even an email; the customer or myself forgets the details and we end up with that pregnant pause that makes check collection so much more difficult and less efficient.

[Vin]

I make a list of the total scope of the job and make sure that NOTHING is missed no matter how small I then go over it with the client once we agree papers get signed I also add an extra note that anything added to this contract must be agreed upon and signed by both of us and that there will added fees. I have forgotten to write things in and the client has caught it but other wise most contracts have gone very well this way, so far.

There is NO working without a contract unless it's my close personal family,period.

[waynec]

I find that contracts benefit both parties involved. I know that if something goes wrong such as non-payment, then I have signed paperwork to bring to court if it gets that far. Also, the customer will feel secure that they are also protected. By the way, I'm a newbie to this forum.

[jwzumwalt]

www.aa-painting.com/public/6-templates/sample-contract.pdf

I keep copies of each job and have created generic templates for major types of work. This is a good example of my "exterior residential" contract.

I always use a contract for jobs over $1000.00; or jobs over $500.00 were quite a few options were discussed. I generally do not add addendum's or update the contract if extra tasks are added during the coarse of the work.

I have never needed to assert the contract but I know that in several instances the customer has gone back and read the contract to clarify a point. Contracts keep hard feelings or mis-communication from occurring.

I just had a customer think I should have painted some window sills because of an offer to include them in the "living" room paint job. They chose to have me install baseboard and paint the bathroom. Wouldn't you know it... they thought the window sills were "free" - I did not write a contract so I did them anyway. I will end up with more money by a good referral then enforcing the point.

Shame on me for not jotting down a note on a small piece of paper that had the agreement!


 

[rochele20]

Signing contracts for the work you are going to do is a lot helpful than verbal agreements only.

[Joshua]

I never did sign a contract with clients when I stared out, and still to this day don't sign one with the old clients. However, I do sign a contract with every new clients. There was a case last year where a customer owed me 5 digit number, when I walked out the job . The case is still pending for me to get my money. Have I not had a signed contract there was no way to take any legal action to recover the money.

I also learned my lesson too. Years ago I didn't use contracts in doing a job, so what happened was I never got what was due to me. The client said that it was not what we have talked about and only paid me 75%.  As a result I now have a contract that states the job description and the pay details. Never take the risk, we are here to earn.

[pinantan]

been in the biz 36 yrs and seen many a guy ripped off or get pennies on the buck from a court.
If you are uncomfortable bringing up a contract tell your customer that your acct. and lawyer made
you do it after a customer took you.
And you feel very uncomfortable doing it.They usually feel bad for you
liens are crap unless its anew construction or the client wants to sell
By the way.Hi to everyone im new.

[KBP]

In Connecticut, if you aren't registered as a Home Improvement Contractor and you do not have a written contract with specific elements ie.  start/completion dates, HIC #, etc. you have virtually no rights legally regardless of any other "understanding" or agreement.