Do you use contracts?

[5 Star Johnny]

How many of you use contracts on the jobs you secure? In speaking with other contractors, some don't see the need, or only if they don't trust the client. Others use them on every single project for accurate accounting, clarifying the expected work performed and site requirements, etc.

We use them on every job we do, even my parents! OK, I confess there are probably less than a dozen out of hundreds of jobs that we didn't contract. This is typically a pick up job like a sidewalk clean while performing other contracted work at the same site.

Just curious as to how others handle this. Include some input as to why or why not.

 

[CaroliProWash]

We use them on 98% of all work we do......it's just a piece of paper but it can help you avoid miles of paperwork later when that one nice old lady tries to stiff you. Contracts and before/after photos will keep you working instead of in court trying to get your money or defending yourself when Joe Homeowner decides you killed his prize bushes 3 months ago. My personal opinion is that next to insurance and the proper licensing, having your contracts lined up is of paramount importance to running a successful business.

Celeste

 

[Stan]

I use contracts 98% (I voted 100%)

Commercial get them 100% and residential get them most of the time.
The times I don't use a written contract is when I look at a house and the HO gives the closing sales pitch such as "When can you start"
BUT I watch out for the customer that tries to tell me what needs to be done or gives me any an indication that they might be adding work to the oral agreement but don't want to pay for it - you know the stuff - "the porch lookes great can you go ahead and wash the chairs and table and rug so everything looks good shouldn't take you more than 15 min and I would realy appriciate the favor. What is a favor to them is money to me my contract states that all add-on work is paid for add-on or will not be done.

 

[Henry Bockman]

I have signed contracts on all power washing work and I collect 1/3 payment in advance or I won't even book the job. For gutter cleaning I don't run contracts... We just do too damn many of them and if I get stiffed its only $100 tops. I think I've been stiffed maybe 20 times over the last 16 years.

 

[Sergei]

I work in a small, rich and tight community - everything is on a handshake. Maybe a few times a year I do contracts, but not for legal issues, mostly just to remember what needs to be done.

 

[jnoden]

I use a contract on all jobs unless like Henry says if it is less than $200. The contract spells out exactly what the homeowner needs to do before I arrive and what I am and am not responsible for if something unexpected should occur. I think that it gives the customer a little piece of mind and looks professional. I am always adding to it. For example a few weeks ago a customer thought that I was going to stain under the floor boards of her two story deck. Even though I am sure I told her that it is not included in the price, she was a little dissapointed. My contract now says that the under part of the deck does not need to be sealed to be protected from the elements however it can be sealed/stained for an extra cost if the customer desires it for appearance.

 

[5 Star Johnny]

I work in a small, rich and tight community - everything is on a handshake.

Seems to me this is exactly the type of client you'd want contracts with. "Small, rich & tight" spells potential legal action to me. I'm not sure what type of work you do for these people, but if you're working on their homes (expensive ones I presume) doing siding, cement or deck cleaning, it seems you'd want everything spelled out in an agreement. My experience is these are the type of client who will ask for additional work completed at no additional cost. If you end up in a litigious situation with a dissatisfied home owner and you have no agreement, you're at a tremendous dissadvantage. And let's say they ask you to do "extra" work and you damage something. I don't care how nice the HO is, now the insurance company may step in, and they're anything but nice in court.

Contracts, in my opinion, not only spell out the work performed, fees, terms, etc., they represent a professionally run company who's concern is running a business, not a hobby! They protect everyone involved in a dispute. We have never had a dispute per se, but on occasion have had to refer back to an agreement or original proposal when the HO thought other work or areas were to be included. Once clarified through the contract, there is no longer a question, and if they want the additional work, we're happy to provide the service at an additional cost.

 

[Cut-Rite2]

Would someone here mind posting or emailing me some examples of contracts or agreements you use for your pressure washing business. I will not copy it word-for-word. I just need to know what to include besides the price. I intend to specialize in sidewalk/driveway cleaning.

Thanks.
email is:

noelk99@earthlink.net

 

[Ron Musgraves]

Would never not use agreement

 

[washrite]

I don't use written contracts on residential but do give them a written estimate which spells out what we will do and note any concern areas. I guess this could be considered a contract but I don't get them to sign it. Probably should but never had a problem - yet.

I also don't do contracts on the commercial side. Most of my commercial accounts are very loyal. One in particular, has had the same lawn care and window service contractors for over 30 years. I called on them for over two years and only got the pw business because the other company didn't hold up their end of the verbal agreement. I actually use the other company on other projects when I get too busy. They just had a few problems in a short period of time and couldn't recover. I do email them a written schedule and work to be completed. Again, this could be considered a contract of sorts.

 

[Ron Musgraves]

Im sure it could be used as some sort of agreement