Replies

1. 
   WillGeorge | Dec 24, 2008 03:33pm | #1

   I would hire a Lawyer to do that.

2. 
   Mackwood | Dec 25, 2008 01:01am | #2

   Better half and I have run a contracting business for 13 years and have gone through numerous revisions of our contract.  Each revision is written in our blood!

   Get a lawyer, do it right, do it once!  Make notes of your expectations and fears with regard to your clients.  Take those notes with you to your attorney! 

   Everyone hates lawyers----until you need one!!!

   Regards and Merry Christmas!!

   Mack

   "Close enough for government work=measured with a micrometer, marked with chalk and cut with an axe"

3. 
   byhammerandhand | Dec 25, 2008 03:01am | #3

   Try Nolo Press first. They have all sorts of stock forms like this. Often you can find their books at a library. Even if you decide you need to see a lawyer, at least you'll have some idea of what you want and don't want in a form, making things run smoother.

4. 
   ring | Dec 25, 2008 01:14pm | #4

   Mark,

   I introduced a contract into my business quite a few years ago, and it has proved to be valuable. You should realize that it serves 2 different and important purposes:

   1. It should spell out in as much detail as possible the materials and technical specs you will use. This means that you are "forcing" yourself and the client to review these aspects, and it means that you are avoiding 99% of the potential potholes down the road where a client says "I thought it was supposed to be all solid wood" or something of that sort. This technical part of the contract you need to invent; no lawyer can help you with it. It is perhaps the most important part.

   2. It needs to spell out the terms of sale, delivery, payment, etc. I would suggest 2 things here as well. First, that you make your own rough draft of what you want to say and then take it to a lawyer for rewording. Second, that you create a contract that protects both you and the client at the same time. The first step to creating a good relationship with clients is to put everything on the table, in an even-handed way.

   Just my own viewpoint,

   David Ring

   http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e

5. 
   oldusty | Dec 25, 2008 07:43pm | #5

     Mark,

           Depending on the exact type of work it can vary but in general there are several important features to have .

       I do cabinet work and I have found it difficult to get all the precise details and specs in writing on the contract , unless you want to use a multi page format when needed .

     For a given job I use a layout drawn by me even if they had some plan I re draw in my terms .The layout usually is an elevation of the room or project and is accurate and scaled to size with all features drawn in ,for example ,,, 3 drawer stack ,recessed sink opening , 2 1/4" crown , full ext drawer slides , flush inset recessed panel doors wall cabinets to be backed with Maple ,110° Euro hinges Quarter Sawn White oak hardwoods and veneers to be combined in job.

     I have them sign the layout and we each get a copy , those numbers won't change as memories can be foggy the signed layout definitely will jog the memory.

      The single most important thing is to include the main scope of work included in the contract in other words build cabinets only , in new home , that means no counter tops have been included unless specified on your layout and included.

     Communication before the transaction is paramount , take your time and remember some folks do not have the ability to see whats not there yet , try and be sensitive and create sketches and drawings and sample doors and moldings and such before you go too far .You may spend a few extra meetings and hours before hand but this will cost you much less then an unhappy client will , or worse yet having to rework because of lack of communication.

           one thing an old timer told me once was

     "in business whats important is not what your doing but who you are doing it with"

                  best wishes

                         dusty