Sorry if this is on here but I cant find it with the search. 2 Questions. 1 Do most of you have a contract that has to be sighned before the work is done? and 2 Do you collect payment before or after the job is done? Thanks for all you help Guys
Speaking for myself. We have an area on our estimate form where the customers signs upon acceptance. It states that by signing this estimate it becomes a binding agreement to perform the services specified. We do not collect payment before the service. It has always been our policy not to collect until the job is complete. This gives the customer a sense of security and assures them we are professionals, not fly by nights. I am sure everyone does it differently. You have to decide what best fits your business market.
I dont use a contract but it is a good idea if you can manage it. I collect after the job is complete and make sure the homeowner knows to leave a check in the door if they will be away from home when I finish.
My lawyer is wondering if there is anything specific to roof cleaning in anyone's contracts other then the standard legal speak. So any help in this area would be great. Thanks Again. I have my rig built and am just days away from hanging my first door hangers.
One thing to remember about contracts is they can be scary for the customer. If you use one, makes sure its short and easy for the customer to understand.
Remember though that contracts can be made to sound good and beneficial for the customer. For example, one that says that the customer is not liable if you fall off the roof and break your neck assures the customer that you are safe to deal with.
Avoid a wordy contract. The more you try to put in the more loopholes you create. Most lawsuits contractors face are Civil matters, that is the normal rules of evidence do not apply. It does mean the "Intent" of the agreement will carry most of the weight.
Example: "Roof Cleaner will clean the roof at Location-X at a charge of $300"! It is assumed that you the cleaner will clean the roof and do no harm. It is assumed that the HO will pay you for the service.
This concept is why verbal agreements carry so much weight. It is assumed that a service will be performed at an agreed upon cost to the HO and that the contractor will act in a professional manner.
A simple estimate or bid document can be a powerful piece of evidence in a lawsuit (as long as the HO received a copy first). Always, ALWAYS!, at the very least quote a price. Do not let a customer tell you "I don't care what it cost, just do it". FULL DISCLOSURE! That's the key!