Contract Specific Template Vs. Estimate and Contract in One

[climbingmonkey24]

I'm just curious if anyone has some examples of contract templates, etc. I have researched online and checked some out, but I want some input from other tree professionals not just contractors in general.

Do you create a seperate doc that is the contract itself, or just have the customer sign the estimate and include terms in it regarding payment, etc.?

What specific terms do you outline that you think is important for every contract not necessarily specific to your individual operation besides the general stuff like scope of work, payment agreement, etc.?

Thanks.

 

[southsoundtree]

GetJobber.com

Free trials available.

 

[Reach]

We use Jobber, and have a fairly general, all-encompassing contract attached to each quote, so the quote becomes a contract as soon as it is signed. I wrote ours, based loosely on a combination of several competitors contracts, and modified to meet our needs. Have a good business lawyer look over yours, or even have a lawyer write one for you - it will cost a couple hundred, but will save you far more than that over the years.

I believe TCIA has some examples available, but I’m not certain, I haven’t looked for a while.

 

[arborandearth]

Same here...I use QB online and include the contract terms in the estimate as a $0 line item. It says, to accept these terms please sign and date the estimate. That way it is one and done.