Any ideas on the best way to write up a contract. My biggest problem isn't pricing, it's communication on what they expect. It seems every time I write up an estimate I add more details because of problems in the previous one.

I want a simple worded estimate that covers everything so I'm not screwed in the end. Everytime I end up doing something extra because something wasn't worded in the quote, I just smile and say no problem and then kick myself in the ass later!

For the past year now, I've been using quickbooks online. I can add any type of material or labor or anything else to my drop-down list that's saved in my account, and that keeps me from forgetting anything. At the end of the day, I sit in front of the computer and add all materials and hourly labor (if any) to a customer's invoice. When I'm finished with the job, I can email the invoice to them.

It also has a feature that allows estimates to be emailed, so using my drop-down list I remember to add everything. Personally, I don't do on-scene estimates, I do them on quickbooks later. Then I leave it for a couple of hours and come back and make sure there's nothing I've forgotten.

Also, I'm able to look at/work on estimates and invoices as well as any of my bookwork from anywhere I have internet access.

They offer a free 30 day trial if your interested.

For over 10 years now i give a verbal estimate either hourly or for total job. I type it up at job completion. Any changes that happen I inform client of cost verbally. I tell every client up front your job will be perfect-period-or its free. I figure that keeps me on my toes. Yea- i know im nuts but I have never had a problem getting paid.

Best advise Mike, is draw up a contract in your own words with all the points and conditions you feel are necessary to cover you and your clients butt. Take that to a lawyer and have them look it over and make the required changes.

Some customers might get scared if you were to throw a 6 to 10 page contract in front of them just to tile their bathroom.

If you don't want to pursue the legal route then make sure all aspects of the work to be done are covered in your proposal or estimate and the cost to complete the work outlined. Make sure they sign the agreement with the terms and conditions you have provided.

Unless you have an iron clad contract drafted by a legal firm you won't have a leg to stand on if you go to court.

I keep a general contract on hand with blanks in the right spaces. This contract is about two pages and clearly outlines the customer's and the contractor's responsibilities. I include things like schedule for completion, sub trades, clean up, hours of work, billing, deposits, guarantees, etc. Attached to this contract is the estimate or quotation for the specific job outlining all phases of the project and the total price for everything. I clearly state that any extra work will be billed at $40/hr. I also make sure to clearly state that if black mold is encountered the customer will be responsible for having it profesionally removed.

This contract is worked out to protect the customer more than me. Like RC said, if you have to go to court with one of these you're screwed, but it really clarifies things for everyone and keeps thigs from getting ugly.

IMO, you should know your lien rights and the proper steps to take to ensure you have protected your lien rights. A good contract is not a waste of time. Most issues/ misunderstandings can be avoided by simple words in writing.

In the last month I've had one lady expect me at her house 4 days after I told her I'd be there in 2 weeks, and another job I did 6 months ago the lady there expexted me to do her bathroom backsplash for free this week. She said that I told here I could do it "no charge". I told here the words No and Charge have never came out of my mouth in the same sentence before.
I'm not really looking into writting up legal contracts or anything, but probably going to start writing down pertinent info so these people can stop expecting such crazy things.