Do customers need to sign estimate before work begins?

3/14/2016 at 9:09:49 PM

First and before you start the work, both you and the client has to sign contract / estimate first.

After all work completed you could provide the invoice. If the amount of work is big that mean you have to get paid in installment and not to wait until the work completely finish.

3/15/2016 at 9:13:07 AM

Make sure you get a contract and have it signed. A contract is the only thing that protects you and the customer if the relationship breaks down. Make sure it has what you are responsible to do and what you are not responsible for, along with payments terms.

3/15/2016 at 1:59:28 PM

You give estimate, then draft a contract from that, that you both sign. You give signed receipts for their deposits. They sign on contract, or final invoice as completed.You get paid, and give final receipt. I hope you have all your questions answered now Jason. If you had someone to call directly for help and advice it would be good for you. Experience is your very best teacher.

3/15/2016 at 3:50:38 PM

Hi Jason,

Thirty years ago, I was where you are now.

Paul's answer from Ambridge is a comprehensive answer. Be sure everything is spelled out in the contract clearly.

Having said that I have been lucky enough to have only run into one client that was more than evil in Toronto, in all my years of building and renovating.

I wish you all the luck with your new business.

3/17/2016 at 6:20:38 PM

Hi Jason,

Being a contractor is tough. You live and die on the trust of your clients. Sometimes, it makes sense to do work on a hand shake or a verbal "go ahead". At the end of the day, you are a contractor, draft a detailed contract and get everyone to sign it, including yourself. Your client will respect you for it. If anything is called into question, refer back to the contract for clarity.

Once you've completed the work, ask the client to release you from the contract and give them a written guarantee for your work.

Good luck with your business.