DO NOT USE VERBAL CONTRACTS!! GET IT IN WRITTING.
Sorry for the yelling but I see more people get screwed because they said oh those people are good people they would never sue me, we had an understanding.
First give bids for everything no matter how small, use a standard form and on the bottom list basic items.
Here is how I do mine (not a stump grinding business but you get the idea)
Name of client
Address of client
Regarding: Address of work Site
As per your request, YOUR COMPANY NAME is pleased to provide you with this proposal for TYPE OF SERVICE services at the above referenced property.
It is our understanding that based on our conversation about your property. You want (whatever the job is) (example: 3 stumps ground, on the northwest portion of your property)
SCOPE OF WORK
Task 1 – Grind stumps
1) We will grind the stumps 6 inches below ground surface; the mulch created during the grinding operation will be placed in the hole left after grinding the stump.
This task allows for the following:
• One day of stump grinding with (type of equipment or general description (example 10 HP stump grinder)
• Two workers
• Transport of equipment
• Removal of excess mulch (if required)
• transportation and disposal (of mulch, wood scrap, stumps) up to 1/2 ton
• Clean fill (if required up to 1/2 ton)
Task 2 – whatever else you might do
Permits, call before you dig, tree removal, etc.
COSTS
YOUR COMPANY NAME’s estimated cost for the performance of the tasks presented above is $X,XXX. Should there be any reason to modify the scope of work; YOUR COMPANY NAME will seek your approval before commencing any such additional work. All work will be performed on a time and materials basis in accordance with our Standard Fee Schedule (attached). Work Payment terms are 30 days from the date of the invoice. 1.5% late fee will be charged each month the invoice is not paid. (get paid up front and you don't need to worry about that in that case write payment in full is required the day the work is preformed)
Limitations and conditions
YOUR COMPANY NAME anticipates being able to commence work within ten (10) working days upon receiving your notice to proceed. To initiate this project, YOUR COMPANY NAME requests acceptance of this letter and confirmation of our engagement by your signature in the place provided below.
YOUR COMPANY NAME will coordinate a mark out of public utilities on-site, however, the site owner must establish all non-public utilities. YOUR COMPANY NAME assumes no responsibility for the location of or damage to underground utilities not clearly marked by the site owner prior to commencement of site services. YOUR COMPANY NAME will require a 10 feet wide path to each stump, it is "the NAME of the Client” responsibility to clear a path to each stump, otherwise YOUR COMPANY NAME will clear a path (for Cost?) to each stump, YOUR COMPANY NAME assumes no responsibility for the location of or damage to trees, lawns, driveways, well heads, plantings, gardens, rockwalls. etc. (whatever else you want).
If you have any questions or need additional information regarding the information presented herein, please do not hesitate to call me at (XXX) XXX-XXXX Ext. XXX.
Sincerely,
YOUR COMPANY NAME
____________________________
Your Name
Position or owner
cc: File – Proposal #XXXXX
Accepted for and on Behalf of CLIENT’S NAME
___________________________
Signature
___________________________
Name (Print)
___________________________
Date
