Pros - Negotiating Contracts

   In preparing a contract, be sure it conforms to your written specs, or prior discussions, and that it itemizes services and materials your contractor will provide. Ask enough questions to feel satisfied before accepting a dramatically lower bid.
   Check safeguards in state law, such as your ability to back out of the contract within a certain number of days, or not having to pay anything until work commences on-site.
   Click on "Step by Step" to see a sample proposal. You can print it out to make notes on, or you can copy and paste it into your word processor.









Step-by-Step

Sample Proposal

Contractor:

Proposal submitted to:

Phone:

Date:

Street:

City, State, and ZIP code:

Date of plans:

Job name:

Job location:

Job phone:

   We propose hereby to furnish material and labor--complete in accordance with specifications below, for the sum of: SEE PRICE BREAKDOWN BELOW
   Payment to be made as follows: TERMS: 20 PERCENT DOWN UPON START OF WORK, 40 PERCENT MIDWAY, BALANCE WITHIN 14 DAYS OF COMPLETION
   All material is guaranteed to be as specified. All work to be completed in a workerlike manner, according to standard practices, on or before _________________. Any alteration or deviation from specifications below involving extra costs will be executed only upon written orders, and will become an extra charge over and above the estimate. All agreements contingent upon strikes, accidents or delays beyond our control. Owner to carry fire, tornado, and other necessary insurance. Our workers are fully covered by Worker's Compensation Insurance.
   Authorized signature:_________________________________
   Note: This proposal may be withdrawn by us if not accepted within_________ days.
   We hereby submit specifications and estimates for an itemized cost breakdown, which includes debris removal as per our discussion at site meeting.

1.    Front driveway concrete--break out, remove debris, and leave said area graded.................................................... .$975

2.    Front entry hardscape--remove and dispose, including steps and flatwork. Portion behind the overhang will be by hand, balance with tractor.................................................. $1,275

3.    Two stone entry planters--remove and dispose.......................$295

4.    Side and rear yard concrete--remove and dispose..............$5,625

5.    Front, rear, and side yards--landscape area per landscape plan prepared by ___________. Scope of work includes selective tree removal as per owner direction, all shrubs, junipers, lawn area, south side fence, raised garden lumber, removal of said material and offhauling to dump site. Also includes grading to accept new fencing, hardscape, and landscape................................................$9,830

6.    Drainage system. These are two separate drain systems that will be in the same trench and tie together approximately 6 feet from their entry through the curb...........................................................$4,625

A)    French drain system--said system would have 3" perforated pipe in a ╛" drain rock envelope, and a filter fabric membrane to prevent soil entry into drain rock. This pipe would be 12" below the footing depth at the rear and sides of the home. Where necessary, said pipe would tie into 3" solid line and would discharge the water into the curb.

B)    Solid drain system--said system will pick up all downspouts from roof gutters. System would also have stubs above grade in all key regions to be used as area drains. This would be 3" PVC tight line, with all appropriate fittings. It would discharge into the curb.

Acceptance of Proposal-- The above prices, specifications, and conditions are satisfactory and are hereby accepted. You are authorized to do the work as specified. Payment will be made as outlined above.

Date of acceptance:______________

Signature: _____________________

Signature: _____________________