Always Get A Contract

tkle

Especially when it's for your parents.
Especially when you're footing the bill.
My God they haven't agreed on anything since they had me and I doubt if they agreed about that.
One of the most important aspects of a contract is it puts in writing the exact specifications of a product. The customer knows exactly what they are getting proven by their signature.
Next time they're signing a contract. I don't care who they are. They're supposed to drive you nuts when you're a kid, not when you're old.
"I wanted a different yellow"
"I wanted brown"
I just want to get done God bless them.

Tom R

Hang in there, - - we get the resemblance . . . J/K

KentWhitten

Friends & Family are free. If I don't want to do it, I tell them I don't have time. Putting money into the equation is trouble IMO.

__________________
If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place ~Lao Tzu

Custom Cabinetry - Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Kennebunkport, Yarmouth, Falmouth, Cumberland, Ogunquit, Maine

Salmon Falls Cabinetry

neolitic

I hear you.
When I take Mom out to eat,
I need to pack a meal to tide
me over while she orders.

__________________
Put your location in your profile!
(Sorry....it seems there really are dumb questions)

TxElectrician

My wife's the same way.

tkle

Just a little venting. Thanks for the replies. They both want two colors on the house, they're going to end up with four. Maybe a little flamboyant, but they're in Palm Springs. They'll blend right in.

Kuba

every neighbor ive ever had thinks i work for free... even if i quote them at cost + 10%.. they fkn complain... SO, yeah... dont do work for friends or family..they are your worst customers, dont bother...

Grumpy

Always at least have a contract drafted so what is goign to be done is in black and white and there can be no questions. I don't know if I'd have my parents sign a contract although my dad is so annoying about these things I've thought about it I've done work for two of my uncles and have had each of them sign papers.

Also ALWAYS get signed change orders. They are equally as important as orignal contracts. Too many horror stories from people not getting signed change orders.


I try hard not to work with family and friends. Often times I will tell them the spec, tell them I'll order the materials and they cut the check, and tell them to call my sub to install it andpay them directly. Therefore I have no liability or responsibility. Besides friends and family are always going to EXPECT a discount so the few hundred bucks I make just aint worth it, in most cases.