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Posted By: sid123456 can proposal serve as a contract? - 01/19/05 07:47 PM
I got that nice proposal from mike holt.
can that serve as a contract? i'm just wiring a house.
Posted By: DougW Re: can proposal serve as a contract? - 01/19/05 08:14 PM
From the looks of it, the Mike Holt .doc is a proposal until it's signed by the owner.

Once it is, then it's a contract.


BTW, you're never "just" in this business. Lots of folks have gotten screwed "just wiring houses", or "just on a service call". It's all a potential trap - "CYA" is always in effect.


Glad you've gotten something in writing!
Posted By: Dave55 Re: can proposal serve as a contract? - 01/19/05 08:44 PM
Some proposals are titled "Contract Proposal", which would be a little more clear. You are proposing to work for payment, and when they sign they are agreeing to it.

As you're new to this be very careful how you write your proposal. I'd avoid phrases like "wire your house". Be very specific in what you're installing where, and in what quantities. I write out quantities (five) so a 5 can't be turned into a 15 or 25. I should have a sticker to put on proposals that says something like, "Unless specifically written, repair or replacement of non-professional wiring is NOT part of this contract. You never know what you'll run into.

Good Luck!

Dave
Posted By: Dnkldorf Re: can proposal serve as a contract? - 01/23/05 06:54 PM
One thought on this.

Depending upon what state you are in, a signed contract can be cancelled after it is signed, for up to 3 days.
There are some excemptions to this, such as an emergency, but some states cide with consumers on the ability to cancell work contracts. Even if deposits were made.


Before you think you have a contract and the deposit money is yours, you may want to check with the state you are in for guidelines for this. Some accountants or lawyers may also provide guidance to this.
Posted By: kd Re: can proposal serve as a contract? - 01/26/05 05:00 PM
My contract says proposal and contract at the top-when signed it becomes a contract. But it is only as good as the person who signs it. The customer can always just not pay. Then what do you do? Some people could care less about liens on their property. You have to just wait for re-financing, sale, or death, unless you want ot spend mucho time and $ to perfect the lien and take the property to Sheriff's sale.
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