[Cochran]

I have just received confirmation from a homeowner that he would like us to do a large landscape rennovation project. We have determined a time and materials billing would be best for the project. I am not keen on doing work on a time and materials basis, but for this project I think time and materials is the best route to go. I don't think my proposed price will be much off the total after T&M billing. I have an approximate figure, that I did present to the homowner, so he knows what price range to expect.

My question is, how do I write up a contract that is geared toward time and materials? I would like to have an area for specific materials costs so nothing comes back to bite me in the rear later. The homeowner does know what the materials costs would be based on our discussions, but I want something signed and in writing with specifics.

Any time and material contract examples would be greatly appreciated if available...

How do I go about the down payment for a T&M job? Do I take a percentage of the approximate proposed price?

The only previous work we've done as T&M is our small (and few) landscape maintenance accounts. This job is a large rennovation project involving flagstone patios, small retaining walls, complete landscape plantings rennovation, landscape lighting, irrigation rennovation.

Another thought...Should I write up the contract with my proposed price as the cost with the stipulation that price can/may/will changed based on labor and materials inputed?