[Stonehenge]

I thought I'd post the legalese that's on the back of all of our contracts, in case it might be of help to anyone.

There are about a half dozen things I've been meaning to change and subsequently have reviewed by our attorney (which you should do if you decide to use all or part of this), but haven't had the time.

CONTRACT TERMS

This is an agreement between "Customer", defined on reverse side of this page, and Stonehenge Brick Paving & Landscaping, Inc. ("Stonehenge"), 12345 First Street, Anytown, Wisconsin, 12345. Under the terms set forth below, Customer agrees to purchase the services of Stonehenge in preparing and constructing the landscaping and/or brick paving and/or retaining wall design as set forth in the Project Description, and Stonehenge agrees to render such services. As consideration, Customer agrees to pay Stonehenge the amount shown as “Total” in the Project Description (“Contract Price”) in exchange for performing the services described in the Contract Description. The parties further agree as follows:
PAYMENTS
All deposits are non-refundable. Customer will pay Stonehenge 20% of the Contract Price upon acceptance of the Proposal. Customer will pay Stonehenge 50% of the Contract Price the day work begins. Stonehenge will invoice Customer for the remaining 30% when work is substantially complete, as determined by Stonehenge. The invoice shall be paid by Customer within 15 days of the invoice date. If the total balance is not received by Stonehenge by the end of the 15-day period, interest will be paid on that balance by Customer at a rate of 1.5% per month. Failure by Customer to pay the remaining balance within 105 days will constitute breach of this agreement. Upon breach of this agreement, Customer agrees to pay all costs of collecting any remaining balances, including attorney’s fees. No warranties will be issued until full payment is received.
BRICK PAVING/RETAINING WALLS
Stonehenge warrants that brick paving or retaining wall material used in this contract will be free from defects and the installation will be functional for a period of two (2) years from the date of completion of the Contract, provided the installation was used as was intended when the Contract was designed, and was not misused. Any repairs/replacements made to any installation after expiration of the warranty will be made at Customer's expense. Any repairs made to any installation by any party other than Stonehenge voids any warranties offered by Stonehenge.
PLANTS
Stonehenge will offer one-time only replacement of any tree, shrub, evergreen or woody vine that has died within one (1) year from the date of installation, provided the plant has been cared for as instructed, and not misused. Stonehenge will not replace plants killed by animals, rodents, insects, mechanical damage, neglect, natural disasters or other reasons over which Stonehenge has no control. This warranty does not cover annuals, small perennials, ground covers, wildflowers, seeds, bulbs, roses and non-winter hardy plants. An additional labor charge for plant removal and reinstallation will apply. Any repairs/replacements made to any installation after expiration of the warranty will be made at Customer's expense. Any repairs made to any installation by any party other than Stonehenge voids any warranties offered by Stonehenge.
LAWN INSTALLATION
Stonehenge installs lawns according to common industry practices, using quality grass seed, applied at a rate of at least that of the manufacturer’s recommendation. It is the responsibility of the Customer to ensure that rough grades have been established according to municipal drainage plans and within 2” of finished grade. Once seeded, Stonehenge has no control over weather, watering or other cultural practices of Customer. Therefore Stonehenge cannot guarantee the germination rate of seed, or general success of the seeding. Repairs done on a seeding project are done at the expense of Customer. Stonehenge also cannot accept responsibility for settling due to new construction, utility lines or any other excavations not performed by or supervised by Stonehenge.
CHANGES
Stonehenge will make reasonable efforts to complete the Contract as designed. Circumstances may arise beyond the control of Stonehenge that may prevent construction of the Contract exactly as planned. Stonehenge will make reasonable efforts to minimize this impact on the design and construction. Customer acknowledges this possibility and accepts the action Stonehenge will take to minimize the potential change in design. If Customer wishes to change any part of the installation after this agreement is signed, but prior to commencement of installation, which results in additional material or labor costs for Stonehenge or results in delays in the completion of the Contract, said costs will be added to the remaining balance of the Contract and billed as part of the original Contract. Any changes in the design or Contract, whether the changes result in additional time, cost, or neither, must be made in writing and signed by both parties, using a Change Order Form. Each change made by Customer during installation will result in a $100 charge, in addition to any additional charges for materials or labor that are incurred by Stonehenge as a result of the change. The $100 charge will apply regardless of the impact of the change on labor or material costs.
PERMITS
Customer is responsible for securing all necessary permits. Unless specified in writing, Stonehenge is not responsible for code violation made at Customer request.
PROJECT START AND COMPLETION
An estimate of the number of days to complete the contracted work and an expected start date are provided as a courtesy. There may be delays in the beginning date and completion date due to poor weather or other circumstances beyond the control of Stonehenge. Those delays will not alter or invalidate any part of this Contract, nor will they entitle Customer to additional rights under the Contract.
TERMINATION
This agreement may be canceled by Customer by mailing written notice to Stonehenge before midnight the third business day after Customer has signed this agreement. If after that time Customer wishes to terminate this Contract, Customer must give Stonehenge five (5) days advance written notice. Stonehenge will retain any monies paid by Customer up to the effective date of termination, and is entitled to any expenses for materials or other expenses incurred by Stonehenge.
ESTIMATES
Stonehenge will make reasonable effort to accurately estimate the materials needed to complete the Contract. However, Customer acknowledges that there may be differences between the estimate and the final price. If the actual price is less than the estimated Contract Price, that amount will be discounted on the final payment due Stonehenge. If the actual price is more than the estimated Contract Price, that additional amount will be added to the final payment due Stonehenge. Customer will pay Stonehenge that additional amount.
NOTICE OF LIEN RIGHTS
AS REQUIRED BY THE WISCONSIN CONSTRUCTION LIEN LAW, BUILDER HEREBY NOTIFIES OWNER THAT PERSONS OR COMPANIES FURNISHING LABOR OR MATERIALS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION ON OWNER’S LAND MAY HAVE LIEN RIGHTS ON OWNER’S LAND AND BUILDINGS IF NOT PAID. THOSE ENTITLED TO LIEN RIGHTS, IN ADDITION TO THE UNDERSIGNED BUILDER, ARE THOSE WHO CONTRACT DIRECTLY WITH THE OWNER OR THOSE WHO GIVE THE OWNER NOTICE WITHIN 60 DAYS AFTER THEY FIRST FURNISH LABOR OR MATERIALS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION. ACCORDINGLY, OWNER PROBABLY WILL RECEIVE NOTICES FROM THOSE WHO FURNISH LABOR OR MATERIALS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, AND SHOULD GIVE A COPY OF EACH NOTICE RECEIVED TO THE MORTGAGE LENDER, IF ANY, TO SEE THAT ALL POTENTIAL LIEN CLAIMANTS ARE DULY PAID.

The failure of Stonehenge to enforce any right accruing under this agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of a subsequent right of Stonehenge to enforce the same or any other right, term or condition.

This agreement shall be interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Wisconsin.

[Stonehenge]

BTW, it'll only fit on 8.5"x14" paper, at something like 8 point font.

[Paul]

Here's one of ours. We use this for our standard work, for Park districts we use the AIA form.


CONTRACTOR’S AGREEMENT



THIS AGREEMENT made the ______ day of _______, 2003, by and between Nelson Group Inc., hereinafter called the Contractor, and ______________________________, hereinafter called the Owner.

Witnesseth, that the Contractor and the Owner for the considerations named agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1. Scope of Work
The Contractor shall furnish all of the materials and perform all of the work shown on the Drawings and/or described in the Specifications entitled Exhibit A, as annexed hereto as it pertains to work to be performed on property at __________________________________________________ _____________.

ARTICLE 2. Time of Completion
The work to be performed under this Contract shall be commenced on or before _______________ and shall be substantially completed on or before ___________________________. Time is of the essence. The following constitutes substantial completion of work pursuant to this proposal and contract: (Specify)

ARTICLE 3. The Contract Price
The Owner shall pay the Contractor for the material and labor to be performed under the Contract the sum of $_________________dollars, subject to additions and deductions pursuant to authorized change orders.

ARTICLE 4. Progress Payments
Payments of the Contract Price shall be paid in the following manner: Within 30 days after submission of Invoice to Owner, interest to accrue monthly at 1.5% thereafter.

ARTICLE 5. General Provisions
Any alteration or deviation from the above specifications, including but not limited to any such alteration or deviation involving additional material and/or labor costs, will be executed only upon written order for same, signed by Owner and Contractor, and if there is any charge for such alteration or deviation, the additional charge will be added to the contract price of this contract. If there are any credits due to written change orders or alterations agreed by Owner and Contractor, such credits will be applied to contract price. If payment is not made when due, Contractor may suspend work on the job until such time as all payments due have been made. A failure to make payment for a period of 30 days from the due date shall be deemed a material breach of this contract. In addition, the following general provisions apply:
1. All the work shall be completed in workman-like manner and in compliance with all building codes and other applicable laws.
2. The Contractor shall furnish a plan and scale drawing showing the shape, size dimensions, and construction and equipment specifications for improvements, a description of the work to be done and description of the materials to be used and the equipment to be used or installed, and the agreed consideration of the work.
3. To the extent required by law all work shall be performed by individuals duly licensed and authorized by law to perform said work.
4. Contractor may at its discretion engage subcontractors to perform work hereunder, provided Contractor shall fully pay said subcontractor and in all instances remain responsible for the proper completion of this Contract.
5. Contractor shall furnish Owner appropriate releases or waivers of lien for all work performed or materials provided at the time the next periodic payment shall be due.
6. All change orders shall be in writing and signed by both Owner and Contractor, and shall be incorporated in, and become a part of the contract.
7. The Owner shall at its own expense obtain all permits necessary for the work to be performed.
8. Contractor agrees to remove all debris and leave the premises in broom clean condition.
9. In the event Owner shall fail to pay any periodic or installment payment due hereunder, Contractor may cease work without breach pending payment or resolution of dispute.
10. All disputes hereunder shall be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.
11. Contractor shall not be liable for any delay due to circumstances beyond its control including but not limited to strikes, casualty, or general unavailability of materials, and weather delays.
12. Contractor warrants all work for a period of _____________ following completion.



ARTICLE 6. Indemnification
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Contractor shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless _________________
______________________and its’ agents and employees, from and against claims, damages, losses, and expenses, including but not limited to attorney’s fees, arising out of or resulting from performance of the work or providing of materials to the extent caused in whole or in part by negligent or wrongful acts or omissions of, or breach of this agreement by, the contractor, a subcontractor, anyone directly or indirectly employed by them or anyone whose acts they are legally responsible.


ARTICLE 7. Insurance
The Contractor shall represent that it has purchased and agrees that it will keep in force for the duration of the performance of the work or for such longer term as may be required by this agreement, in a company or companies lawfully authorized to do business in the State of Illinois, such insurance as will protect __________and the owner of the site, if the site is not owned by __________, from claims for loss or injury which might arise out of or result from the Contractor’s operations under this project, whether such operations be by the Contractor or by a subcontractor or its subcontractors.
The Contractor represents and agrees that said insurance is written for and shall be maintained in an amount not less that the limits of the liability specified below or required by law, whichever coverage is greater. The Contractor certifies that coverage written on a “claims made” form will be maintained without interruption from the commencement of work until the expiration of all applicable statutes of limitation.
1) Worker’s Compensation $
2) Comprehensive General Liability with limits of not less than $____________ per occurrence.
3) Comprehensive Automobile Liability (owned, non-owned, hired) of $_______________ each accident.
The Contractor shall file Certificates of Insurance, naming the owner person hiring the contractor as additional insured, in duplicate, acceptable to all parties with ___________prior to commencement of work, which shall contain a provision that coverages under the policies shall not be cancelled or allowed to expire or permit material changes until at least ___________days written notice has been given to the additional insured.

ARTICLE 8. Additional Terms
The Contractor is responsible for contacting J.U.L.I.E. which is the underground utility locating service in Illinois. The Contractor shall not be held liable for property damage to all secondary underground utilities not marked (i.e. but not limited to, gas lines, irrigation lines, cables, underground electric, etc.) or any hidden obstructions.
The Owner is held responsible for marking all property boundaries.
The Owner is responsible for any extra costs due to hidden obstructions.




Signed this ____________ day of ____________, 2003.

Signed in the presence of:


_____________________________________ _____________________________________
Witness Witness

_____________________________________ _____________________________________
Name of Owner Name of Contractor

By: By:

_____________________________________ ____________________________________
Signature Signature

[Stonehenge]

Thanks for posting that Paul. Good info for those of us looking to get into commercial work. I noticed several articles that are to the benefit of the client (articles 6 & 7 in particular).

There's also some stuff in there that I think I'd like to add to my residential contract.

Thanks for posting that!!

[Paul]

To us Article 8 is where you can include other items that might effect the job site like soil problems Ect......

[Stonehenge]

I'm aware of the obvious problem with this thread - I tried to correct my spelling error in the thread title and ran into a slight problem. I've contacted our programmer and hope to have her look at this problem shortly.

[EpicInterlock]

Thanks a lot guys, your contracts will be a great addition to my own contract. I hope I never have to use the "fine print"!

[sepiakid]

Hi guys.
Just found the thread and thought id open it up again.
im doing a horticulture degree in U.k and have an assignment to do-this is all research.

could anyone else be so helpful and post some more about their own contracts.examples etc.
advice and guidance would be most appreciated.cheers.

[Paco]

Greetings all!
A) Thanks for this amazing web site. What a resource!

B) I am in the early stages of staring my own "landscaping" company, which means design, installation and maintenance services.

Thanks to Stonehenge for posting the legalese.

I am learning on the fly and from various mentors about doing estimates, making contracts, and the like.

One I'm currently in is a huge amount of shrub pruning, and purchasing/installing a modest amount of perennials.
I estimated the pruning at 10 hours, and cover the work effort for the plants by marking them up 2.5 times.

There are of course variables. What if the plants cost a bit or a lot more than my estimate? What if it takes 14 hours to prune? Is there language to cover that my estimate may be more?

I read some of the thread on "contract" vs. "T&M" and still getting my head around it all.

Sample estimates or contracts for horticulture projects would be of immense help. I'm at paco@ourtrueroots.com

Humbly and gratefully,
Paco