[smithule]

We are a design only company for 2 years now. I want to get into project management of some of our designs now.

Can someone give me an example of a PM contract or some ideas on what should be in it. I will be contracting out everything, and not doing any of the actual labor myself.

All of the companies I use would have their own contracts I assume so I'm not sure what if any contract I need. I will need some sort of contract that shows our agreed price but seeing as I'm not actually doing any of the work I don't know how in depth I would need to go, but I do want to CYA from any problems of course.

email dsmithule@yahoo.com

[saslandscape]

It would be interesting to see what people have to say about this topic...

[agla]

It is just like any other contract. Describe what your scope of work is - what you will do and what you are not going to do, who is going to pay you, how much you are going to be paid (hourly, flat fee, or percentage), payment schedule, your responsibilities,
the subcontractors responsibilities, and the clients responsibilities.

You should be more detailed in things you need to be reimbursed for, hourly rates for services beyond the scope of work, how you will handle inspections, change orders, project accounting, claims and disputes, mediation, arbitration, payment to subs, and termination or suspension to name a few.

It is a big responsibilty. It can go smoothly or it can be pretty rough. It is not simply hiring subs and collecting money. You have to be prepared to reject work and hold payment back from your subs who can be pretty hardnosed tough guys. You have to be able to get the money out of the client who can be pretty hardnosed jerks at times as well.

[Chris Heiler]

I have a "Bid Form" which my subcontractors fill out which includes their price for their portion of the project. It also states when the project is to be started and completed.

My subs get a separate form with some general information like when they can expect payment, change order requirements, no job site signs allowed, etc. Just a list of some general requirements I have.

I, in turn, will sometimes sign a contract with the subcontractor using their standard form. This is probably done 50% of the time.

I also have a contract with the homeowner. This obviously states the price of everything. It also explains when payment is due. Warranty and other similiar info is on the back of this form.

I hope that helps.

[smithule]

Do you mind sharing your bid form? I like that Idea. dsmithule@yahoo.com

I was thinking I could but something like Install Landscaping per attached design or something for the scope. Would that work?

[Chris Heiler]

I've attached my "Bid Form" as well as the "Subcontractor Agreement" that goes along with the bid form.

These have worked well for me.

One thing to note, on the bid form, I have the project broken down by "division of work". For example- DIVISION 12- FURNISHINGS. The subcontractor writes in their price for each division. I give the contractors a separate list of all the tasks under each division so they know where to put their pricing.

To give you an example, on this project I had a concrete contractor involved. All of the concrete work is included under DIVISION 32: EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS. When the concrete contractor fills out the bid form, he puts his bid price next to Division 32 and ignores the rest.

I hope that makes sense.

[saslandscape]

Wow Chris- that's wonderful you were able to post those contracts, as we're thinking of getting into that side of the business too. Gives us something to work with. Thanks!

[Chris Heiler]

No problem, I hope you find them helpful.