hi Whatchathink

I would never provide services without some form of written contract because if you enter into some sort of dispute it becomes difficult to prove anything.
In addition here in the UK a contract can show your a subcontractor and not an employee of the firm your providing services for.
There are lots of reasons to provide a written contract, length of contract, level of responsibility, rate of pay etc
these are but a few.

desertfox

Agree with desertfox.  Yes, we've probably all done it at one time or another, but it isn't a good idea.  About the only time I would do that anymore is considering that no contract is better than a bad contract!

Attached is a contract booklet for you to read.  It might help to explain why contracts are necessary and good contracts are essential.

 

• http://files.engineering.com/getfile.aspx?folder=056d8b09-60c6-4de4-b090-7d

Thank you so much!

Only with long-term clients, on small jobs (say less than $2k).

I have clients who I work projects for 3 and 4 times a year, who might call with other small tidbits of work. If they are in a hurry I do the work, and send the invoice with it. I've never had a problem, but again I have very good personal relationships and trust with a lot of these purchasers.

Otherwise I get contracts for even a 1 hour job.

Until we get a contract I don't think the client is serious about the job.  Unless we have done work with them before and they paid on time I would never work without a signed contract.

Civil Development Group, LLC
Los Angeles Civil Engineering specializing in Hillside Grading
http://www.civildevelopmentgroup.com
http://www.civildevelopmentgroup.com/blog

This has been discussed here before many times.  No contract is just an open door to problems.  

No contract, no work.  Period.   

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto:  KISS
Motivation:  Don't ask

My insurance premium is high enough without them blasting me for not using contracts, too...

For small jobs ($250 or so) like perc tests and slab on grade foundation plans I have not been getting signed contracts.  I don't give them the plans unless I get the money.  Is there a reason I should be getting a signed contract?  Thanks.