How to Make a Landscaping Contract

A landscaping contract is filled with information about the landscaping project that is expected. The purpose of the contract is to make sure that both the landscaping company and the client are in agreement to the same terms and leave no room for argument or misunderstandings about such issues as time frame and cost.

Instructions

1. Develop an introduction. In the beginning of the landscaping contract mention that this is an agreement between the company and the client. Mention the date that the service will take place and that both parties agree to the terms listed on the contract.

2. List the first aspect of the agreement in the second paragraph of the contract. This will include an explanation of how the contractor is responsible for bringing his own materials as well as responsible for the employees that are working with him. A date for completion of the job should also be mentioned. Include exceptions, such as bad weather or extreme heat or cold, that could extend the completion date a week or two.

3. Write the amount the contractor will be paid for the job. The date of when the contractor will be paid and the type of payment should also be explained in the third segment or paragraph of the landscaping contract. Include extra fees that may be expected. For example, if a permit is required for the specific job at hand, then that cost should be added. Include a cancellation clause that says in case you don't receive a payment upon agreement, then you will stop the work until the payment is received.

4. Explain in the fourth paragraph of the contract the responsibilities of the contractor --- is the contractor insured and by who in case of damages. List what the contractor is not responsible for and the amount that is covered through liability insurance.

5. Offer more detailed information in the fifth paragraph of the landscaping contract. Include general provisions, such as an alteration in dates when the work is being prolonged due to a requested additional work asked by the client. Explain the possibility for the need of a subcontractor. In rare cases in landscaping, something could occur and there would be a need for a subcontractor to come in and finish the job. This section should cover any provisions that may occur during the time of the work to ensure the company is covered and that the client is aware that certain problems could occur.

6. Finish the landscaping contract with a list of what the client is responsible for, such as being on time with the payments (depending on if it is given all up front or in separate dates) and for being on the property at the time of arrival from the contracted company. Then there needs to be an area where the contracted company and the client sign their signatures and the date. You can also add that you want a witness to sign if you feel it is necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to be as specific as possible regarding the work that is expected and the type of landscaping job that is asked of the company on the contract to leave no room for a discrepancy.

Resources

• Landscaping