Replies

1. 
   Waters | Apr 08, 2008 09:13pm | #1

   It's generally appropriate to have a contract for anything you do, although some state authorities will even require a contract for anything over a certain dollar amount.

   You describe doing 'custom built-ins.'

   I would think that you would want a contract for every project you do, if just to outline the specifics of your project, in addition to the dollar amount you and your client have settled on.

   In any custom work, it is imperative that the project is outlined specifically in a written agreement, and signed by both parties.  That way, when there is an issue like a change along the way, or a disagreement about the result of the work, you have a document to point to and say, "this is what was agreed..."  If you provide the customer with a drawing, have them sign the drawing to approve it before you start.

   Most office supply places have 3 part proposal forms and invoicing forms ready made.  They're an easy way to cover the basics.

   Cheers,

   Pat

   "Research is what I'm doing when I don't know what I'm doing..."

    

2. 
   Jim_Allen | Apr 08, 2008 11:48pm | #2

   You need them before you go on your first lead.

   Bob's next test date: 12/10/07

3. 
   jjwalters | Apr 26, 2008 10:19pm | #3

   After I quit building houses I built furniture and custom builtins for maybe five years...........

   I used a detailed multi paged contract for housing, but the builtins and furniture I believe I bought a pad of those easy contracts at Office Depot........easy and pretty basic.

   Furniture you pay 1/2 up front and the rest before it hits your floor......built ins you pay in thirds.............

   fact is you just gotta do right and keep the client happy with anything that is going to make you less money than the courts will cost trying to get it...........

1. 
   bcool | Apr 27, 2008 06:49pm | #4

   sounds like the same kind of scenerio that I am trying to pursue. I framed houses in my youth then onto cabinets and trim. but I was always the guy doing the work, I never had to worry about the business end. Furniture 1/2 down , the built-ins at 1/3 sounds reasonable . I'll check out Office Depot for the contract forms. Thanks for the advice.

1. 
   jjwalters | Apr 27, 2008 08:42pm | #5

   Sure......I'd push the built-in angle the most...then when you get to bsing with the HO you can mention you also make free standing stuff.I built everything from a custom chair for a 400 pound dude to baby cribs in any style/wood/wood finish you want. Used mortise and tenon, hand cut dovetail exclusively, had my own store.......BUT...YET... could never compete with the Amish, the Chinese imports and the multitude of people who don't know a solid cherry table from a press wood, photo finish, piece of #### from Walmart."You want HOW much? well, I saw the same thing down at the Walmart for 60.00 . . . common Matilda we're going down there.".......slam!Good luck man........

1. 
   Sphere | Apr 28, 2008 01:21am | #6

   Man, is that the God's honest truth right there! I had a guy a few yrs back, had all his cherry trees sawn up ( bad for race horses, them are) and dried in his barn.

   Shows me a pic of a TV stand in a catalogue for like 149.99$ Wants ME to make a solid cherry version but sized to his TV..

   'But I HAVE the wood already, so I expect it will cost less, no?"

   Yeah, riiiiight.....call IKEA. Lose my #.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   "Welcome to Poo-ville, can I have your socks?Seriously Folks, I need a home for 3 lovers of your life.

1. 
   Shep | Apr 28, 2008 03:45am | #7

   I know walnut will kill horses

   I didn't know cherry isn't good for them

2. 
   Sphere | Apr 28, 2008 03:57am | #8

   Hydrocyanic acid in the leaves/caterpiller poo, causes premature foaling, aborted foals.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   "Welcome to Poo-ville, can I have your socks?Seriously Folks, I need a home for 3 lovers of your life.

2. 
   bcool | May 01, 2008 03:49pm | #9

   I hear you man, it seems like a lot of what I do is educate people in the difference between real honest woodworking and that mass produced junk that is so cheap and flashy at Wal-Mart or Ikea. But the built-ins are, I believe, the more marketable product because it's custom and also adds to the value of your home. Thanks for the advice it's good to hear from someone that's been there.