Handyman Contract Template

Sometimes,extra muscle is needed around the house. But before keys change hands, let's talk about handyman contracts. These contracts aren’t just boring paperwork; they're the answer to a smooth and stress-free collab. 

By spelling out exactly what needs to be done, when it'll be finished, and how much it'll cost, it creates a win for everyone involved. Let’s break down what to include in a handyman contract.

What is a Handyman Contract?

Think of a handyman contract like a trusty sidekick that's got your back! It's a legally binding agreement that spells out the details of the work, payment, and other important conditions. Without a contract, you're flyin' solo. With a contract, you'll avoid misunderstandings, disputes, and headaches—it's a project lifesaver!

A handyman contract gives everyone the lowdown on:

• What needs fixing (scope of work)

• How much it'll cost (payment terms)

• When it'll get done (timelines)

• Other essential duties (materials, permits, etc.)

What Services Do Handymen Offer?

Handymen can save the day with their wide range of services, from minor repairs to small-scale home improvements. Here's a rundown of the types of things they can do:

Fix-It Services

• General repairs: leaky faucets, broken doors, drywall patching, and more

• Plumbing: leak fixes, drain unclogging, fixture installation

• Electrical work: light fixture replacement, ceiling fan installation, outlet repair

Make-It-Look-Good Services

• Painting: interior, exterior, touch-ups, and full-room makeovers

• Carpentry: shelf building, furniture repair, trim installation

Put-It-Together Services

• Assembly services: furniture assembly, appliance installation, and home equipment setup

Keep-It-Running Services

• Maintenance tasks: gutter cleaning, pressure washing, seasonal home checks

Make-It-Better Services

• Home improvements: new flooring, hardware updates, and home aesthetic enhancements

Handymen are the ultimate home helpers! They can tackle any small task or project, saving the client time and stress. 

What to Include in the Contract

Let's talk about the nitty-gritty of handyman contracts. These legal documents are your roadmap for a successful project. So, what should you include?

Scope of Work

Be clear about what needs to be done. If a leaky faucet needs to be fixed, shelves put up, and a fresh coat of paint, spell it out. The more details, the better. 

Payment Terms

How much will it cost, and when do you pay? This section spells out the payment plan. Will payment be upfront, in installments, or after the job? Be clear about any deposits, progress payments, and the final bill. This way, there are no surprises.

Duration and Deadlines

When will the work start and finish? This section lays out the timeline. Deadlines can also be added for specific tasks if needed. Want to speed things up? Add a bonus for early finishes. Or, if delays are a big deal, include penalties. 

Materials and Supplies

Who's buying the paint, nails, and other supplies? This section states who's responsible for materials. If the handyman is to bring the supplies, get a list and estimate the costs. No surprises here! Knowing exactly what materials are being used keeps everyone on the same page and prevents unexpected costs.

Insurance and Liability

Accidents happen sometimes. This section is about protecting the client and the handyman. It spells out what kind of insurance the handyman needs, like general liability to cover any damage and workers' comp to protect their team. Also, be clear about who's responsible for getting and keeping the insurance up-to-date.

Change Orders

Plans change, right? This section outlines how to handle surprise requests. It should say who gets to approve changes, how they're kept track of, and how much extra it'll cost. No surprises, just clear communication.

Quality Standards

Everyone wants their home to look and function at its best, right? This section sets the bar for how good the work should be. It includes rules or guidelines the handyman needs to follow, like building codes or safety standards. This part of the contract ensures the job is done safely, legally, and to the client's liking.

When is the Best Time to Send the Contract?

So, when should the contract be dropped on the handyman? The sweet spot is after chatting about what needs doing and agreeing on the price. Sending it early means everyone's on the same page before the first hammer swings.

Consequences of Not Using a Contract

Disputes Over Scope of Work: Not having a clear contract is like trying to build a sandcastle without a plan. Things can get messy fast. Disagreements about what's included and what's extra can turn a simple fix into a major headache.

Payment Issues: Not being clear about money upfront can lead to some serious disagreements. It's like trying to split the bill without knowing who ordered what. Avoid payment headaches by having a clear plan.

Liability Concerns: Accidents happen, but no one wants to be stuck with the bill. A contract with clear insurance details protects the client and the handyman. It's a safety net in case things go wrong.

Unclear Timelines: Not having a clear timeline is like trying to bake a cake without a recipe. Things can get messy and take forever. Set clear start and end dates to keep the project on track.

How to Fill Out the Handyman Contract

Are you ready to turn that blank contract into a legal powerhouse? Let's dive in! Butterscotch is here to make life easier.

Know Your Players: Add the client and the handyman's details. Name, address, phone number—the works.

Lay Out the Plan: Clearly spell out what needs doing. Be as detailed as possible.

Talk Money: Figure out the cost, when it's due, and how it’ll be paid. It's all about being clear.

Make It Official: Both parties need to sign the contract. It's like a handshake, but on paper.

Get Paid and Signed: Use Butterscotch to send the contract for electronic signatures and add an invoice for deposits or installments.

A solid handyman contract is a safety valve for the project. It keeps everyone happy and prevents misunderstandings. Using tools like Butterscotch makes it easy to create and manage the paperwork, making sure all the details are covered and easily trackable.