Tradesman contract with householder client

About this tradesman contract

This contract is for any work which could broadly be referred to as “construction”. It is not suitable for work worth more than, say £10,000.

This document template has been kept simple so that you can use it even on a very small job.  We have included terms that limit your liability for work not done, breach of agreement or accident, and protect you from excessive claims from the client for things you could not foresee. The confidentiality paragraph helps to prevent unhappy clients posting negative reviews about your business on social networks and forums.

We have provided several payment options to make sure that you get paid what the client owes you for your work, in full and on time. In case the client does not pay up-front, the contract contains alternative provisions for payment.

Most importantly, the agreement provides the simplest way to deal with the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013.These regulations can hit construction industry workers hard. We have included full, simple, precise explanations and procedure. We lead you through this swamp so that your work is done and you get paid.

You can put this document to your client and say “This is what we have agreed. Sign here.” You do not want to be embarrassed in presenting ten pages of legalese. We are giving you a document you can re-format to print on two sides of A4.

This contract also contains drafting notes to make quite clear what the text means and to advise you on choosing from the options we give.

Examples of users of this document

In drawing this document template we have used the term “Tradesman / Plumber”. This is for reference only. The document is suitable for all construction industry trades and many others where the tradesman is working in someone’s home. Here are example trades:

• Plumber
• Joiner
• Electrician
• Decorator
• Roofer
• Tiler
• Glazier
• Brick layer
• Plasterer

Alternatives to this tradesman contract

Net Lawman offers several alternatives of construction industry and services contracts. For a contract drawn to favour the householder, or for larger building work, read all about them at Which Net Lawman construction contract?

Net Lawman also offers a range of more comprehensive construction industry contracts at Building trades contracts and other consumer services at Contracts for services.

Contents of this contract

• All about the contract: ground rules
• On-site matters
• Special factors of which the client should be aware
• Payment: alternative arrangements
• Safety and insurance
• Limitation of liability
• Uncontrollable events (just in case you need it)
• Confidentiality (including limitation of publicity)
• Miscellaneous legal matters