Overview

To be a successful contractor, you must protect yourself during the bidding phase. This can be done in many ways. One of the most important steps is to put everything in writing. Verbal statements rarely hold water in court. In order to have solid footing in a legal battle, you need written documentation.

You ve seen some of the many risks associated with wells and septic systems. When you assume responsibility for installing these systems, you are putting yourself at risk. This, however, is part of your job. But the risk factor can be kept in check with a little thought and preparation on your part.

What type of proposal do you use? Is it one of those generic, fill-in-the-blank forms that you can order from a catalog? I know that generic proposals and contracts are used by a lot of contractors. Just because the forms are used in large numbers doesn t mean that they are good forms. You should have your attorney draft documents for you to use.

Even if you have the best forms in the world, they are not much good unless you use them. How many times have you given customers a quote over the phone? Do you have any record of your conversation? I doubt it, and even if you did, it probably wouldn t be enough to save you in a court battle. Your bids should be given in writing. If you have to give a price over the phone, follow it up with a...