Free time and materials contract template

Instead of one fixed price, the customer pays for the labor hours at an agreed rate and the materials at cost plus an agreed markup. It suits work where nobody can see the whole job before it starts: older homes, repairs behind walls, troubleshooting, or work that grows as it goes. The risk of the unknown moves from you to the customer, so the contract has to be clear and the records have to be good.

• Labor rate per hour, and whether it differs for a helper, overtime or after-hours work.
• Markup on materials, and whether you bill equipment rental the same way.
• Not-to-exceed amount, so the customer knows the most they will pay without signing off on more.
• Billing: how often, and what records come with each invoice.
• Travel and supply runs: whether they are billed.

A fixed price is simpler for the customer and rewards you for working efficiently. Time and materials protects you when the job is uncertain. Many contractors use time and materials for the investigation and a fixed price for the repair once they can see it. Our guide to flat rate vs time and materials walks through the choice.

• Lien Waiver: Conditional and unconditional, progress and final, with each state's rules.
• Conditional Lien Waiver: Gives up lien rights only once your payment clears.
• Unconditional Lien Waiver: For after you are paid: takes effect when signed.
• Punch List: What is left, where, who fixes it, by when, and the sign-off.
• Daily Log: Weather, crew hours, work done, deliveries, delays and safety.
• Credit Card Authorization Form: Lets you charge a card on file, with the customer's signature.
• Certificate of Completion: The customer signs that the job is done; the warranty starts.
• Home Improvement Contract: Scope, price, schedule, permits, changes, warranty and cancellation.
• Every template, including estimates, invoices and proposals for 35 trades.