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Printable checklist
Estimates and contracts checklist
What to put in writing before you start work, so you get paid what you agreed and avoid disputes.
A clear written agreement is one of the best ways to get paid on time. This list is educational; have a lawyer review contract templates you'll use often.
Every estimate or quote
- Your business name, contact details, and license number if your trade requires one.
- The customer's name and contact details.
- What's included, described specifically, and what's not included.
- The price, with materials and labor shown separately if that's normal in your trade.
- How long the price is good for.
- Deposit required and when the balance is due.
Every agreement
- Start and finish dates or delivery dates.
- Payment schedule (deposit, milestones, final payment) and accepted payment methods.
- Late payment terms, if you use them.
- How changes are handled: a written change order with a new price before extra work starts.
- Cancellation terms and what happens to the deposit.
- Who owns the finished work (for creative and digital work).
- Signatures and dates from both sides. A signed PDF or e-signature works.
After the work
- Get written sign-off that the work is complete.
- Send the final invoice the same day. Our free invoice generator can help.
- Keep the estimate, agreement, change orders, and invoices together.