Simple Service Contracts: The 7 Clauses You Actually Need

The 7-clause template

• Scope of work — exactly what you'll do, in plain English. List exclusions explicitly.
• Price and payment terms — total, deposit, milestones, due date, accepted methods, late fees.
• Timeline and change orders — start date, completion target, written sign-off required for changes.
• Warranty — what's guaranteed, for how long, what voids it.
• Cancellation — notice period, deposit refundability, kill fee.
• Limitation of liability — your max exposure equals contract value. Excludes indirect/consequential damages.
• Signatures and date — both parties, printed name, signature, date.

Three sentences that save you money

'Customer is responsible for ensuring access to the work site at the agreed start time. Delays caused by lack of access bill at $X/hour.'

'Payment is due upon completion. Balances unpaid after 15 days accrue a 1.5% monthly late fee.'

'Any work outside the scope above requires a written change order signed by both parties before work begins.'