Fill and Sign the Contractor Frequently Asked Questionspa Office of Attorney Form

- 1 - LANDSCAPING HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACT Notice of Cancellation may be sent to the contractor at the address noted on the contract.THIS LANDSCAPING CONTRACT (“Contract”), effective as of the date of the last party to sign below, _____________________, is between ______________________________, having an address at ______________________________ ("Contractor") and ______________________________, having an address at ("Owner"). For valuable consideration the parties hereby agree as follows:1. LIST OF DOCUMENTS TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THIS CONTRACT:EXHIBIT A – Commercial General Liability InsuranceEXHIBIT B – Workers’ Compensation InsuranceEXHIBIT C – 3 day right to cancelEXHIBIT D – 7 day right to cancelEXHIBIT E – Sample change order form The above-mentioned Exhibits are hereby incorporated in and made part of this Contract. 2.SCOPE OF WORK: Contractor shall provide all labor and materials, and perform all work necessary for the completion of the residence, structure, or improvements as described in the drawings and specifications signed by both Owner and Contractor (“Project”) and more particularly described as Such drawings and specifications are hereby made a part of this Contract. Drawings and specifications shall contain a scale drawing showing the shape, size, and dimensions of the construction and equipment together with a description of the work to be done, materials to be used, and the equipment to be used or installed. PLANTS TREESTYPESIZE QUANTITYAMOUNT SHRUBSTYPESIZE QUANTITYAMOUNT FLOWERING PLANTS TYPESIZE QUANTITYAMOUNT - 2 - MATERIAL QUANTITYAMOUNT Wood Chips Peat Moss Peat Humus Soil Mulch Shredded Cypress Sand Fertilizer Manure Loam Lime Gravel Clay Bark Landscape Fabric Stone Brick Wood Other LAWN MATERIAL SQUARE FEET AMOUNT Sod Seed LABOR AMOUNT Design/Planning Grading Soil Preparation Planting Mulching Edging and Borders Pruning Fertilizing Sodding Seeding Mowing Thatching Aeration Weed Control Brick Stone Walls Stairs Terracing Walkways Patios - 3 - Install Pond Install Water Fountain Sprinkler Drainage Stump Removal/Grinding Rototilling Spring/Fall Cleanup Other TOTAL PLANTS TOTAL MATERIALS TOTAL LAWN MATERIALS TOTAL LABOR TOTAL DELIVERY TOTAL EQUIPMENT TOTAL 3. WORK SITE: The Project shall be constructed on the property of Owner located at and more particularly described as (hereafter "the Work Site"). Owner hereby authorizes Contractor to commence and complete the usual and customary excavation and grading on the Work Site as may be required in the judgment of the Contractor to complete the Project. Unless called for in the drawings or specifications, no landscaping, finish grading, filling or excavation is to be performed at the Work Site by the Contractor. 4. COMMENCEMENT AND COMPLETION OF WORK TO BE PERFORMED:(a)The following describes how Contractor shall substantially commence work: (b) APPROXIMATE START DATE: (c) APPROXIMATE DATE OF SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION: Contractor shall not be liable, or in breach of this Contract, for any delay due to circumstances beyond its control including strikes, casualty, acts of God, or general unavailability of materials.5.PERMITS: Contractor shall apply for and obtain such permits and regulatory approvals as may be required by the local municipal/county government, the cost thereof shall be included as part of the Project price.6. INSURANCE: Contractor shall maintain general liability, workers compensation and builder's risk insurance.7. SURVEY AND TITLE: If the Project is near the Owner’s property boundary, Owner will point out property lines to the Contractor. If the Owner or Contractor has any doubt about the location of the property lines, Owner shall provide Contractor with boundary stakes through a licensed surveyor. In addition, Owner shall provide Contractor documentation that Owner has title to the Work Site and shall provide Contractor copies of any covenants, conditions, or restrictions that affect the Work Site. - 4 - 8.EXTRA WORK AND CHANGE ORDERS: Extra work and change orders become part of this Contract once the order is prepared in writing and signed by both parties prior to the commencement of any work covered by the new change order. The order must describe the scope of the extra work or change, the cost to be added or subtracted from the Contract, and the effect the order will have on the schedule of progress payments (if applicable) or the completion date.9.PRICING(a)CONTRACT PRICE:{COST PLUS}Owner agrees to pay Contractor the actual cost to Contractor of materials plus the sum of$ for performing the services set forth in the scope of the work. Contractor shall be paid as follows: .OR{FIXED FEE}Owner agrees to pay Contractor the sum of $ for performing the services set forth in the scope of the work. Contractor shall be paid as follows: .(b)DOWN PAYMENT: Amount: The down payment may not exceed $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract price, whichever is less.(c)SCHEDULE OF PROGRESS PAYMENTS:Payment amount in dollars and centsAmount of work or service to be performedMaterials or equipment to be suppliedThe schedule of progress payments must specifically describe each phase of work, including the type and amount of work or services scheduled to be supplied in each phase, along with the amount of each proposed progress payment. IT IS AGAINST THE LAW FOR A - 5 - CONTRACTOR TO COLLECT PAYMENT FOR WORK NOT YET COMPLETED, OR FOR MATERIALS NOT YET DELIVERED. HOWEVER, A CONTRACTOR MAY REQUIRE A DOWNPAYMENT.Upon satisfactory payment being made for any portion of the work performed, the contractor, prior to any further payment being made, shall furnish to the person contracting for the home improvement or swimming pool work a full and unconditional release from any potential lien claimant claim or mechanics lien authorized pursuant to Sections 8400 and 8404 of the Civil Code for that portion of the work for which payment has been made.(d)FINANCE CHARGE (if applicable): Amount: $ Law requires the finance charge to be stated in dollars and cents and to be set out separately from the Contract amount.10.LATE PAYMENT/DEFAULT: A failure to make payment for a period in excess of ten (10) days from the due date shall be deemed a material breach of this Contract. If payment is not made when due, Contractor may suspend work on the job until such time as all payments due have been made without breach of the Contract pending payment or resolution of any dispute. Owner agrees to pay a late charge of 1% of all payments that are more than ten (10) days late plus interest at the rate of 1% per month.11. DESTRUCTION AND DAMAGE : If the Project is destroyed or damaged for any reason, except where such destruction or damage was caused by the sole negligence of the Contractor or its subcontractors, Owner shall pay Contractor for any additional work done by Contractor in rebuilding or restoring the Project to its condition prior to such destruction or damage. If the estimated cost of replacing work already accomplished by Contractor exceeds 20 percent of the Contract price, either the Contractor or Owner may terminate this Contract. Upon termination by either party, Contractor shall be excused from further performance under this Contract and Owner shall pay Contractor a percentage of the Contract price in proportion to the amount of work accomplished prior to the destruction or damage.12. ASSIGNMENT: Neither party may assign this Contract, or payments due under the Contract, without the other party’s written consent. Any such assignment shall be void and of no effect.13.INTERPRETATION:(a)Interpretation of Documents. The Contract, drawings, and specifications are intended to supplement one another. In the event of a conflict, the specifications shall control the drawings, and the Contract shall control both. If work is displayed on the drawings but not called for in the specifications, or if the work is called for in the specifications but not displayed on the drawings, Contractor shall be required to perform the work as though it were called for and displayed in both documents.(b) Entire Agreement. This Contract constitutes the entire agreement of the parties. No other agreements, oral or written, pertaining to the work to be performed under this Contract exists between the parties. This Contract may only be modified only by a written agreement signed by both parties. - 6 - (c)Governing Law. This Contract shall be interpreted and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of California.14. ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS: If any party to this Contract brings a cause of action against the other party arising from or relating to this Contract, the prevailing party in such proceeding shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees and court costs.15.PERFORMANCE:(a)Contractor may, at its discretion, engage licensed subcontractors to perform work pursuant this Contract provided Contractor shall remain fully responsible for the proper completion of the Project. (b) All work shall be completed in a workman-like manner and in compliance with all building codes and applicable laws. To the extent required by law, all work shall be performed by individuals duly licensed and authorized by law to perform said work.(c)Contractor agrees to remove all debris and leave the premises in broom clean condition.16.WARRANTY: Contractor's warranty shall be limited to defects in workmanship within the scope of work performed by Contractor and which arise and become known within from the date hereof. All said defects arising after and defects in material are not warranted by Contractor. Contractor warrants that newly installed plants will survive for after date of installation, or Contractor will replace at no charge. Contractor may elect not to replace plant materials based upon a determination that plants have died as a result of extreme weather conditions, a lack of watering or the negligence of others. Plants installed under warranty that show some leaf damage at the end of warranty period, yet are still living, are not to be replaced. Rather, Contractor will assess the damage and may have to change the planting mix at no charge to the customer. Contractor hereby assigns to Owner all warranties on materials as provided by the manufacturer of such materials. Contractor is not responsible for damage due to acts of God. 17.REQUIRED NOTICES:(a)You are entitled to a completely filled in copy of this Contract, signed by both you and the Contractor, before any work may be started.(b) A notice concerning commercial general liability insurance is attached to this Contract.(c) A notice concerning workers’ compensation insurance is attached to t his Contract.(d)Change Orders:i.The Owner may not require a Contractor to perform extra or change-order work without providing written authorization prior to the commencement of any work covered by the new change order.ii. Extra work or a change order is not enforceable against a buyer unless the change order identifies all of the following in writing prior to the commencement of any work covered by the new change order: (i) the scope of work encompassed by the order; (ii) the amount - 7 - to be added or subtracted from the Contract price; and (iii) the effect the order will make in the progress payments (if applicable) or the completion date.iii. A Contractor’s failure to comply with the requirements for a change order does not preclude the Contractor’s recovery of compensation for work performed based upon legal or equitable remedies designed to prevent unjust enrichment.(e)MECHANICS LIEN WARNING: Anyone who helps improve your property, but who is not paid, may record what is called a mechanics' lien on your property. A mechanics' lien is a claim, like a mortgage or home equity loan, made against your property and recorded with the county recorder. Even if you pay your contractor in full, unpaid subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who helped to improve your property may record mechanics' liens and sue you in court to foreclose the lien. If a court finds the lien is valid, you could be forced to pay twice or have a court officer sell your home to pay the lien. Liens can also affect your credit. To preserve their right to record a lien, each subcontractor and material supplier must provide you with a document called a '20-day Preliminary Notice.' This notice is not a lien. The purpose of the notice is to let you know that the person who sends you the notice has the right to record a lien on your property if he or she is not paid. BE CAREFUL. The Preliminary Notice can be sent up to 20 days after the subcontractor starts work or the supplier provides material. This can be a big problem if you pay your contractor before you have received the Preliminary Notices. You will not get Preliminary Notices from your prime contractor or from laborers who work on your project. The law assumes that you already know they are improving your property. PROTECT YOURSELF FROM LIENS. You can protect yourself from liens by getting a list from your contractor of all the subcontractors and material suppliers that work on your project. Find out from your contractor when these subcontractors started work and when these suppliers delivered goods or materials. Then wait 20 days, paying attention to the Preliminary Notices you receive. PAY WITH JOINT CHECKS. One way to protect yourself is to pay with a joint check. When your contractor tells you it is time to pay for the work of a subcontractor or supplier who has provided you with a Preliminary Notice, write a joint check payable to both the contractor and the subcontractor or material supplier. For other ways to prevent liens, visit CSLB's Web site at www.cslb.ca.gov or call CSLB at 800-321-CSLB (2752). REMEMBER, IF YOU DO NOTHING, YOU RISK HAVING A LIEN PLACED ON YOUR HOME. This can mean that you may have to pay twice, or face the forced sale of your home to pay what you owe."(f) Information about the Contractors' State License Board (CSLB): CSLB is the state consumer protection agency that licenses and regulates construction contractors. Contact CSLB for information about the licensed contractor you are considering, including information about disclosable complaints, disciplinary actions, and civil judgments that are reported to CSLB. Use only licensed contractors. If you file a complaint against a licensed contractor within the legal deadline (usually four years), CSLB has authority to investigate the complaint. If you use an unlicensed contractor, CSLB may not be able to help you resolve your complaint. Your only remedy may be in civil court, and you may be liable for damages arising out of any injuries to the unlicensed contractor or the unlicensed contractor 's employees. For more information: visit CSLB's Web site at www.cslb.ca.gov; call CSLB at 800-321-CSLB (2752); or write CSLB at P.O. Box 26000, Sacramento, CA 95826. (a)Under certain circumstances the law gives you a right to cancel a contract. Check the appropriate box below describing your right to cancel this Contract: - 8 - i.This Contract was negotiated at the Contractor’s place of business. Consequently, the law does not provide a right to cancel.ii.This Contract was not negotiated at the Contractor’s place of business. Consequently, the law requires that the Contractor give you a notice explaining your right to cancel. Initial the checkbox if the Contractor has given you a “Notice of the Three-Day Right to Cancel.” iii. This Contract is for the repair or restoration of residential premises damaged by any sudden or catastrophic event for which a state of emergency has been declared by the President of the United States or the Governor, or for which a local emergency has been declared by the executive officer or governing body of any city, county, or city and county. Consequently, the law requires that the Contractor give you a notice explaining your right to cancel. Initial the checkbox if the Contractor has given you a “Notice of the Seven-Day Right to Cancel.”AGREED:CONTRACTOR:Signature Print Name & Title Date Contractor’s License Number Contractor’s Business AddressOWNER:Signature Print Name DateIf applicable: Salesperson’s Name Salesperson’s Registration NumberThe owner or tenant has the right to require the contractor to have a performance and payment bond. - 9 - EXHIBIT A COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE Contractor must check the box that applies This Contractor does not carry commercial general liability insurance.Contractor carries commercial general liability insurance written by (“Insurance Company”). You may call the Insurance Company at to check Contractor’s insurance coverage. This Contractor is self-insured.This Contractor is a limited liability company that carries liability insurance or maintains other security as required by law. You may call (“Insurance Company or Trust Company or Bank”) at to check Contractor’s insurance coverage to check on the contractor's insurance coverage or security. Capitalized terms in this Exhibit shall have the same meanings that are assigned to those terms in the Contract. - 10 - EXHIBIT B WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE Contractor must check the box that applies This Contractor has no employees and is exempt from workers’ compensation requirements.This Contractor carries workers’ compensation insurance for all employees. Capitalized terms in this Exhibit shall have the same meanings that are assigned to those terms in the Contract. - 11 - EXHIBIT C 3 DAY RIGHT TO CANCEL This page is only applicable if this Contract was not negotiated at the Contractor’s place of business. If so, the Owner is to receive two (2) copies. Capitalized terms in this Exhibit shall have the same meanings that are assigned to those terms in the Contract. Notice of Cancellation (copy 1 of 2)Date last party signed the Contract You may cancel this transaction, without any penalty or obligation, within three business days from the above date.If you cancel, any property traded in, any payments made by you under the contract or sale, and any negotiable instrument executed by you will be returned within 10 days following receipt by the seller of your cancellation notice, and any security interest arising out of the transaction will be canceled.If you cancel, you must make available to the seller at your residence, in substantially as good condition as when received, any goods delivered to you under this contract or sale, or you may, if you wish, comply with the instructions of the seller regarding the return shipment of the goods at the seller's expense and risk.If you do make the goods available to the seller and the seller does not pick them up within 20 days of the date of your notice of cancellation, you may retain or dispose of the goods without any further obligation. If you fail to make the goods available to the seller, or if you agree to return the goods to the seller and fail to do so, then you remain liable for performance of all obligations under the contract.To cancel this transaction, mail or deliver a signed and dated copy of this cancellation notice, or any other written notice, or send a telegramto Name of Seller (Contractor or Salesman) at Address of Seller’s Place of Business not later than midnight of . Date I hereby cancel this transaction. Date Owner’s Signature Print Owner’s Name - 12 - EXHIBIT C (continued) This page is only applicable if this Contract was not negotiated at the Contractor’s place of business. If so, the Owner is to receive two (2) copies. Capitalized terms in this Exhibit shall have the same meanings that are assigned to those terms in the Contract. Notice of Cancellation (copy 2 of 2)Date last party signed the Contract You may cancel this transaction, without any penalty or obligation, within three business days from the above date.If you cancel, any property traded in, any payments made by you under the contract or sale, and any negotiable instrument executed by you will be returned within 10 days following receipt by the seller of your cancellation notice, and any security interest arising out of the transaction will be canceled.If you cancel, you must make available to the seller at your residence, in substantially as good condition as when received, any goods delivered to you under this contract or sale, or you may, if you wish, comply with the instructions of the seller regarding the return shipment of the goods at the seller's expense and risk.If you do make the goods available to the seller and the seller does not pick them up within 20 days of the date of your notice of cancellation, you may retain or dispose of the goods without any further obligation. If you fail to make the goods available to the seller, or if you agree to return the goods to the seller and fail to do so, then you remain liable for performance of all obligations under the contract.To cancel this transaction, mail or deliver a signed and dated copy of this cancellation notice, or any other written notice, or send a telegramto Name of Seller (Contractor or Salesman) at Address of Seller’s Place of Business not later than midnight of . Date I hereby cancel this transaction. Date Owner’s Signature Print Owner’s Name - 13 - EXHIBIT D This page is only applicable if the Contract is for the repair or restoration of residential premises damaged by any sudden or catastrophic event for which a state of emergency has been declared by the President of the United States or the Governor, or for which a local emergency has been declared by the executive officer or governing body of any city, county, or city and county. If so, the Owner must receive two (2) copies. Capitalized terms in this Exhibit shall have the same meanings that are assigned to those terms in the Contract. Notice of Cancellation (copy 1 of 2)Date last party signed the Contract You may cancel this transaction, without any penalty or obligation, within seven business days from the above date.If you cancel, any property traded in, any payments made by you under the contract or sale, and any negotiable instrument executed by you will be returned within 10 days following receipt by the seller of your cancellation notice, and any security interest arising out of the transaction will be canceled.If you cancel, you must make available to the seller at your residence, in substantially as good condition as when received, any goods delivered to you under this contract or sale, or you may, if you wish, comply with the instructions of the seller regarding the return shipment of the goods at the seller's expense and risk.If you do make the goods available to the seller and the seller does not pick them up within 20 days of the date of your notice of cancellation, you may retain or dispose of the goods without any further obligation. If you fail to make the goods available to the seller, or if you agree to return the goods to the seller and fail to do so, then you remain liable for performance of all obligations under the contract.To cancel this transaction, mail or deliver a signed and dated copy of this cancellation notice, or any other written notice, or send a telegramto Name of Seller (Contractor or Salesman) at Address of Seller’s Place of Business not later than midnight of . Date I hereby cancel this transaction. Date Owner’s Signature Print Owner’s Name - 14 - EXHIBIT D (continued) This page is only applicable if the Contract is for the repair or restoration of residential premises damaged by any sudden or catastrophic event for which a state of emergency has been declared by the President of the United States or the Governor, or for which a local emergency has been declared by the executive officer or governing body of any city, county, or city and county. If so, the Owner must receive two (2) copies. Capitalized terms in this Exhibit shall have the same meanings that are assigned to those terms in the Contract. Notice of Cancellation (copy 2 of 2)Date last party signed the Contract You may cancel this transaction, without any penalty or obligation, within seven business days from the above date.If you cancel, any property traded in, any payments made by you under the contract or sale, and any negotiable instrument executed by you will be returned within 10 days following receipt by the seller of your cancellation notice, and any security interest arising out of the transaction will be canceled.If you cancel, you must make available to the seller at your residence, in substantially as good condition as when received, any goods delivered to you under this contract or sale, or you may, if you wish, comply with the instructions of the seller regarding the return shipment of the goods at the seller's expense and risk.If you do make the goods available to the seller and the seller does not pick them up within 20 days of the date of your notice of cancellation, you may retain or dispose of the goods without any further obligation. If you fail to make the goods available to the seller, or if you agree to return the goods to the seller and fail to do so, then you remain liable for performance of all obligations under the contract.To cancel this transaction, mail or deliver a signed and dated copy of this cancellation notice, or any other written notice, or send a telegramto Name of Seller (Contractor or Salesman) at Address of Seller’s Place of Business not later than midnight of . Date I hereby cancel this transaction. Date Owner’s Signature Print Owner’s Name - 15 - EXHIBIT E Capitalized terms in this Exhibit shall have the same meanings that are assigned to those terms in the Contract. SAMPLE CHANGE ORDER A.Scope of work encompassed by this change order: B. Amount to be added or subtracted from the Contract price: C. Effect this change order will have on progress payments (if applicable): D. Effect this change order will have on the estimated completion date: AGREED:CONTRACTOR:Signature Print Name & Title DateOWNER:Signature Print Name Date - 16 - Checklist for Homeowners Check Out Your Contractor Did you contact the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) to check the status of the contractor's license? Contact the CSLB at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752) or visit our web site: www.cslb.ca.gov. Did you get at least 3 local references from the contractors you are considering? Did you call them? Building Permits - will the contractor get a permit before the work starts? Check Out the Contract Did you read and do you understand your contract? Does the 3-day right to cancel a contract apply to you? Contact the CSLB if you don't know. Does the contract tell you when work will start and end? Does the contract include a detailed description of the work to be done, the material to be used, and equipment to be installed? This description should include brand names, model numbers, quantities and colors. Specific descriptions now will prevent disputes later. Are you required to pay a down payment? If you are, the down payment should never be more than 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less. Is there a schedule of payments? If there is a schedule of payments, you should pay only as work is completed and not before. There are some exceptions - contact the CSLB to find out what they are. Did your contractor give you a “Notice to Owner,” a warning notice describing liens and ways to prevent them? Even if you pay your contractor, a lien can be placed on your home by unpaid laborers, subcontractors or material suppliers. A lien can result in you paying twice or, in some cases, losing your home in a foreclosure. Check the “Notice to Owner” for ways to protect yourself. Did you know changes or additions to your contract must be in writing? Putting changes in writing reduces the possibility of a later dispute.