Client Service Agreement for Custom Fabrication Projects

What a good one includes

• A precise description of the project scope, including specific dimensions, metal types, finishes, and a requirement for signed shop drawings before fabrication begins.
• A structured payment plan requiring a non-refundable deposit for materials upfront, with subsequent draws tied to specific fabrication and installation milestones.
• A formal change order process outlining how adjustments to the design, materials, or timeline must be requested, priced, and approved in writing.
• A material price volatility clause protecting your margins by allowing price adjustments if raw material costs fluctuate significantly between the signing date and purchasing.
• A strict inspection timeline requiring the client to inspect the metalwork and report any cosmetic or structural defects within forty-eight hours of delivery.
• Clear provisions limiting your liability to the total cost of the agreement and disclaiming responsibility for structural issues caused by third-party installation or site-prep errors.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Proceeding with fabrication based on verbal agreements or loose sketches, which often leads to costly re-works when the client's vision doesn't match the final metalwork.
• Absorbing raw material price fluctuations instead of including an escalation clause that protects your shop from sudden spikes in steel or aluminum costs.
• Forgetting to specify that the client is solely responsible for preparing a level, clear site, which can delay your installation crew and result in unpaid downtime.
• Failing to state that delivery dates are estimated targets, exposing your business to breach-of-contract claims due to material supply chain delays.

Frequently asked questions