Terms and Conditions for Flooring and Tiling Services

What a good one includes

• A detailed payment schedule outlining deposit requirements, progress payments for larger jobs, and final payment terms upon completion.
• Clarification of who is responsible for subfloor preparation, including leveling, moisture testing, and removing existing flooring.
• A formal process for handling change orders, stating that any extra work or material adjustments must be approved in writing before execution.
• An explicit clause explaining natural variations in materials like stone, wood grain, or tile dye lots to protect you from unrealistic aesthetic expectations.
• Clear guidelines on post-installation care, curing times, and the specific terms and limitations of your workmanship warranty.
• Explicit terms on waste disposal, detailing whether the cost of hauling away old materials and debris is included or billed separately.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming the client knows they need to clear the room, which leads to unpaid labor delays on day one of the project.
• Failing to define what constitutes a completed job, allowing clients to withhold final payment over minor, unrelated punch-list items.
• Neglecting to include a clause for hidden site conditions, leaving you to absorb the cost of repairing rotten joists or uneven subfloors discovered after teardown.
• Using a generic retail contract template that doesn't account for trade-specific issues like grout haze, moisture barriers, or curing times.

Frequently asked questions