When buying big ticket items, or any kind of service, get everything in writing. Get a description of what you're purchasing (and get a detailed written estimate of any service work to be done.) Get a written copy of any manufacturer's warranty (if the product carries a warranty) as well as a written warranty for any labor performed.

If there's no written warranty available, have no fear, the Dolans are here! We've created a sample fill-in-the-blanks warranty you can use to draft your own iron-clad warranty. Simply print the form below!

Title or Department

Name of Company or Organization

Address

City, State, Zip Code

Dear Sir or Madam:

Here is the proposal regarding (description of work to be done).

(Contractor) will supply labor and materials to remove (old stuff) and replace with (new stuff). (Complete details of how work will be accomplished and what materials will be used, including all specifications of material). All trash will be removed from the site.

The only surcharge that may arise will be (include the contractor's estimate of any additional costs and precise estimate of what that cost will be).

The total cost including all labor and materials is ($xxxx). Payment is to be made as follows (for small jobs under $5,000, we recommend ½ down, ½ upon completion; for larger jobs, we recommend 1/3 down, 1/3 at start of job and 1/3 upon completion).

The warranty on (specify any product warranty) and x years on the labor. The job should begin in about x weeks and is estimated to take no more than x days to complete.

Your Signature

Date

For more on warranties and smarter shopping, check out The Dolans' Ten Commandments.