Controversial take: Skip the detailed flooring contracts, handshake deals build trust

Look, I've been laying hardwood and LVP for 15 years now, and all these fancy contracts with every clause about subfloor prep and material warranties just scare off good clients. Handshake agreements with repeat customers or referrals work way better, keeps things simple without the lawyer BS. Saw a post in the Flooring Contractors Network where a guy lost a big tile job over some nitpicky indemnity clause. I always use my Bostitch nailer on the spot and talk it out, no paper trail needed. Clients appreciate the trust, and I've never had a dispute go south. Sure, insurance covers the basics, but why complicate a straight-up floor install? Fight me if you think I'm wrong.

Always include a basic scope of work at minimum, covers your ass if the subfloor turns out to be garbage.

Same here, handshake with my regulars and zero issues.

Insurance companies PUSH those contracts to limit their payouts, screw the little guy.

Handshakes work until the job goes sideways.

Use a simple one-pager template from Jobber, it's free and quick.

Man, I hear ya on the trust thing.

Echoing that, regulars don't need the hassle.

This BS with contracts is killing the trade.

Try this: verbal plus a photo of the signed invoice.

I've got a clause for material changes, saved me once.

Yeah, same boat with my installs.

Handshakes are risky, but I get the appeal.

No way, always get it in writing for tile work.

Frustrated with clients nitpicking contracts every time.

Man, that trust is hard to build back.

We all deal with this crap.

Clients back out on handshakes more than you think.

Don't skip liability waivers, ever.

Insurance premiums skyrocket without proper docs.

Funny how a verbal deal turns into a lawsuit.

PSA: photograph everything before starting.

Bold move skipping contracts, but respect.

This contract obsession is ruining small ops.

Insurance wants it all documented, period.

What's your go-to for dispute resolution without paper?

Homeowners using these as excuses not to pay.

Collective BS from the big box stores pushing forms.

Yeah, we're all getting squeezed.

Handshakes all day, contracts for strangers only.

LOL, just had a client sign with a crayon.

Get a basic agreement from the NFIB site, it's solid.