Dear Homeowner:
I understand your hesitancy and desire to get a high quality job on your home. There are unscrupulous contractors out there that prey on unsuspecting homeowners with lip service and empty promises. I can assure you that I am not one of them. We are both taking a leap of faith in this transaction. In your due diligence you can contact my references, view my online picture portfolio and verify my insurance. I extend my trust by allowing customers to pay for services upon completion.
Though I realize you have good intentions, I cannot and will not review and/or sign a contract drawn by a customer. The contract I will present to you protects both of us and has been refined over my years in business. If you would take a moment to reflect from a differing point of view, how would my customers feel if I made them sign a credit check release before I performed any work? I would never put my customers in that position. Both of us have to feel confident that this project will go forward smoothly. If during our two weeks of dialogue I have not given you that confidence, I am at fault.
I have attached my contract to this email for your review. If you would like to get on the books so we can get your property in tip top shape, I will forego a deposit and accept payment at job completion. Please sign and date where indicated.
Thank you for the opportunity to beautify and enhance your largest investment!
Don Marler
Don, make that contract ironclad with terms for collecting interest on late payments, the filing of a mechanics lien after 60 days of non payment and for the recovery of court/collection costs. Disclude any problems you think this person may try to pin on you. I personally would tell this person to take a hike but you already have a good amount of time in it. The above is the way I would respond.
Good Luck!