Contractor Client Intake Form

Contractor Client Intake Form

A client intake form is a critical tool to screen clients, clarify expectations, and avoid costly misunderstandings. Use these specific questions to identify red flags and set up projects for success.

• Payment Terms: Ask how they prefer to pay (cash, check, card), their timeline for payment, and if they’re willing to cover late fees. Clients who hesitate or avoid specifics may be unreliable.
• Project Scope: Request a written description of what they expect. If they can’t define the work clearly, it’s a warning sign. Also, ask what’s *not* included to prevent scope creep later.
• References: Ask for 2–3 recent references from similar projects. Verify if they’re willing to share contact info. Clients who refuse or have vague answers may lack transparency.
• Communication Preferences: Determine their preferred method of contact (email, phone, text) and how quickly they expect responses. Misaligned expectations can lead to frustration.
• Permits and Regulations: Clarify who is responsible for permits, inspections, or compliance with local codes. Clients who ignore these details may cause legal or financial issues.
• Timeline Expectations: Ask for a realistic start and end date. Clients who demand unrealistic deadlines may not value your time or expertise.
• Emergency Contact Info: Get a name, phone number, and relation of someone to contact in case of emergencies. This is especially important for long-term or complex jobs.
• Contract Review: Ensure they understand the contract terms and are willing to sign.

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