Painting and decorating contract template

What's in this painting and decorating contract

The full text. Words in brackets are filled in from the form above.

1. 1. The parties. This contract is between [Client name] (the Client) and [Decorator or business name] (the Decorator) for painting and decorating at [Property address] (the Property), starting on [Start date].
2. 2. The work. The Decorator will carry out the following: [Rooms and surfaces].
3. 3. Paint and colours. The work will use [Paint and colours]. The Client will confirm colours in writing before work starts. A colour that looks different from a card or sample once on the wall is not a defect, and changing colour after painting has started is extra work.
4. 4. Preparation. The price includes the preparation listed above. If preparation reveals problems that could not reasonably be seen when quoting, such as blown plaster, damp, rot or cracks needing repair, the Decorator will show the Client and agree a price before dealing with them.
5. 5. Older paint. If the Property has paintwork that may contain lead or other hazardous material, the Decorator will raise it before sanding or stripping and agree a safe method with the Client, following local rules.
6. 6. Protecting the Property. The Client will clear small items, pictures and fragile belongings from the work area. The Decorator will cover floors and furniture left in the room, mask fittings, and clean up at the end of each day.
7. 7. Price and payment. The price is [Price]. The Client will pay a deposit of [Deposit] on signing and the balance on completion, once the final walk-round is done.
8. 8. Changes. Extra rooms, surfaces, coats or colour changes will be priced and agreed in writing before the Decorator carries them out.
9. 9. Drying and access. Fresh paint needs time to dry and cure. The Client will avoid hanging items, washing walls or moving furniture back against fresh paint until the Decorator says it is ready.
10. 10. Final walk-round. On completion the Decorator and Client will walk round the work together. The Decorator will touch up any snags noted at that time before the final payment is due.
11. 11. Guarantee. The Decorator will put right defects in its workmanship, such as peeling or flaking caused by poor preparation, reported within [Workmanship guarantee] of completion. This does not cover damage, wear, damp or movement in the building.
12. 12. Liability and insurance. The Decorator holds public liability insurance and will put right or pay for damage caused by its own negligence. Nothing in this contract limits liability that the law does not allow to be limited.
13. 13. Cancellation. If the Client cancels less than seven days before the start date, the Decorator may keep the part of the deposit spent on materials that cannot be returned.
14. 14. Governing law. This agreement is governed by the laws of [Governing law], and the courts of that place may hear any dispute about it.
15. 15. Entire agreement. This document is the whole agreement between the Client and the Decorator about its subject. It replaces anything said or written before it, and any change must be in writing and agreed by both.
16. Signed by: the Client, the Decorator, each with a signature, printed name and date.