How important are the approximate date work to begin and end

May 2, 2011

******************

***************

Question

**************

Ken

I enjoy reading you e-mails everyday, thanks for all your hard work. I was wondering what was the purpose and how important are the approximate date work to begin and estimated date work to be substantially completed by dates on the contracts?

Thanks

Kevin

**************

Answer

**************

Good question. You might be surprised to know that many of the provisions we have in the Standard Form Contracts are not simply things we think are good ideas [almost many are just that] but provisions that are required by law. Although we customize the contract forms state by state, we do incorporate some provisions that may not be required in a particular state at the time we prepare the contract, but that we think is likely to become law in that jurisdiction, or simply makes good sense to include even if not required.

The commencement and completion dates are provisions that are required in some jurisdictions in consumer [residential] contracts. Though it may not be required in your state, we include it in our standard forms because there is no reason not to. The dates are softened by another provisions that notes that the dates are not time of the essence dates but approximations.

Other provisions in the contract that are commonly required by statute include, the name, address and license number of the alarm company, agency to whom complaints can be made, highlighted disclaimer provisions and liquidation of liability provisions, cancellation notice, receipt of contract provision, font size, and provision placement. In addition to all of that, we keep up with the latest technology, protective and collection provisions to ensure that your contracts are up to date when purchased. The feedback of hundreds of alarm companies also helps keep our forms up to date.