1) Scope of Work

We will perform exterior cleaning services as described in the written estimate/work order (“Services”). Any additional work not listed is excluded unless approved in writing (text/email is fine).

2) Access, Utilities, and Work Conditions

You agree to provide:

• Access to the work area (gates unlocked, pets secured, cars moved).

• A working water spigot and electrical power if needed.

• Permission to use on-site water for Services.

If we arrive and cannot access work areas or utilities, we may reschedule and charge a trip/lockout fee of $[amount].

3) Customer Responsibilities (This is the “lawsuit prevention” section)

Before service, Customer must:

• Ensure all windows/doors are fully closed and properly sealed.

• Remove/secure fragile items (plants in pots, décor, flags, cushions, packages, toys).

• Identify and mark known hazards: loose wiring, unstable railings, rotten wood, leaking spigots, broken window seals, etc.

• Disclose any recent construction/repairs, fresh paint, uncured mortar, or known water intrusion issues.

If Customer does not complete these steps, Customer accepts the risk of resulting issues to the fullest extent allowed by law.

4) IMPORTANT: Pre-Existing Damage & Inherent Risks of Exterior Cleaning

Exterior surfaces often have pre-existing defects that may not be visible until cleaning. By approving Services, Customer acknowledges the following common conditions may be revealed or worsened due to normal, non-negligent cleaning:

A. Paint, stain, and coatings

• Peeling/flaking paint, oxidized finishes, sun-brittle siding, faded stain may lift or look uneven after cleaning.

B. Oxidation & “chalky” residue

• Oxidation on vinyl/aluminum siding can cause streaking or visible run marks when cleaned; some oxidation cannot be fully removed without restoration steps.

C. Water intrusion

• Water can enter through compromised caulk, worn weather-stripping, cracked frames, unsealed gaps, or failed window/door seals—especially in older homes or previously repaired openings.

D. Windows

• Hard-water spotting may remain; broken seals can show “fogging” that cleaning won’t fix; scratches and existing etching may become more noticeable.

E. Landscaping

• Despite reasonable precautions (pre-wetting/rinsing), some plants are sensitive to water/cleaners/heat; mulch displacement may occur.

F. Masonry / concrete / pavers

• Efflorescence, rust stains, tannins, organic “shadows,” joint sand movement, cracked mortar, and uneven coloration may persist or become more visible.

G. Roof cleaning

• Granule loss can occur on older shingles; existing brittle shingles, flashing issues, and prior repairs may be exposed.

H. Electrical & fixtures

• Exterior outlets, lights, cameras, doorbells, and low-voltage landscape wiring may already be compromised; cleaning can reveal failures.

We will use industry-standard methods appropriate for the surface, but we are not responsible for pre-existing defects or ordinary, unavoidable side effects described above.

5) Chemicals, Soft Washing, and Stains

• Organic growth (algae/mildew/moss) often requires cleaning agents to remove.

• Some stains (rust, irrigation stains, oil, artillery fungus, oxidation, tannin bleed) may require specialty treatments and may not fully lift.

6) What We Will Fix vs. What We Won’t

We will address: damage caused by our negligent workmanship when promptly reported and verified.
We do not cover: pre-existing damage, normal wear/aging, latent defects, or issues caused by improper installation/maintenance.

NOTICE REQUIREMENT: Customer must report concerns within 48 hours of service completion with photos and a description. After that, conditions may change (rain, sprinklers, other contractors), making verification impossible.

7) Limitation of Liability (Drafted to be enforceable in SC + GA)

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law:

1. No consequential damages. We are not liable for indirect or consequential losses (lost profits, loss of use, diminished value, hotel stays, etc.).

2. Liability cap. If we are found legally responsible, our total liability is limited to the amount you paid for the specific Service that allegedly caused the loss.

3. Carve-outs required by law. Nothing in this Agreement attempts to waive liability for gross negligence, willful/wanton conduct, or intentional misconduct, or anything else that cannot legally be waived. (Courts commonly refuse to enforce waivers that try to excuse that level of conduct.) Baker Donelson+2CaseLaw+2

8) Release / Assumption of Risk (Clear-language waiver)

Customer understands that exterior cleaning involves water, equipment, ladders, and chemicals, and voluntarily assumes the ordinary risks of the Services (including the risk that pre-existing defects may be revealed).
Customer releases Company from claims arising from pre-existing conditions and non-negligent outcomes described in Section 4, to the fullest extent allowed by law.

SC note: SC courts scrutinize waivers and generally require clear, explicit language to cover negligence. This Agreement is written in that “plain English + explicit” style. Watt Tieder - 50 State Survey+1
GA note: GA has statutory limits in certain construction/repair/maintenance contexts on shifting liability for a party’s sole negligence. This Agreement avoids overreaching and keeps the carve-outs. Justia Law+2Futeral & Nelson LLC+2

9) Customer Indemnity (When the problem is on the property)

Customer agrees to indemnify/hold harmless Company from third-party claims arising from:

• Unsafe conditions Customer knew or should have known about (rotted stairs, unstable railings, hidden holes, aggressive animals, exposed wiring),

• Customer’s failure to secure valuables or close/seal openings,

• Misrepresentation of ownership/authority to approve work.

This does not apply to Company’s proven negligence or misconduct.

10) Payment Terms, Fees, and Collections

• Payment is due [upon completion / same day] unless stated otherwise in writing.

• Late payments may incur a late fee of $[x] or [x%] per month (where permitted).

• Customer is responsible for reasonable collection costs and attorney fees where allowed.

11) Cancellations, Weather, and Rescheduling

• Cancellations within 24 hours may be charged $[fee].

• Weather, wind, temperature, and curing conditions can affect outcomes; we may reschedule for safety and quality.

12) Photos / Video (Marketing)

We may take photos/video of the work area for documentation and quality control.
Marketing use: ☐ Yes ☐ No (Customer initials: ___)
If “Yes,” Customer grants Company permission to use images of the exterior (no people/house numbers) for marketing.

13) Disputes, Governing Law, and “Stricter Rule” Approach

• Governing law: If Services are performed in South Carolina, SC law applies; if performed in Georgia, GA law applies.

• Stricter consumer-protection compliance: We intend to comply with both states’ consumer protection standards (SCUTPA and GA FBPA) and will not use deceptive practices. Justia Law+2Justia Law+2

• Any term found unenforceable will be severed, and the rest remains in effect.

14) Entire Agreement

This Agreement + the estimate/work order is the entire agreement. Changes must be in writing (including text/email).

CUSTOMER ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By signing/approving the estimate, Customer confirms they have read, understand, and agree to these Terms & Conditions.

Customer Name: ____________________ Date: ____________
Signature: _________________________

Company Rep: ______________________ Date: ____________

Quick tweak I recommend (because it’s where most contracts get punched in the face in court)

Have a local attorney spend 30 minutes making sure your liability cap, waiver language, and venue/law clause match how you actually operate—SC and GA courts can be picky, and small wording changes matter. (This template is built to be conservative, but legal review is still the best “cheap insurance.”)

If you tell me your company name, service area counties, and whether you do roof washing, pavers, and/or commercial work, I’ll tailor the risk list and the payment/reschedule terms to match your exact offerings.