Hi Richard,
Yes I have done quite a bit of this kind of work. The detail is in the contract, but given your below I assume it is some form of fixed price for a deliverable? This can get nasty if you don't deliver - so best to understand what you are getting into and what they expect from you. Some things I would normally do. 1. Scope - ensure you understand it 2. Scope - ensure your client understands it 3. What are the dependencies - are there are any outside of your control? (eg You need to use this library from your predecessor it works in the old version, so should work in the new, right?) 4. Is anything undecided? (eg You will need to talk to vendor xyz to do that) 5. Ensure that if something changes you raise it early. 6. If decisions need to be made, document them so you have something to fall back on. 7. If some of the technology choices are new to you (say new DB), learn about them - or exempt them. 8. Talk to them regularly - no surprises is my motto. Normally what you can do is say that you commit to something within your means to control it. Things outside are variations on the contract. Rob From: ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto:ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] On Behalf Of Richard Jones Sent: Friday, 2 August 2013 7:51 PM To: ozdotnet@ozdotnet.com Subject: Estimate Time and Cost before signing a contract I have been asked by a potential client to work out time and cost estimate before I have signed a contract to perform the work. They indicated they didn't want a recruitment company. To me this seems a bit strange, as I have never experienced this before, I have usually signed a contract got in and did the work, however, this is different. They have indicated to me that they think this type of work will take 3 months, however, they would like me to confirm/demonstrate time and cost. Has anyone had this type of work?, any helpful comments/suggestions would be grateful.