Rules & Safety - Take Home Lawn & Home

✅ Daily Morning Checklist

Before you head out, check these items. Print this page for your truck mirror.

☀️ Check weather (rain, extreme heat, wind forecasts)
🚜 Mower fueled, checked, running (test start)
✂️ Trimmer/edge charged or fueled
🎒 Contractor bags (20+ for the day)
💧 Water + electrolyte mix (heat prevention)
📱 Phone charged, Contacts/SMS templates ready
📅 Confirm today's jobs (call/text 2 hours before)
🗺️ Plan your path (try to stay within 2-3 miles to save time)
📸 Before photos ready (smartphone + good lighting)
🦺 Safety vest, gloves, closed-toe shoes

📋 While Doing the Job

📸 Take clear before photo (landscape mode, good light)
🚪 Knock + confirm client is home or aware
👀 Inspect lawn for obstacles, dog waste, sprinklers
🚜 Mow lawn (maintain consistent height, edge borders)
🎒 Bag clippings at curb (not in street)
📸 Take after photo (same angle, show transformation)
💬 Chat about upsells (aeration, edging, weekly contract)
📱 Leave SMS link for weekly contract (if interested)

🛠️ Tools You Need & Prices

Total to Start: $150–500 (Buying used tools on FB Marketplace or Craigslist is best!)

Equipment	Est. Cost	Source
Push Mower (used)	$150–250	FB Marketplace, Craigslist, Local shops
Cordless Trimmer	$80–120	Amazon, Home Depot, Black+Decker
Hand Tools (rake, shovel, pruners)	$40–80	Home Depot, Amazon
Contractor Bags (box of 50)	$30–50	Home Depot, Costco
Safety Gear (vest, gloves, shoes)	$30–60	Amazon, Home Depot, Walmart
Bike/Trailer (optional for cargo)	$200–500	FB Marketplace, Specialized Bike Shops

💡 Tip: Start with mower + trimmer + bags. Add bike + trailer after first 10 jobs (once you validate demand).

⚖️ Business Rules & Permits (Utah)

IMPORTANT: I am NOT a lawyer. Consult a Utah business attorney or accountant before launching. This is a checklist, not legal advice.

Business Structure

→ Working for Yourself (Sole Proprietor): The easiest way to start. No paperwork needed. Just use your own name.
→ Company (LLC): Costs about $125 in Utah. It protects your personal money if something goes wrong. You'll need a free Tax Number (EIN) from the IRS.

Licensing & Permits

→ Lawn Care License: Utah doesn't require general lawn mowing license (check your city).
→ Pesticide License: REQUIRED if you apply chemicals (aeration, weed control). Contact Utah Dept of Ag.
→ Business License: Check your city (SLC, Provo, Ogden, etc). Usually $50–150/year.
→ Insurance (Protection): Costs about $300–500 a year. We highly recommend this to stay safe.

Tax Requirements

→ Sales Tax: Utah has 4.85% state + local. You may need to collect from clients (consult CPA).
→ Income Tax: File Schedule C with personal tax return. Estimated quarterly payments if net profit >$1,000/quarter.
→ Things You Can Write Off: You don't pay taxes on money you spend on mowers, gas, bags, or ads. Keep all your receipts!

📱 Text Message Samples (Tap to Copy)

Use these exact messages to talk to customers and offer extra services.

🎯 Following Up with a New Customer

Hi [Name]! Thanks for letting me give you a quote today. Your lawn looks great for a refresh. Still interested in the spring cleanup ($120-200)? I can come out this week. Let me know!

✅ Reminder (24 Hours Before)

Hi [Name]! Just confirming our lawn mow appointment tomorrow (Thursday) at 9am. Weather looks good. See you then! -Take Home Lawn

⚠️ Changing the Time (Bad Weather)

Hi [Name], heavy rain coming today. I'm rescheduling your lawn mow to Friday 10am—still works? Let me know ASAP. Thanks!

💰 Offering Weekly Mowing (After First Job)

Hi [Name]! Your lawn looked awesome today. I'd love to keep it looking sharp with weekly mowing (only $30–40/visit). Want to set up recurring service? Reply YES or let's chat!

🎁 Offering Extra Services (Aeration)

Hi [Name]! Spring aeration + overseeding season is here (only $150–170 bundle). Gets your lawn thick & healthy. Interested? I can fit you in this week!

🎨 Sharing Your Good Work (Photos)

Hi [Name]! Your transformation is AMAZING. Mind if I share your before/after photos on my Instagram? (No name/address shown) Could help me get more clients. Appreciate it!

👥 Getting New Customers (Referrals)

Hi [Name]! Loved working with you. If you know anyone who needs lawn care, I'll give you BOTH a $20 credit. Plus, a 5-star review on Google really helps! Thanks!

🎄 Holiday Lights (Get Ready Early)

Hi [Name]! Holiday light season is coming! I'm taking presales now with 20% off deposit. Professional installation + removal included. Interest you? Let me know!

❄️ Snow Removal (Winter Help)

Hi [Name]! Snow season is here. I offer same-day snow removal ($50–150/push). Want to be on my priority list? Text SNOW to sign up!

📊 Starting with a New Customer

The first time you talk to a new customer—use these steps:

1. Confirm Service Date/Time: "Can I get you this Friday at 9am?"
2. Lot Size/Layout: "Is your lot roughly 4,000–6,000 sq ft? Any obstacles (pools, sprinklers)?"
3. Confirm Price: "That'll be $120-200 for cleanup + first mow. Clippings bagged at curb, edging included."
4. Get Phone + Address: Confirm SMS is cool for appointment reminders.
5. Ask About Weekly Interest: "After I mow, I'll show you how weekly service keeps it looking sharp. Interested in exploring that?"