...or letter of agreement, signed/faxed estimate? Anything?
I've been wanting to write up a good contract based on the one I have for my design business. But that one is looong. Pretty solid though. I wonder if I can get away with a good 1-2 page sheet's worth of small print, and if such a custom-fabrication contract (or contract template) is available here.

Keep the contract as simple as possible. IANAL.

Lately, I charge all material upfront, then start work, and as that progresses I charge partials. For small jobs I request full upfront payment. I have reasonable prices, good quality, and no problems. Screw contracts. It takes YEARS to enforce them.
Cheers
Lemo