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🏗️ Construction & Trades

Free Construction Contract Template

Download a free construction contract template. Define scope, materials, timelines, and warranties — ready for electronic signature.

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Full Template Text

Copy the usable agreement below, replace every [BRACKET] placeholder, then customize for your situation.

Construction Contract
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT This Construction Contract (the "Agreement") is entered into as of [Effective Date] (the "Effective Date"), BETWEEN: [Contractor Name], with a principal place of business at [Contractor Address] (the "Contractor"); AND [Owner Name], with a principal place of business at [Owner Address] (the "Owner"). The Contractor and the Owner may be referred to individually as a "Party" and collectively as the "Parties." 1. SCOPE OF WORK AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Contractor will perform the following work at [Project Address]: [Scope of Work Description] (the "Work"), in accordance with applicable building codes and approved plans attached as Exhibit A (if any). 2. MATERIALS AND SPECIFICATIONS Materials and workmanship will meet: [Materials and Specifications]. Substitutions require Owner approval in writing. The Contractor warrants materials are new unless otherwise disclosed. 3. PROJECT TIMELINE AND MILESTONES Work begins on [Project Start Date] with substantial completion targeted by [Substantial Completion Date]. Milestones: [Project Milestones]. Delays caused by Owner changes, weather, or force majeure extend the schedule day-for-day. 4. PAYMENT SCHEDULE AND DRAW REQUESTS The contract price is [Contract Price]. Payments follow: [Payment Schedule]. The Contractor will submit draw requests with lien waivers from subcontractors and suppliers as required. The Owner will pay approved draws within [Draw Payment Days] days. 5. CHANGE ORDER PROCEDURES Changes to scope, price, or schedule require a signed change order before work begins: [Change Order Process]. Verbal approvals are not binding. Emergency work may proceed with subsequent written confirmation within [Emergency Change Order Days] days. 6. WARRANTIES AND GUARANTEES The Contractor warrants the Work for [Warranty Period] from substantial completion against defects in workmanship. Manufacturer warranties pass through to the Owner. Remedy is repair or replacement at Contractor's option. 7. INSURANCE AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS The Contractor will maintain [Insurance Requirements], including general liability and workers' compensation as required by law. The Contractor represents it holds license [Contractor License Number] in good standing. 8. DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND LIEN WAIVERS Disputes will first be addressed through [Dispute Resolution Method]. The Contractor will provide conditional and final lien waivers with each payment. The Owner may withhold disputed amounts in escrow pending resolution as permitted by law. 9. GOVERNING LAW This Agreement is governed by the laws of [Governing Law / Jurisdiction], without regard to conflict-of-law principles. The courts located in [Governing Law / Jurisdiction] will have exclusive jurisdiction over disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement, unless the Parties agree in writing to mediation before litigation. 10. GENERAL (a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties concerning its subject matter and supersedes prior or contemporaneous agreements on that subject. (b) Amendments. Modifications must be in writing and signed by both Parties. (c) Severability. If any provision is held unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in effect. (d) Assignment. Neither Party may assign this Agreement without the other Party's prior written consent, except to a successor in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of substantially all assets. (e) Counterparts and Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, including electronic signatures, each of which will be deemed an original. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date. CONTRACTOR Name: [Contractor Name] Signature: _______________________________ Name of Signatory: _______________________ Title: ___________________________________ Date: ____________________________________ OWNER Name: [Owner Name] Signature: _______________________________ Name of Signatory: _______________________ Title: ___________________________________ Date: ____________________________________

This is a starting template, not legal advice. Have a qualified attorney review it for your jurisdiction and use case before signing.

A Construction Contract is essential for any building, renovation, or repair project. This template defines the work, materials, timeline, and payment terms to protect both the property owner and contractor.

What Is a Construction Contract?

A construction contract formalizes the agreement between a property owner and contractor for building, renovating, or repairing a structure. It specifies exactly what work will be performed, the quality standards, materials to be used, the project timeline, and how payments will be structured.

Without a clear contract, construction projects are prone to disputes over scope, quality, costs, and timelines.

Key Clauses to Include

  1. Scope of Work — Detailed description of all work to be performed. Reference blueprints, specifications, and project documents as attachments.

  2. Materials and Specifications — List specific materials, brands, grades, and quality standards. Define who supplies materials and who bears the cost.

  3. Timeline — Start date, major milestones, substantial completion date, and final completion date. Include provisions for weather delays.

  4. Payment Schedule — Define payment milestones tied to project phases (foundation, framing, rough-in, finish, completion). Include retainage terms.

  5. Change Orders — Require written, signed change orders before any work beyond the original scope begins. Define pricing for changes.

  6. Warranties — Workmanship warranty (typically 1-2 years), manufacturer warranties on materials, and callback procedures.

  7. Insurance — Require proof of general liability, workers’ compensation, and builder’s risk insurance.

  8. Lien Waivers — Require lien waivers from the contractor and subcontractors upon payment to protect the property owner.

How to Customize This Template

  1. Attach detailed specifications — Reference architectural drawings, engineering plans, and material specifications as appendices.

  2. Define the permitting process — Specify who is responsible for obtaining building permits and scheduling inspections.

  3. Include a cleanup clause — Define expectations for daily and final site cleanup.

  4. Set a liquidated damages clause — For time-sensitive projects, define daily penalties for late completion.

How to Send for E-Signature with WPsigner

  1. Upload — Drag and drop this construction contract into WPsigner
  2. Add fields — Place signature, date, and milestone acknowledgment fields
  3. Send — Email a secure link — contractors can sign from any device on the job site
  4. Track — Monitor signing status from your WordPress dashboard
  5. Store — Completed contracts are archived with tamper-proof audit trails

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a construction contract?

A construction contract is a legally binding agreement between a property owner (or general contractor) and a contractor that defines the scope of construction work, materials, timeline, payment terms, and quality standards. It protects both parties throughout the construction process and provides a framework for handling changes, delays, and disputes.

What types of construction contracts exist?

The three most common types are: fixed-price (lump sum) contracts where the price is set upfront, cost-plus contracts where the owner pays actual costs plus a markup, and time-and-materials contracts where billing is based on actual labor hours and materials used. Fixed-price contracts are most common for residential projects.

What is a change order in construction?

A change order is a formal document that modifies the original construction contract. It typically covers additions, deletions, or other changes to the scope of work, along with any adjustments to the contract price and timeline. All change orders should be signed by both parties before work begins on the changed scope.

Can construction contracts be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronically signed construction contracts are legally valid under the ESIGN Act and UETA. WPsigner provides compliant e-signatures with audit trails, allowing contractors to send and sign contracts from job sites via any mobile device.

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