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🔨 Construction & Trades

Free Subcontractor Agreement Template

Free subcontractor agreement for e-signature. Define scope, payment and terms. Download, customize and sign with WPsigner.

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Full Template Text

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

Subcontractor Agreement
SUBCONTRACTOR AGREEMENT This Subcontractor Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of [Effective Date] (the "Effective Date"), BETWEEN: [General Contractor Name], with a principal place of business at [General Contractor Address] (the "General Contractor"); AND [Subcontractor Name], with a principal place of business at [Subcontractor Address] (the "Subcontractor"). The General Contractor and the Subcontractor may be referred to individually as a "Party" and collectively as the "Parties." 1. SCOPE OF SUBCONTRACTED WORK The Subcontractor will perform [Subcontract Scope] at [Project Name and Address] in accordance with plans, specifications, and GC direction consistent with the prime contract. 2. RELATIONSHIP TO PRIME CONTRACT This Agreement incorporates applicable terms of the prime contract [Prime Contract Reference] as to safety, schedule, quality, and owner requirements. Conflicts are resolved in favor of the prime contract unless prohibited by law. 3. PAYMENT TERMS AND RETAINAGE Subcontract price: [Subcontract Price], paid per [Payment Schedule]. Retainage: [Retainage Percentage] until substantial completion and receipt of required waivers. 4. INSURANCE AND BONDING REQUIREMENTS The Subcontractor maintains [Insurance Requirements] and provides certificates naming the General Contractor as additional insured where required. Bonding: [Bonding Requirements]. 5. SAFETY COMPLIANCE The Subcontractor complies with OSHA, site-specific safety plans, and GC safety policies. Subcontractor is solely responsible for its personnel and equipment safety violations. 6. MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP STANDARDS Work will be new, of good quality, and per specifications. Defective work will be corrected at Subcontractor expense. Warranty: [Workmanship Warranty Period]. 7. CHANGE ORDERS AND EXTRAS No extra work without signed change order: [Change Order Procedure]. Emergency work may proceed with written confirmation within [Emergency Confirmation Days] days. 8. INDEMNIFICATION AND LIEN WAIVERS The Subcontractor indemnifies the General Contractor for claims arising from Subcontractor's work or negligence, to the extent permitted by law. Conditional and final lien waivers accompany each payment application. 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. GENERAL CONTRACTOR Name: [General Contractor Name] Signature: _______________________________ Name of Signatory: _______________________ Title: ___________________________________ Date: ____________________________________ SUBCONTRACTOR Name: [Subcontractor 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 Subcontractor Agreement defines the relationship between a general contractor and a subcontractor. This template ensures clear scope, payment terms, insurance requirements, and quality standards for subcontracted construction work.

What Is a Subcontractor Agreement?

A subcontractor agreement formalizes the working relationship between a general contractor (GC) and a specialized subcontractor for a defined portion of a construction project. It flows down the relevant obligations from the prime contract between the GC and property owner.

Key Clauses to Include

  1. Scope — Specific work to be performed by the subcontractor, referencing project drawings and specifications.
  2. Prime Contract Reference — Flow-down of relevant terms, timelines, and quality standards from the main contract.
  3. Payment — Rates, invoicing procedures, retainage percentage, and payment timing (pay-when-paid vs. pay-if-paid).
  4. Insurance — Minimum coverage requirements for general liability, workers’ comp, and auto insurance.
  5. Safety — OSHA compliance, site safety requirements, and reporting procedures.
  6. Quality — Materials standards, workmanship expectations, and inspection procedures.
  7. Change Orders — Written approval required for any work beyond the original scope.
  8. Lien Waivers — Require lien waivers with each payment application.

How to Customize This Template

  1. Reference project documents — Attach relevant drawings, specs, and the project schedule.
  2. Specify insurance minimums — Requirements vary by project size and risk level.
  3. Define the payment trigger — “Pay-when-paid” (sub gets paid when GC gets paid) vs. reasonable time after invoice.
  4. Include cleanup requirements — Daily and final cleanup responsibilities.

How to Send for E-Signature with WPsigner

  1. Upload — Drop this agreement into WPsigner
  2. Add fields — Signatures for GC and sub, insurance cert acknowledgment
  3. Send — Email secure link — subs can sign from any device on the job site
  4. Track — Monitor all sub agreements from one WordPress dashboard
  5. Store — Archived with audit trails

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a subcontractor agreement?

A subcontractor agreement is a contract between a general contractor (GC) and a subcontractor for performing a specific portion of work on a construction project. It flows down the relevant terms from the prime contract and defines the subs scope, payment, insurance, and quality requirements.

What is the difference between a contractor and subcontractor?

A contractor (general contractor) has a direct contract with the property owner. A subcontractor has a contract with the general contractor — not the owner. The GC is responsible for managing subcontractors and ensuring the overall project meets the owners requirements.

What is retainage in a subcontractor agreement?

Retainage is a percentage of each payment (typically 5-10%) withheld by the GC until the subcontractors work passes final inspection. It incentivizes quality completion and provides a financial buffer for correcting deficient work.

Can subcontractor agreements be signed electronically?

Yes. E-signed subcontractor agreements are legally valid. WPsigner allows GCs to send subcontractor agreements for mobile signing — especially convenient for on-site sub crews.

Ready to send this contract for signing?

Upload to WPsigner, drag and drop signature fields, and email a secure signing link — all from your WordPress dashboard.

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