A construction contract is an agreement between a client and a contractor that specifies the details of a construction project. The details in a construction contract should include all aspects of the project, including payment, the type of work being done, legal rights of the contractor, and more. The conditions of a building project are spelled out in a construction contract agreement. It is a legal document that describes the job to be done and must be agreed upon by all parties concerned. For some types of construction projects, you may need government permits in addition to the construction contract before contractors can begin working. Do you need a blank, printable, easy to edit template? You came to the right place, download our construction agreements for free!

48+ Sample Construction Agreements

What Is a Construction Agreement?

A Construction Contract Agreement is a formal agreement between a property owner and a general contractor that details the construction, renovations, alterations, or other work that will be performed on the property owner’s home or land. This agreement describes which parties will be involved, the money to be paid, each party’s rights, and the start and end dates for construction. A construction contract agreement is a document that specifies the scope and terms of a project’s work. It’s a contract between the construction company and the individual or company who hired them to complete the job. You can also indicate how the jobsite should be managed, including worker supervision, material storage, and where garbage can be disposed of. Sometimes a construction agreement may also be called construction contract, construction management agreement, service agreement for construction, construction services contract, contract for construction and construction contractor agreement. 

Basic Elements That a Construction Agreement Should Have: 

There are different types of terms and elements that a simple construction agreement should have, these are important if you are going to encounter an agreement or create one so that you would be able to know what those terms mean or why they are needed in the first place. Listed down below are the basic elements that you have to understand and have in a construction agreement: 

Owner – The person who hires a general contractor to finish work on his or her property. General contractor – The person in charge of the construction’s day-to-day supervision. License number – The number of the general contractor’s state license board, indicating that they are a licensed contractor. Worksite – The address of the property where the work will be finished.  Description of work – The contractor’s full description of the work and construction to be done. The agreement can also include project plans and specifications. Contract price and payments – The total cost of the project, as well as how and when payments will be made.  Contract documents – any designs, blueprints, exhibits, or other documents that are to be included in the contract  Materials and labor – Which party will provide and pay for the supplies and labor costs Starting and completion dates – The dates by which the contractor must begin building and have it substantially completed. Licensing and permits – Which party will be in charge of getting the necessary licences and licenses  Subcontracts – Whether the contractor will recruit subcontractors to assist in the performance of some of the contractor’s responsibilities  Work changes – Once construction has commenced, how any alterations to the agreed-upon work will be handled. Warranties – How long will the contractor guarantee that his or her work is defect-free Indemnification – The contractor agrees to compensate the owner for any losses or damages suffered as a result of his or her work. Dispute resolution – Instead of going to court, parties frequently use arbitration, mediation, and adjudication to resolve contractual problems. Termination – When the contract can be terminated by either the buyer or the contractor. Inspection – Allows the owner to inspect the contractor’s work at any point during construction to ensure that it complies with the contract’s conditions. Insurance – Both the owners and the contractors are responsible for acquiring insurance to cover damages, faults, claims, and losses. Liquidated damages – The sum per day that the contractor must pay to the owner for each day that construction is delayed past the agreed-upon completion date.  Force majeure – Parties will not be held liable for failure to perform due to unforeseen events or circumstances beyond their control (e.g. hurricanes, earthquakes, shortage of materials, change in contract plans). 

How To Create a Construction Agreement? 

Whether you’re a contractor or the owner of a home or business, you’ll need a construction contract to spell out each party’s responsibilities and rights. A construction contract should include provisions such as ensuring that the contractor has the necessary licenses and insurance, as well as informing the owner that failure to pay could result in a mechanic’s lien being placed on their property. Learn more about creating your own construction agreement below: 

1. Identify the type of construction agreement you are writing for 

There are no one-size-fits-all building contracts. They are available in four distinct formats, based on your preferences and the nature of the job. These are a few examples:

2. Identify the necessary details that are needed 

Writing or signing for a construction agreement is like any other agreements, you should indicate and include the name of the contractor and contact information, name of the homeowner and their contact information, description of the property in legal terms, all necessary attachments to the contract should be included such as the blueprints or any other specifications that are needed for the project, cost, remedies for breach of contract and requirements for licenses, permits and insurance. 

3. Include financial information 

The amount of money the owner or client has agreed to pay you for executing the service should be stated. Include the contract amount, non-refundable deposit, progress payment schedule, final payment, and interest in your calculations. List the total cost of the project and select whether the homeowner will pay in numerous installments rather than a single lump sum. If the owner is paying in installments, make a record of the due dates and amounts. If the craftsmanship is poor or if specific conditions exist, the homeowner has the right to refuse to pay an installment.

4. Describe how you’ll manage any changes to the work order. 

Include terms and clauses that protect you from unanticipated work and costs. Explain how you feel about change orders and claims. If either party intends to break the contract, make it clear that it is only possible if both parties sign a written document that is approved by both parties and signed with the same formalities as the original agreement.

5. Signature and date by both parties

Notarization is only required if the state in which the job is performed stipulates it. A signature line should be included in the agreement, with a space for each participant to sign below the signature with his or her typed or printed name, address, and phone number.

FAQs:

When do I need a construction agreement?

If you are involved in the construction, renovation, or alteration of a building or structure, you should employ a Construction Contract Agreement. Perhaps you’ve finally made the decision to construct your ideal home and begin living happily ever after. Because of unjustified contractor delays or unexpectedly large prices, happily ever after may have to wait. Perhaps you’re a small-town contractor trying to expand your firm and take on bigger projects. In either case, make sure you have a written agreement that will serve as the blueprint until the construction is finished and all the creases are ironed out. This agreement allows the parties to spell out the exact nature and details of the work to be done, as well as each party’s duties during the construction process. It also contains information about the project’s payment terms.

What are the consequences of not using a construction agreement?

Let’s say your contractor and his crew went on strike and are now seeking exorbitant payment for items and labor that were not initially agreed upon. Alternatively, your client, the owner, refuses to pay you once the assignment is completed. In either case, you’ll want to be sure you have a written agreement to safeguard your rights. You risk wasting time and money if you don’t have an agreement, not to mention the quality of the construction. Construction success is contingent on clearly stated goals and timelines. Owners and contractors are both affected by mistakes or delays, with owners incurring higher expenditures because they are unable to use the property for the intended purpose at the planned time, and contractors incurring additional labor and equipment costs. Owners might employ a liquidated damages clause in their contract to protect themselves from construction delays. For each day that construction is delayed, the contractor will pay the owner a specified amount in liquidated damages. Rather than fighting over damages in court, the owner and contractor might agree on a liquidated damages figure ahead of time.

Construction Agreement shouldn’t be that such a hard thing to make, download our templates that you can use for your next construction project.