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Arkansas Cost Plus or Fixed Fee Construction Contract

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CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT

THIS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT (“Contract”), effective as of the date of the last party to sign below, is between , having an address at ("Contractor") and , having an address at ("Owner").

For valuable consideration the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. SCOPE OF WORK: Contractor shall provide all labor and materials, and perform all work necessary for the completion of the residence, structure, or improvements as described in the drawings and specifications signed by both Owner and Contractor (“Project”) and more particularly described as

Such drawings and specifications are hereby made a part of this Contract. Drawings and specifications shall contain a scale drawing showing the shape, size, and dimensions of the construction and equipment together with a description of the work to be done, materials to be used, and the equipment to be used or installed.

2. WORK SITE: The Project shall be constructed on the property of Owner located at

and more particularly described as (hereafter "the Work Site").

Owner hereby authorizes Contractor to commence and complete the usual and customary excavation and grading on the Work Site as may be required in the judgment of the Contractor to complete the Project. Unless called for in the drawings or specifications, no landscaping, finish grading, filling or excavation is to be performed at the Work Site by the Contractor.

3. TIME OF COMPLETION: Contractor shall commence the work to be performed under this Contract on or before and shall substantially complete the work on or before .

Contractor shall not be liable for any delay due to circumstances beyond its control including strikes, casualty, acts of God, illness, injury, or general unavailability of materials.

4. PERMITS: Contractor shall apply for and obtain such permits and regulatory approvals as may be required by the local municipal/county government, the cost thereof shall be included as part of the Project price.

5. SOIL CONDITIONS: Contractor shall have no responsibility for the condition of the soils at the Work Site. Any excavation, filling or other work required by the Owner other than the usual and customary excavation and grading shall be agreed to in a Change Order for an amount in addition to the Contract Price. Contractor shall not be responsible for any damages suffered by Owner as a result of the soil conditions at the Work Site.

6. INSURANCE: Contractor shall maintain general liability, workers compensation and builder's risk insurance.

7. SURVEY AND TITLE: If the Project is near the Owner’s property boundary, Owner will point out property lines to the Contractor. If the Owner or Contractor has any doubt about the location of the property lines, Owner shall provide Contractor with boundary stakes through a licensed surveyor. In addition, Owner shall provide Contractor documentation that Owner has title to the Work Site and shall provide Contractor copies of any covenants, conditions, or restrictions that affect the Work Site.

8. CHANGES TO SCOPE OF WORK: Owner may make changes to the scope of the work, including changes to the drawings and specifications, from time to time during the construction of the Project. However, any such change or modification shall only be made by written "Change Order" signed by both parties. Such Change Orders shall become part of this Contract. Owner agrees to pay any increase in the cost of the Project as a result of a Change Order. In the event the cost of a Change Order is not known at the time a Change Order is executed, the Contractor shall estimate the cost thereof and Owner shall pay the actual cost whether or not it is in excess of the estimated cost.

9. CONTRACT PRICE:

{COST PLUS}

Owner agrees to pay Contractor the actual cost to Contractor of materials plus the sum of $ for performing the services set forth in the scope of the work. Contractor shall be paid as follows:

OR

{FIXED FEE}

Owner agrees to pay Contractor the sum of $ for performing the services set forth in the scope of the work. Contractor shall be paid as follows:

Contractor shall furnish Owner appropriate releases or waivers of lien for all work performed or materials provided at the time the next periodic payment shall be due.

10. LATE PAYMENT/DEFAULT: A failure to make payment for a period in excess of ten (10) days from the due date shall be deemed a material breach of this Contract. If payment is not made when due, Contractor may suspend work on the job until such time as all payments due have been made without breach of the Contract pending payment or resolution of any dispute. Owner agrees to pay a late charge of 1% of all payments that are more than ten (10) days late plus interest at the rate of 1% per month.

11. DESTRUCTION AND DAMAGE: If the Project is destroyed or damaged for any reason, except where such destruction or damage was caused by the sole negligence of the Contractor or its subcontractors, Owner shall pay Contractor for any additional work done by Contractor in rebuilding or restoring the Project to its condition prior to such destruction or damage. If the estimated cost of replacing work already accomplished by Contractor exceeds 20 percent of the Contract price, either the Contractor or Owner may terminate this Contract. Upon termination by either party, Contractor shall be excused from further performance under this Contract and Owner shall pay Contractor a percentage of the Contract price in proportion to the amount of work accomplished prior to the destruction or damage.

12. ASSIGNMENT: Neither party may assign this Contract, or payments due under the Contract, without the other party’s written consent. Any such assignment shall be void and of no effect.

13. INTERPRETATION:

(a) Interpretation of Documents. The Contract, drawings, and specifications are intended to supplement one another. In the event of a conflict, the specifications shall control the drawings, and the Contract shall control both. If work is displayed on the drawings but not called for in the specifications, or if the work is called for in the specifications but not displayed on the drawings, Contractor shall be required to perform the work as though it were called for and displayed in both documents.

(b) Entire Agreement. This Contract constitutes the entire agreement of the parties. No other agreements, oral or written, pertaining to the work to be performed under this Contract exists between the parties. This Contract may only be modified only by a written agreement signed by both parties.

(c) Governing Law. This Contract shall be interpreted and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas.

14. ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS: If any party to this Contract brings a cause of action against the other party arising from or relating to this Contract, the prevailing party in such proceeding shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees and court costs.

15. PERFORMANCE:

(a) Contractor may, at its discretion, engage licensed subcontractors to perform work pursuant this Contract provided Contractor shall remain fully responsible for the proper completion of the Project.

(b) All work shall be completed in a workman-like manner and in compliance with all building codes and applicable laws. To the extent required by law, all work shall be performed by individuals duly licensed and authorized by law to perform said work.

(c) Contractor agrees to remove all debris and leave the premises in broom clean condition.

16. WARRANTY: Contractor's warranty shall be limited to defects in workmanship within the scope of work performed by Contractor and which arise and become known within one (1) year from the date hereof. All said defects arising after one (1) year and defects in material are not warranted by Contractor. Contractor hereby assigns to Owner all warranties on materials as provided by the manufacturer of such materials.

CONTRACTOR:

Signature

Print Name & Title

Date

License Number

Name and Address of License Holder

OWNER:

Signature

Print Name

Date

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO OWNER

I UNDERSTAND THAT EACH PERSON SUPPLYING MATERIAL OR FIXTURES IS ENTITLED TO A LIEN AGAINST PROPERTY IF NOT PAID IN FULL FOR MATERIALS USED TO IMPROVE THE PROPERTY EVEN THOUGH THE FULL CONTRACT PRICE MAY HAVE BEEN PAID TO THE CONTRACTOR. I REALIZE THAT THIS LIEN CAN BE ENFORCED BY THE SALE OF THE PROPERTY IF NECESSARY. I AM ALSO AWARE THAT PAYMENT MAY BE WITHHELD TO THE CONTRACTOR IN THE AMOUNT OF THE COST OF ANY MATERIALS OR LABOR NOT PAID FOR. I KNOW THAT IT IS ADVISABLE TO, AND I MAY, REQUIRE THE CONTRACTOR TO FURNISH TO ME A TRUE AND CORRECT FULL LIST OF ALL SUPPLIERS UNDER THE CONTRACT, AND I MAY CHECK WITH THEM TO DETERMINE IF ALL MATERIALS FURNISHED FOR THE PROPERTY HAVE BEEN PAID FOR. I MAY ALSO REQUIRE THE CONTRACTOR TO PRESENT LIEN WAIVERS BY ALL SUPPLIERS, STATING THAT THEY HAVE BEEN PAID IN FULL FOR SUPPLIES PROVIDED UNDER THE CONTRACT, BEFORE I PAY THE CONTRACTOR IN FULL. IF A SUPPLIER HAS NOT BEEN PAID, I MAY PAY THE SUPPLIER AND CONTRACTOR WITH A CHECK MADE PAYABLE TO THEM JOINTLY.

SIGNED:

ADDRESS OF PROPERTY:

DATE:

I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE SIGNATURE ABOVE IS THAT OF THE OWNER OR AGENT OF THE OWNER OF THE PROPERTY AT THE ADDRESS SET OUT ABOVE.

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION

(Enter date of transaction)

You are entitled to cancel the agreement or offer referred to above at any time prior to midnight of the third day, excluding Sundays and holidays, after the day you signed the agreement or offer. In the event you cancel, the seller must return to you (1) any payments made; (2) any goods or other property (or a sum equal to the amount of the trade-in allowance given therefor); and (3) any note or other evidence of indebtedness, given by you to the seller pursuant to or in connection with the agreement or offer. After cancellation, the seller is entitled to receive back from you at your address any goods previously delivered by him or her to you in substantially the same condition as delivered, providing he or she has returned any payments and goods or other property received from you, to the extent indicated above. If the seller does not call for his or her goods at your address within twenty (20) days after you give notice of cancellation, you may keep them as your own.

TO CANCEL THIS TRANSACTION, MAIL OR DELIVER A SIGNED AND DATED COPY OF THIS CANCELLATION NOTICE OR ANY OTHER WRITTEN NOTICE TO

AT

NOT LATER THAN MIDNIGHT OF

(Date)

I HEREBY CANCEL THIS TRANSACTION.

NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER

IF BILLS FOR LABOR, SERVICES, OR MATERIALS USED TO CONSTRUCT OR PROVIDE SERVICES FOR AN IMPROVEMENT TO REAL ESTATE ARE NOT PAID IN FULL, A CONSTRUCTION LIEN MAY BE PLACED AGAINST THE PROPERTY. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE LOSS, THROUGH FORECLOSURE PROCEEDINGS, OF ALL OR PART OF YOUR REAL ESTATE BEING IMPROVED. THIS MAY OCCUR EVEN THOUGH YOU HAVE PAID YOUR CONTRACTOR IN FULL. YOU MAY WISH TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST THIS CONSEQUENCE BY PAYING THE ABOVE NAMED PROVIDER OF LABOR, SERVICES, OR MATERIALS DIRECTLY, OR MAKING YOUR CHECK PAYABLE TO THE ABOVE NAMED PROVIDER AND CONTRACTOR JOINTLY.

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Overview of the Arkansas Cost Plus or Fixed Fee Construction Contract

The Arkansas Cost Plus or Fixed Fee Construction Contract is a written agreement used in Arkansas construction projects to define how a contractor will be paid, either reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fee (cost-plus) or paid a fixed lump-sum price (fixed-fee). It allocates risk for cost variability, sets invoicing and payment procedures, defines scope and schedule expectations, and establishes change order and retainage rules. Typical provisions cover cost accounting, overhead and profit calculation, insurance and bonding, termination rights, and dispute resolution to protect both owner and contractor.

Why a Clear Cost Plus or Fixed Fee Agreement Matters

A clear Arkansas Cost Plus or Fixed Fee Construction Contract reduces disputes by allocating financial responsibility, clarifying change order procedures, and defining remedies. When signed electronically under ESIGN or an adopted UETA, the agreement is enforceable provided intent, consent, attribution, and retention requirements are met.

Why a Clear Cost Plus or Fixed Fee Agreement Matters

Who typically completes and relies on this contract

Primary users include contractors, owners, and subcontractors involved in Arkansas construction projects who need clear payment and change order terms.

  • General contractors managing project budgets, cost reporting, and subcontractor billing under either cost-plus or fixed-fee models.
  • Owners and developers who require transparency in allowable costs, fee calculations, and schedule guarantees.
  • Subcontractors and suppliers referenced by flow-down clauses that affect payment timing and lien waiver obligations.

Legal counsel and project managers typically review terms before execution; proper signatures and recordkeeping improve enforceability and audit readiness.

Core provisions to include in the Arkansas contract

A professional Arkansas Cost Plus or Fixed Fee Construction Contract should define payment structure, detailed scope, change-order mechanisms, documentation standards, insurance, and dispute resolution clearly to reduce later conflicts.

Pricing Method

Clearly state whether the contract is cost-plus or fixed-fee. For cost-plus, list reimbursable cost categories, allowable markups, and the formula for fee calculation to avoid interpretation disputes.

Cost Accounting

Specify accounting methods, required backup documents, audit rights, frequency of cost reports, and reconciliation procedures to support invoicing and audits.

Change Orders

Establish written change order procedures, pricing adjustments, approval authorities, and time extension criteria. Require signed change orders before altered work proceeds to preserve entitlement to extra payment.

Retainage & Payment

State retainage percentage, release conditions, progress payment schedule, final payment criteria, required lien waivers, and inspection milestones and procedures to clarify closeout.

Insurance & Bonds

Require specific insurance coverages and performance or payment bonds with minimum limits. Specify certificate requirements, additional insured endorsements, and acceptable carriers.

Dispute Resolution

Identify governing law (typically Arkansas), choose mediation or arbitration processes, define venue, and specify recoverable costs and attorney fees to limit litigation risk and clarify enforcement.

Step-by-step: completing and executing the contract

Follow these steps to complete and execute the Arkansas Cost Plus or Fixed Fee Construction Contract correctly.

  • 01
    Gather Information: Collect party names, scope, schedule, cost estimates, and insurance details.
  • 02
    Choose Pricing: Select cost-plus or fixed-fee and fill fee and markup fields.
  • 03
    Complete Terms: Specify payment schedule, retainage, change orders, and dispute resolution.
  • 04
    Sign and Store: Obtain authorized signatures and retain copies per retention rules.

Suggested online workflow settings for contract processing

Configure your online workflow to match contract terms, automate approvals, and ensure audit trails for cost documentation.

Field Configuration
Authentication Email link with optional SMS code
Conditional Pricing Show cost fields only when cost-plus selected
Cost Tracking Attach receipts and invoices as required attachments
Change Orders Require approvals and record timestamped audit trail

How electronic execution and routing typically work

Typical routing for contract execution and recordkeeping when using e-signature and online workflows.

  • Upload Document: Upload final contract PDF or DOCX to the signing platform.
  • Add Fields: Place signature, date, and cost-accounting fields with conditional logic.
  • Invite Signers: Email signers or send a secure link with authentication.
  • Archive: Store signed PDF and audit trail in secure repository.

Platform requirements and integrations to check before signing

Ensure the platform supports secure eSignature, audit trails, conditional fields, and integration with project systems before completing the contract.

  • Integrations: Procore, NetSuite, and ERP integrations
  • Formats: PDF, DOCX, and HTML accepted
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, or SSO options

eSignature vendor feature comparison relevant to construction contracts

Compare common eSignature vendor plans and features that affect Arkansas construction contract signing and compliance.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes Varies
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Security, privacy, and compliance features to verify

Encryption In Transit: TLS 1.2 and 1.3 in transit
Encryption At Rest: AES-256 used for stored data
Certifications: SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001
Legal Compliance: ESIGN, UETA, HIPAA BAA available
Access Controls: SSO, role-based permissions, 2FA options
Audit Trail: Tamper-evident audit logs and timestamps

Common penalties and risks from unclear or incorrect contracts

Cost Overrun Exposure: Owner bears increased costs under cost-plus
Billing Disputes: Lack of documentation can delay payment
1099/Tax Reporting: Incorrect TINs can trigger backup withholding
Lien Risk: Unpaid subcontractor liens affect title
Contract Termination: Improper termination may cause damages claims
Regulatory Noncompliance: HIPAA or OSHA gaps risk fines

Frequent preparation mistakes to avoid

  • Failing to define allowable costs clearly leads to disputes when indirect costs, equipment rental, or subcontractor markups are billed without prior agreement.
  • Leaving change order procedures vague creates disagreement over scope adjustments and entitlement to additional time or compensation after work begins.
  • Using inconsistent invoicing requirements or failing to require receipts complicates audits and can justify withholding payments under contract dispute clauses.
  • Not aligning governing law and dispute resolution clauses with project location risks forum shopping and increases litigation costs for both parties.

Practical tips for accurate and efficient completion

Best practices reduce disputes: use clear definitions, document change orders, and preserve records for audit and tax purposes.

Define Allowable and Disallowed Costs
List specific cost categories included or excluded from reimbursement, including labor, materials, equipment rental, subcontractor markups, and insurance. Clear examples prevent subjective disputes and simplify audits when project accounting is reviewed by owners or third-party auditors.
Require Signed Written Change Orders
Mandate that no altered work proceeds without a written and signed change order that states scope, price adjustment, and schedule change. This practice preserves entitlement and helps contractors recover costs when project conditions change unexpectedly.
Maintain Detailed Cost Backup Records
Require contemporaneous receipts, timesheets, subcontractor invoices, and equipment logs. Retain originals or certified copies, and provide audit access. Detailed records support reimbursable claims and reduce the risk of withheld payments during dispute resolution.
Specify Governing Law and Venue
Name Arkansas law if the project and owner are in Arkansas to avoid jurisdictional disputes. Identify exclusive venue and any arbitration forum, and state choice-of-law rules for interpretation and enforcement of contract terms.

Industry examples showing contract use and benefits

Real-world examples show how digital execution and clear contract terms reduce disputes and speed payment in construction.

Martin Properties

Martin Properties used an e-signed cost-plus contract to approve change orders remotely and keep projects on schedule during onsite delays.

  • Remote signing reduced turnaround time significantly.
  • By combining clear cost definitions with electronic signatures, the firm reduced invoice disputes, improved cash flow predictability, and shortened approval cycles; audit logs provided evidence for change order pricing during client reviews and subcontractor reconciliations.

Optica Ventures LLC

Optica Ventures adopted fixed-fee forms for small remodels to standardize scope and automate billing across multiple properties.

  • Standardization reduced administrative variance and disputes.
  • Standard templates reduced legal review time, enabled bulk sending of agreements, and allowed finance teams to reconcile fixed-price invoices quickly; consistent language also simplified subcontractor onboarding and lien waiver coordination during closeout.

Frequently asked questions about completing and enforcing the contract

Answers to common questions about completing, signing, and enforcing the Arkansas Cost Plus or Fixed Fee Construction Contract.


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