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Construction Contract Cost Plus or Fixed Fee

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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 thirty (30) 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 thirty (30) 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 Mississippi.

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.

AGREED:

CONTRACTOR:

OWNER:

* Optional notice required only for home solicitation sales:

BUYER'S RIGHT TO CANCEL

Date of buyer's signature on agreement:

If this agreement was solicited at your residence and you do not want the goods or services, you may cancel this agreement by mailing a notice to the seller by certified or registered mail. The notice must say that you do not want the goods or services and must be mailed before midnight on the third business day after you sign this agreement. The notice must be mailed to:

If you cancel, the seller may keep all or part of your cash down payment, but in no event may the seller retain an amount in excess of five percent (5%) of the cash price or the amount of the cash down payment whichever is the lesser.

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What the Construction Contract Cost Plus or Fixed Fee Is

A Construction Contract Cost Plus or Fixed Fee is a written agreement that allocates project costs and contractor compensation in one of two ways: a cost-plus arrangement reimburses allowable costs plus a fee or percentage, while a fixed-fee contract sets a predetermined total price for specified work. The form defines parties, scope, payment terms, allowable cost categories, change order handling, dispute resolution, and the effective dates that govern obligations during construction and closeout.

Why this Contract Form Matters for Owners and Contractors

This contract clarifies how labor, materials, overhead, and profit are calculated and paid, reducing disputes over reimbursable items and timing. Clear billing and audit provisions protect owners; defined fee structure and scope protect contractors from scope creep.

Why this Contract Form Matters for Owners and Contractors

Who Typically Prepares and Signs These Construction Contracts

Signatory roles and authority should be recorded in the signature block; an authorized corporate officer or authorized agent must sign to bind an organization.

  • Project Owners and Developers: Use the form to limit reimbursable cost categories and require audit rights to control cost risk.
  • General Contractors: Define fee structure and change order pricing to avoid losses from unforeseen site conditions.
  • Subcontractors and Suppliers: Attach scopes and pricing exhibits to establish responsibility for performance and invoicing.

Essential Parts of a Professional Construction Contract Cost Plus or Fixed Fee

A complete contract covers scope, pricing method, payment schedule, allowable costs, change orders, audits, and termination — each item drafted to allocate project risk and administrative responsibility clearly.

Scope

Clear, measurable description of work, plans, and specifications; include exhibits for drawings, schedules, and milestones to avoid scope disputes.

Pricing

Identifies cost-plus basis or fixed-fee total; when cost-plus, specify fee type (fixed fee, percentage, or guaranteed maximum) and allowed cost categories.

Payment Terms

Progress payment schedule, retainage percentage, invoicing requirements, supporting documentation, and payment timing to govern cashflow.

Change Orders

Procedure for authorizing scope changes, pricing methodology for extras or credits, and time extension mechanics to manage variations.

Audits & Records

Owner audit rights, record retention requirements, access to receipts and payroll, and remedies for disputed costs.

Termination & Remedies

Termination for convenience and default, cure periods, disputed payment resolution, and limitations on consequential damages.

Required Information and Standard Clauses to Include

Party Names: Legal entity names
Scope Dates: Start and completion dates
Fee Formula: Fixed sum or percentage
Cost Categories: Direct, indirect, overhead
Insurance: Coverage types and limits
Dispute Resolution: Arbitration or litigation

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out This Construction Contract

Follow these steps in order to produce a complete, enforceable contract that minimizes ambiguity and speeds approval.

  • 01
    Gather Documents: Collect drawings, specs, and pricing exhibits.
  • 02
    Choose Pricing: Decide cost-plus or fixed-fee option.
  • 03
    Set Payment Terms: Define milestones, retainage, and backup.
  • 04
    Sign and Distribute: Obtain authorized signatures and send executed copies.

How to Customize and Complete the Contract Online

Configure fields, signature order, and authentication before sending. Use templates to maintain consistency across projects.

Field Configuration
Signature Order Define sequential or parallel signing by role or email
Authentication Choose email, SMS code, or stronger verification
Conditional Fields Show or hide cost fields based on pricing selection
Document Versioning Lock final exhibits to prevent post-signing edits

Digital Signing, Authentication, and Delivery Options

Verify the platform complies with ESIGN/UETA, supports record retention, and integrates with your document management or project platforms.

  • Signature Methods: Supports typed, drawn, or uploaded signatures with audit trail
  • Authenticator Options: Email, SMS code, or advanced signer verification
  • File Formats: Accepts PDF and DOCX formats for exhibits

Key Dates, Deadlines, and Payment Timing to Track

Track effective date, milestone dates, invoice cutoffs, retainage release, and warranty start and end dates to avoid disputes and missed obligations.

Effective Date:

Start of contractual obligations and warranties.

Milestone Payments:

Dates tied to completion benchmarks for progress payments.

Invoice Submission:

Specify invoice due date after receipt to trigger payment timing.

Retainage Release:

Date or condition for releasing retained funds.

Warranty Period:

Begin date and duration for contractor warranties.

Common Preparation Errors to Avoid

  • Vague scope descriptions that allow differing interpretations and lead to scope disputes and change order litigation.
  • Unclear allowable cost definitions that cause reimbursable expenses to be contested during audits and invoice reviews.
  • Missing signatory authority where individuals sign without corporate authorization, risking unenforceability or voidable agreements.
  • No change order workflow documented, which delays approvals and creates claims for extra time and money.

Consequences of an Incorrect or Incomplete Contract

Payment Delays: Invoices rejected
Disputes: Increased claims and litigation
Lien Exposure: Unsecured contractor liens
Audit Findings: Disallowed costs
Termination Risk: Contractor default or owner termination
Regulatory Fines: Statutory penalties possible

eSignature Vendor Pricing and Feature Snapshot for Contract Execution

Compare starting price and common features for eSignature vendors when executing construction contracts; signNow appears first per comparison convention.

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 (Business Premium) Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/yr Varies Varies Varies

Where to Send or File Executed Contracts and Exhibits

After signing, distribute executed originals and maintain copies in contract management and project systems to support payments, audits, and lien defense.

  • Owner: Send fully executed copy to owner's contract administrator
  • Contractor: Retain original executed contract for project records
  • Project Folder: Store scanned executed documents in PM system or cloud
  • Lender/Escrow: Provide signed copies if contract performance affects financing

Real-World Examples of Contract Use and Execution

The following examples show how organizations executed similar documents to speed approvals while preserving auditability and compliance.

Optica Ventures — COO

Optica used a standardized contract template to streamline subcontract onboarding and ensure consistent payment terms.

  • The template aligned invoicing and retainage schedules across projects.
  • By centralizing contract language and signature workflows the company reduced cycle time for subcontract execution and improved clarity for audits and owner reporting.

Martin Properties — Founder

Martin Properties executed site improvement agreements online to avoid schedule delays when owners were remote.

  • Executed PDFs included audit trails and attachments.
  • This approach allowed the team to close contracts while on site, maintain consistent documentation, and reduce administrative follow-up for signatures across multiple owners.

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient Contract Completion

Use these best practices to reduce disputes, accelerate payments, and keep contract administration predictable across projects.

Standardize Templates and Exhibits
Maintain a single authoritative template with standard exhibits for scope, pricing, and schedules so teams use consistent language and avoid ad hoc deviations that invite disputes.
Define Allowable Costs Clearly
List specific reimbursable categories and excluded items to prevent later audit adjustments and disagreements over equipment, travel, or indirect costs.
Require Supporting Documentation
Specify required backup for invoices such as subcontractor invoices, time sheets, and material receipts to streamline review and reduce payment disputes.
Preserve Executed Records
Store signed contracts and versioned exhibits in a secure repository with access controls and audit logs to support claims, audits, and lien defense.

FAQs: Common Questions About Construction Contract Cost Plus or Fixed Fee

Answers to common questions on enforceability, signatures, notarization, change orders, and contract amendments for U.S. projects.


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