Establishing secure connection…Loading editor…Preparing document…

Construction Contract

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

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 Georgia.

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:

1. SCOPE AND DURATION. , whose business address is , as warrantor (“Contractor”), warrants to the above-named Owner (“Owner”), for a period of one (1) year from the date of Substantial Completion (“Warranty Period”), as more specifically defined in the Construction Contract between Owner and Contractor (the “Contract”), that all repairs, renovations, or other remodeling undertaken by Contractor to the Project, except such repairs, renovations, or other remodeling specifically excluded below, substantially conform with the Construction Standards set forth in the Agreement.

2. WARRANTOR’S DUTY. Upon receiving notice during the Warranty Period, as described in by Article 5 below, of any defect covered by this Limited Warranty, Contractor, at its sole option and expense, shall repair, replace, or pay reasonable sums necessary to make such repairs to conform with the Construction Standards set forth in the Contract. This Limited Warranty does not cover minor cosmetic flaws which were not listed in the Project List.

3. EXCLUSIONS.

A. This Limited Warranty does not cover consumer products for the purpose of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 2301 et seq. Contractor’s only duty with respect to items not warranted by Contractor shall be to assign and deliver to the Owner all manufacturers’ and suppliers’ warranties that by their terms are assignable covering consumer products, including appliances, fixtures, finishes, and other equipment installed in and provided with the Project. Contractor is in no way responsible for performance under any manufacturer’s or supplier’s warranties.

B. This Limited Warranty covers only items that have been repaired, renovated, or otherwise improved by Contractor under the Contract between Owner and Contractor. This Limited Warranty does not cover repairs, renovations, or other remodeling work not undertaken by Contractor; defects resulting from improper maintenance, misuse, abuse, or failure of Owner to follow operating instructions; and defects or damage resulting from fires, floods, storms, the elements, electrical malfunctions, accidents, or acts of God.

C. Under no circumstances shall Contractor be responsible by virtue of this Limited Warranty or otherwise for any secondary damages to a person or Project arising from the use or inability to use the Project because of a defect, whether such damages are incidental or consequential.

D. This Limited Warranty covers only construction activities on or within the residence.

This Limited Warranty does not cover defects in recreational facilities, swimming pools, fences, driveways, landscaping, or other improvements which are not a part of the home.

4. OTHER RIGHTS. This Limited Warranty is in addition to any rights that the Owner may have under state, federal, and local laws, including but not limited to rights under applicable governmental codes, regulations or local ordinances. If the current edition of the Residential Construction Performance Guidelines as published by the National Association of Home Builders (“Guidelines”) includes a standard for specific work or activities covered by this Limited Warranty that is more stringent than one in the Homeowner Handbook, the Guidelines standard shall apply.

5. WARRANTY PROCEDURES. If Owner discovers a defect during the Warranty Period which is covered by this Limited Warranty, Owner shall notify Contractor in writing within nine (9) days of discovery, describing in specific terms the nature of such defect. Upon receipt of the written statement, Contractor’s representatives will meet with Owner, inspect the item, and shall make efforts to have any defect covered by this Limited Warranty corrected within a reasonable period of time. If such discovery is made within nine (9) days prior to the expiration of the Warranty Period, Owner must also notify Contractor by phone within twenty-four (24) hours of such discovery at the address and number provided below. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION HEREOF, WARRANTOR SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY HEREUNDER UNLESS OWNER COMPLIES WITH ALL APPLICABLE NOTICE REQUIREMENTS PROVIDED HEREIN. The notice must be delivered to the following address:

Street Address , City , Georgia, Zip Code: .

Contractor's phone number for notice within 24 hours of discovery of defects is .

17. DISPUTE RESOLUTION NOTICE TO OWNER: GEORGIA LAW CONTAINS IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS YOU MUST FOLLOW BEFORE YOU MAY FILE A LAWSUIT OR OTHER ACTION FOR DEFECTIVE CONSTRUCTION AGAINST THE CONTRACTOR WHO CONSTRUCTED, IMPROVED, OR REPAIRED YOUR HOME. NINETY DAYS BEFORE YOU FILE YOUR LAWSUIT OR OTHER ACTION, YOU MUST SERVE ON THE CONTRACTOR A WRITTEN NOTICE OF ANY CONSTRUCTION CONDITIONS YOU ALLEGE ARE DEFECTIVE. UNDER THE LAW, A CONTRACTOR HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE AN OFFER TO REPAIR OR PAY FOR THE DEFECTS OR BOTH. YOU ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO ACCEPT ANY OFFER MADE BY A CONTRACTOR. THERE ARE STRICT DEADLINES AND PROCEDURES UNDER STATE LAW, AND FAILURE TO FOLLOW THEM MAY AFFECT YOUR ABILITY TO FILE A LAWSUIT OR OTHER ACTION.

*optional notice to include in installment contracts:

Notice to the Buyer

Do not sign this before you read it or if it contains any blank spaces. You are entitled to an exact copy of the paper you sign. You have the right to pay in advance the full amount due and under certain conditions to obtain a partial refund of the time price differential.

AGREED :

CONTRACTOR:

Signature

Print Name & Title

Date

License Number

Name and Address of License Holder

OWNER:

Signature

Print Name

Date

Owner's Address

Enter text✕

What a Construction Contract Is and Why It Matters

A Construction Contract is a written agreement that sets the rights, duties, and payment terms between an owner, contractor, and often subcontractors for building or renovation work. It defines scope of work, schedule, price or payment terms, change order procedures, warranties, insurance and indemnity obligations, and dispute resolution. Well-drafted construction contracts reduce ambiguity, allocate risk, and create the basis for mechanic’s lien rights and bond claims if work or payments become contested. This document is central to project administration from pre-construction through final acceptance and closeout.

Why a Clear Construction Contract Protects Projects

A clear Construction Contract aligns expectations, preserves legal remedies, and limits disputes by documenting scope, schedule, and payment terms for all parties involved.

Why a Clear Construction Contract Protects Projects

Who Typically Prepares and Signs Construction Contracts

Effective contracts are coordinated among legal, procurement, and project management teams to reduce downstream risk.

  • Owners and developers who control project funding and approve contract terms.
  • General contractors who accept scope, schedule, and payment obligations.
  • Subcontractors and suppliers who need contract terms and lien protections.

Step-by-Step: Filling Out a Construction Contract

Follow a structured sequence to ensure all operational and legal items are captured and that parties can rely on the agreement.

  • 01
    Prepare Documents: Gather plans, specs, insurance certificates, and bids.
  • 02
    Define Scope: Write clear deliverables and exclusions.
  • 03
    Set Payment Terms: Specify milestones, retainage, and invoicing.
  • 04
    Sign and Distribute: Execute by authorized signers and share executed copies.

Typical Contract Routing and Approval Flow

Construction Contracts move through a predictable set of steps from draft to execution; document each action to preserve auditability.

  • Draft: Author creates contract draft with exhibits and attachments.
  • Internal Review: Legal and PM review for risk and constructability.
  • Negotiation: Parties propose edits, change orders, and clarifications.
  • Execution: Authorized signers execute and exchange final copies.

Digital Workflow Settings to Manage Construction Contracts

Configure workflow elements to ensure proper sequencing, signer authentication, and recordkeeping for construction agreements.

Field Configuration
Signature Authentication Email link with optional SMS code
Conditional Fields Show payment fields only when selected
Template Reuse Save versions for standard contract types
Integrations Connect to Procore, NetSuite, or Google Drive

Technical Considerations for eSigning Construction Contracts

Ensure the platform meets industry compliance needs such as ESIGN and UETA and can export tamper-evident signed PDFs with audit trails.

  • File Types: PDF, DOCX, and scanned images
  • Integrations: Salesforce, Procore, NetSuite supported
  • Authentication: Email, SMS code, or advanced options

Essential Clauses Every Construction Contract Should Include

Include clauses that allocate risk clearly, specify performance standards, and provide mechanisms for payment, changes, and dispute resolution.

Scope and Specs

Detailed description of work, referenced drawings, and technical specifications to define contractor obligations precisely.

Price and Payment

Contract price, milestone payments, retainage, submission requirements for invoices, and remedies for late payment.

Schedule and Delays

Start and completion dates, critical path milestones, force majeure, and liquidated damages or extension procedures.

Change Orders

Written change order process with approval authority, pricing method, and time impact evaluation.

Insurance and Bonds

Minimum insurance levels, additional insured endorsements, performance and payment bond requirements for public or large projects.

Dispute Resolution

Governing law, venue, and agreed dispute process such as mediation, arbitration, or court proceedings.

Supporting Documents to Attach to a Construction Contract

Attach project documents to avoid ambiguity and to provide a single source of truth for scope, timing, and quality requirements.

Plans and Specifications

Architectural and engineering drawings that precisely describe the work and materials required for the contract.

Insurance Certificates

Current certificates naming the owner as additional insured where required by contract language.

Project Schedule

Critical path schedule with milestones, float allowances, and accepted baselines for progress measurement.

Payment Bond

Bond or proof of payment security for public projects or large private works when specified.

Key Timing Items to Monitor for Construction Contracts

Track contractual and statutory dates closely; missed deadlines can reduce remedies or trigger penalties.

Proposal and Bid Deadline:

Submission date for bids and proposals specified in procurement documents.

Notice to Proceed:

Date that authorizes contractor to begin work and starts the contract clock.

Progress Payment Dates:

Interim invoice schedule tied to milestones or percent complete.

Change Order Response Time:

Period for owner or contractor to accept or dispute change orders.

Final Acceptance:

Completion inspection and punch-list closure date triggering final payment.

Milestones and Processing Stages for a Typical Project

A project moves through predictable stages from award to closeout; monitor each stage for approvals and deliverables.

01

Contract Award

Owner issues signed contract and any required bonds or notices to proceed.

02

Mobilization

Contractor organizes resources, secures permits, and begins site setup.

03

Construction

Progress measured against schedule; change orders handled as needed.

04

Closeout

Final inspections, warranty activation, and retention release after punch-list completion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Construction Contracts

  • Ambiguous scope language that causes differing expectations and costly change orders.
  • Unclear payment terms or milestones leading to disputes and delayed cash flow.
  • Missing indemnity, insurance, or bond provisions exposing parties to unexpected liability.
  • No formal change order process, which fosters unauthorized work and payment conflicts.

Risks and Legal Consequences of an Incomplete or Incorrect Contract

Delay Damages: Liquidated damages may apply
Payment Disputes: Withheld payments and lien filings
Loss of Lien: Failure to perfect mechanic’s lien
Bond Claims: Performance or payment bond exposure
Insurance Gaps: Denied coverage for improper naming
Contract Voidance: Inadequate authority to sign

Security and Compliance Considerations for Electronic Construction Contracts

Transport Security: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit
Storage Encryption: AES-256 at rest
Audit Trails: Comprehensive signing history
Regulatory Compliance: ESIGN and UETA frameworks
Healthcare Handling: HIPAA BAA available if needed
Industry Standards: SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001

Real-World Examples of Online Contract Execution

These examples show how organizations use electronic workflows to execute contracts and manage project documentation.

Optica Ventures — Efficiency

Optica streamlined execution across remote teams and clients, reducing turnaround time on signed contracts.

  • Mobile and desktop signing supported for stakeholders.
  • Brian Fitzgibbons, COO at Optica Ventures LLC, said the interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers.

Martin Properties — Compliance

One property firm moved to fully digital contract workflows for construction and leasing documents.

  • Enabled offline signing and audit trails for site staff.
  • Tim Martin, Founder of Martin Properties, said I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security. Whether on mobile or working offline, I can get forms back to their necessary parties efficiently.

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient Contract Completion

Follow consistent drafting, review, and execution practices to reduce disputes and speed payment cycles.

Use Clear, Measurable Language
Define scope using measurable deliverables, referenced drawings, and specific acceptance criteria. Avoid vague terms and state exact units, tolerances, and performance standards to minimize disagreements.
Standardize Payment Milestones
Tie payments to verifiable milestones with clear documentation requirements. Specify retainage percentages and release triggers to maintain cash flow while protecting owner interests.
Document Change Orders
Require written, signed change orders for scope or price adjustments. Include time-impact evaluation and cost computation method to avoid informal, unpaid work.
Preserve Audit Trails
Retain signed copies, version history, and metadata for executed agreements. Maintain proof of consent and signer attribution to support enforceability in disputes.

eSignature Vendor Comparison: Pricing and Core Features

A concise vendor comparison for common eSignature needs; signNow is listed first to show pricing and feature parity against well-known competitors.

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 Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Contracts and eSignatures

Common questions about enforceability, notarization, signer authority, and recordkeeping when using electronic workflows for construction contracts.


Need help? Contact support

be ready to get more
Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users